Armenian premier rules out fresh Karabakh war
Ayastani Anrapetutyun, Yerevan
24 Mar 05
Excerpt from Gayane Gasparyan’s report by Armenian newspaper Ayastani
Anrapetutyun on 24 March headlined “I think war is unlikely to resume”
An interview with Prime Minister Andranik Markaryan.
[Ayastani Anrapetutyun correspondent] How would you assess an
initiative to convene an extraordinary [parliament] session to
discuss the return of bank deposits [lost after the collapse of the
Soviet Union]?
[Andranik Markaryan] This is the constitutional right of the deputies
which they are trying to exercise.
[Passage omitted: local government elections not discussed yet]
[Correspondent] The OSCE fact-finding mission’s report says that
Armenia does not conduct a state policy or provides budget money
for settlement in the liberated territories [Nagornyy Karabakh]. Do
you think it is positive? If yes, does this mean that we do not need
these territories?
[Markaryan] I think what the report says is true. Not we but the
Azerbaijani party raised this problem. If they have made another
conclusion, it would be useful for them but not for us. We have put
forward another initiative: we have applied to the fact-finding
mission to conduct similar monitoring in Shaumyan [Goranboy] and
other territories occupied by Azerbaijan. And we shall see if they
conduct the same policy as Armenia in those territories.
[Passage omitted: Armenia not interested in recognizing the Karabakh
government]
[Correspondent] Yesterday [actually, on 21 March], the Azerbaijani
president said that war could start against Armenia any time since
there is no peace agreement. Is this possible?
[Markaryan] I think this is unlikely. More than 10 years have passed
since the cease-fire was achieved, and this could happen any time if
Azerbaijan or Armenia had such a desire. I am sure Armenia does not
have such a desire.
[Correspondent] What are your expectations from [Russian President]
Vladimir Putin’s visit to Armenia?
[Markaryan] This year has been declared the year of Russia in
Armenia. The presidents of the two countries often meet and discuss
different issues. Some economic and political issues will be discussed
today as well.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress