Azerbaijani analysts exclude inaccuracies on USSR maps

The allegations that the maps of the USSR General Staff are not suitable for delimiting the Azerbaijani-Armenian border are untenable, since the Soviet era republics' borders had been recognized by the United Nations (UN), Azerbaijani analysts assert.

Mekhman Aliev, Director of the "Turan" News Agency, has recalled that after the 44-day war, the demarcation lines were marked based on USSR maps, in particular, in the area of the Zod gold deposit in the Kelbadjar District, and in the south – in the Gubadli and Zangilan Districts. "For some reason, Armenia did not object at that time," Mr Aliev has recalled.

He has emphasized that the delimitation and demarcation process should be preceded by the mutual recognition by Azerbaijan and Armenia of each other's territorial integrity. After that, delimitation on the map and demarcation on the land surface should be made.

According to international practice, borders are defined by natural objects – mountain peaks, rivers and lakes, said Sulkhaddin Akper, a former Azerbaijan Deputy Minister of National Security. In the case of Azerbaijan and Armenia, the borders were defined back in Soviet times, and now they need to be clarified.

Delimitation means not the definition, but clarification (updating) of borders, said Tofig Zulfugarov, a former Azerbaijani Foreign Minister. The administrative Azerbaijani-Armenian borders, as well as borders of other republics of the former USSR, were determined back in 1950s-1960s.

From the viewpoint of its own security, Azerbaijan has the right to control those positions that can potentially threaten it, Mr Zulfugarov believes.