Why Should We Avoid Using the Term "NK conflict"?

• 04.27.2016, 18:37
•  Info

The usage of any terminology concerning conflicts has its difficulties and always shows some position, attitude.  "Armedia" IAA has already referred to certain terms on Karabakh conflict. In this article we will introduce the common mistakes connected with the name of the conflict that often can be met in media.

International organizations, mediators and representatives of other countries use the term "Nagorno-Karabakh conflict" or "NK conflict". It’s considered to be the most neutral name, showing the territory being the subject of the conflict. Azerbaijani side tries to circulate the name "Conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories", underlining that there are two subjects of the conflict - NK and surrounding regions.

The most acceptable and correct term for the Armenian sides is "Krabakh conflict" or "Artsakh conflict". Neither Nagorno-Karabakh, nor separately the liberated seven regions are the subject of the conflict. These two units are today the territory of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, and it is not acceptable for us to separate them. Territorial issues are a part of the settlement package of Karabakh conflict and can not be considered separately from each other. So, it is better to call the conflict by its name without a clear territorial separation.

The second mistake that can often be met in the Armenian media is the term "NKR conflict". NKR is the name of the state, that is a side of the conflict, but not the subject of the conflict. So, the conflict cannot be called with the name of the state.

The other problem is the attempts of Azerbaijan to present Karabakh conflict as a struggle of Armenia and Azerbaijan for Karabakh and naming it "Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict". In reality NKR and Azerbaijan are the sides of the conflict, so it is more preferable to call it "NKR-Azerbaijani conflict".

Thus it is more preferable to use the term "Karabakh conflict".