Recognition of Karabakh should be on agenda- ARF Bureau member

20.04.2006 16:38

YEREVAN (YERKIR) – Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau
member and National Assembly Vice Speaker Vahan Hovannisian spoke on
Thursday about the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Armenia-Russia relations
and domestic political developments.

Taking a question on Yerevan’s current position on the Karabakh
conflict settlement, Hovannisian said that Yerevan is not going to
make more concessions other than those already spelled out for years.

“The statements Armenia makes to succeed in talks and show the
country in a better light should not be confused with the final goal,”
Hovannisian said. “If Azerbaijan admits even once it recognizes the
self-determination right of Nagorno Karabakh, it would be hard for
it to take its words back later.”

“Today, the negotiations with Azerbaijan should not be the first
issue on the agenda. Instead, the first item on the agenda should
be the recognition of Karabakh – in any form – by the international
community. This would make Azerbaijan go for more compromise.”

He added that presently not only the ARF but also state officials
realize this. Referring to the latest gas deals with Russia,
Hovannisian said that the political side of the deal was “really very
obnoxious,” but in terms of economics, the deal was the best solution
currently possible.

Speaking of the prospects of the political developments and the
possible outcome of the parliamentary election due next year,
Hovannisian said he was sure the ARF will be presented at the National
Assembly, noting that unlike the opposition, he believes the elections
will be fair.