SCIENTISTS OF RA NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES CONDEMN ELIZABETH JONES’
STATEMENT

YEREVAN, January 20f (Noyan Tapan). The January 13 statement of
Elizabeth Jones, Assistant US Secretary of State for Europe and
Euroasia, concerning Nagorno Karabakh isn’t accidental and may have
grave consequences for the solution of this conflict. This is the
general opinion of the scientists of National Academy of Sciences of
Armenia reflected in the January 20 statement. The leading scientists
of the country and representatives of mass media participated in the
discussion and adoption of the draft statement. Nikolay Hovhannisian,
Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of RA National Academy
of Sciences, Academician Konstantin Gharagyozian, Director of the
Institute of Molecular Biology of RA National Academy of Sciences,
Academician Lenser Aghalovian, Director of the Institute of Mechanics
of RA National Academy of Sciences, Ashot Melkonian, Director of the
Institute of History of RA National Academy of Sciences, Academician
Vladimir Khojabekian, Director of the Institute of Economy, and others
were deeply convinced that speaking about the Karabakh conflict Mrs
Jones pursued certain political goals aimed at protection of
Azerbaijan’s and Turkey’s interests. It was emphasized that the
position of the official Washington differs from the above-mentioned
statement. As Nikolay Hovhannisian reminded, we should take into
consideration the fact that the statement was made by a person
relieved of the post occupied by her. The scientists expressed deep
anxiety about Russia, which, in their affirmation, should speak not
only in protection of the interests of its ally but also its own
interests. “The interests of Russian Federation are touched upon here,
Russia is directly accused of the fact that it doesn’t hamper
spreading of narcobusiness and terrorism in the post-Soviet area. I am
surprised that Russia keeps silence ,” Ashot Melkonian said in his
speach. The statement also said that Elizabeth Jones’ statement
doesn’t stand any scientific criticism being slanderous in its
essence. The scientists demand more responsible, well-considered
approaches concerning estimations of conflicts from the diplomatic
circles of US.