International Recognition of NKR Independence is the Main Guarantee of Artsakh’s Security

• 05.02.2016, 12:28
• Arpine Hovsepyan
•  "Insight" Analytical Center ,  World,  Armenia,  NKR

The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic managed to defense its independence in the four-day war at the beginning of April and continues to do so, as during the last 25 years. Thanks to the courage of its soldiers, fighting spirit and their blood, NKR managed to withstand the assault of the enemy that exceeds it with the human, financial, military and other resources more than several times.

But how long can this last? The next time the enemy may take more large-scale actions, threatening the lives of thousands in Artsakh.

These concerns are more than realistic. Taking into account the technique used by Azerbaijan and its amount, many people in NKR today fear that if Azerbaijan had nuclear weapons, it would not hesitate to apply it against them as well.

In such circumstances only the recognition of NKR independence may become a real guarantee of the security of Artsakh.

There is a similar experience in history, and the most vivid example is perhaps East Timor.

After the liberation from the Portuguese colonization in 1975, East Timor declared independence. But in 1976 Indonesia invaded and occupied it, declaring East Timor Indonesia's 27th province the following year. As a result of Indonesian occupation 100-250 thousand people have been killed. Almost as many people became refugees. And this is in case, when the population of East Timor under the Indonesian occupation was 600 thousand people.

In order to stop the bloodshed and save the people of East Timor from further massacres in 1999 under the pressure of the United Nations East Timor held a referendum on self-determination. About 80 percent of the population voted for the independence. Thus, holding a referendum under the international pressure was the only way to save the people of East Timor from further massacres.

Returning to the Karabakh conflict it should be noted that the current situation in the region is much like the example of East Timor. International recognition of NKR independence can be a factor preventing further bloodshed in Artsakh. Otherwise, everything can become irreversible.

One cannot say that the international community is not aware of this. It is not by chance that on April 12 members of the European Parliament emphasized the need to recognize Artsakh independence as the only way to stop the inhuman actions of Azerbaijan.

Moreover, the representative of the fraction of Greens/European Free Alliance in the European Parliament Josep Maria Terricabras (Spain) reminded in her speech at the plenary session of the European Parliament that in 1991 the majority of the residents of Karabakh in the referendum voted for independence. "In response to this democratic process, Azerbaijan launched a military attack, which took lives of about 30 thousand people. As a result, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh signed a ceasefire agreement," the Spanish parliamentarian said. In his turn a member of the European Parliament, Frank Engel of Luxembourg said that "the only solution is the recognition of the independence of the Nagorno Karabakh, because today Azerbaijan is the aggressor, and it was the aggressor 24 years ago".

The  attitude of the international community as an observer may become a reason for a new bloodshed. It is time to internationally recognize the independence of NKR. This is the general guarantee of the security of NKR.