Armenia FM on Karabakh Conflict Settlement: We Say Status And Security

• 08.01.2020, 13:39
•  Region,  Armenia,  NKR

In two years, we have actually carried out those functions, and in this period, three working directions have been formed for us. Armenia’s Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan stated this in an interview with a local TV program, and referring to the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs' calls to return to substantive talks toward resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) conflict with Azerbaijan, news.am reports.

"The first direction refers to (…) substantive issues where we have pursued essential, important goals to specify the priorities that are primary for us, and the correct expression of which is one of the main necessary components for building appropriate compromises. Their disregard will not lead to compromise. There will never be a concession, there will never be an unbalanced solution to this settlement. And in that sense, we were speaking, expressing ourselves in two very simple words: status and security [of Artsakh]. And those two words contain quite a huge content: substance.

As the status refers to the recognition of Artsakh's right to self-determination, the implementation of the function of the expression of free will, without restrictions and with a legally valid result. They refer to a security system that does not violate or pose a threat to the comprehensive security of Artsakh, for which Armenia today remains the only guarantor. These two have those in-depth, substantive details as well, about which we have talked consistently for two years and listened to the other side as to how they perceive and how they are ready to work with us in that respect.

The second most important direction of work for us has been the formation of the climate necessary for real progress in the negotiation process. This referred to both the reduction of escalation risks and the climate that promotes peace. The rhetoric that has been formed in this period, which we have constantly heard, does not at all contribute to that climate. The consistently heard that rhetoric does not affect; the threat is denied and does not affect.

And the third main direction which has been very important for us is Artsakh’s participation, involvement in the peace process; a function that is very important.”