Armenian Marxists on Karabakh problem’s solution: “all or nothing”

Regnum, Russia
March 17 2006

“Forthcoming meeting of co-Chairs of OSCE Minsk Group on Nagorno
Karabakh conflict settlement, to be held in Istanbul on March 20,
gives new negotiating possibilities, and it is unworthy to expect
anything else,” stated Chairman of Armenian Christian-Democratic Union,
ex-Speaker Khosrov Arutyunyan at a news conference.

As a REGNUM correspondent informs, according to him,” results of
negotiations in Rambouillet, better to say – their absence, confirmed
fact, that anybody of parties was not ready to compromise.

Negotiation’s mediators were ready for such result.” “Despite fact,
that Azerbaijan announced more then once inadmissibility of concessions
from his side, continuation of the long-drawn process is possible
only through compromises. We have even to exclude idea on possible
military solution of the problem,” stated Arutyunyan. At the same
time, he stressed, that official Yerevan, “convincing international
community of readiness to compromise, must not forget to remind to
it, that the readiness is caused not by fear of war, but by wish to
settle question peacefully.” “Rejection of talks is proclaiming of war
against international community. However, status quo is now dangerous
for both Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. If one has been considering
events since 1994, so 2006 is most favorable to settle Nagorno Karabakh
problem. And we have to use the chance,” added Khosrov Arutyunyan.

Mentioning integration of Nagorno Karabakh into negotiating process
on conflict settlement, Khosrov Arutyunyan pointed out, that NK
for international community is not intermediate link of the chain,
but practically a main one – “it an undisputable question. Without
acceptance of right of Nagorno Karabakh people on self-determination
no decisions and agreements may be taken.” Mentioning some countries,
interested in Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement, the ex-speaker
in particular stated:” USA diplomatically request to settle Karabakh
conflict, and Russia wish decently to help.”

In his turn, Chairman of the Armenian Marxist Party David Akopyan
stated, that all possible compromises are exhausted within the
framework of conflict settlement. “At present, one has to act
according to everything or nothing principle,” stated he. According
to his prognosis, “pan-American hegemony” will end and “Russia will
join the conflict” in 2007. Also, he stated that no documents on
Karabakh conflict settlement will be signed in 2006, and question
of Nagorno Karabakh status will be solved only by next Armenian
president. “Present authorities are unable to achieve such solution,”
believes David Akopyan. Mentioning forthcoming meeting of co-Chairs of
OSCE Minsk Group, to be held in Istanbul on March 20, chief Armenian
Marxist proclaimed: “Hope for the best, be prepared for the worst!”