ROBERT KOCHARIAN: "WE WERE CLOSE TO CONCLUDE AGREEMENT WITH AZERBAIJAN SEVERAL TIMES"

Today.Az
18 September 2006 [13:33] – Today.Az

"Nagorno Karabakh’s people has determined its fortune and is
establishing its independent state now," Armenian president Robert
Kocharian said in his speech at the Armenia-Diaspora Armenian Forum.

He stressed that the heroic struggle of "Arsakh" and the negotiations
are the inseparable part of Armenia’s 15-year independence.

"There were a lot of rises and falls in the negotiating process. We
were close to conclude an agreement with Azerbaijan to ensure freedom
of Nagorno Karabakh people several times. Unfortunately, we failed,"
Kocharian said.

According to APA, Armenian leader said there is no need to respond to
Azerbaijan’s militarist statements mentioning that only the people
with high spirit and professional army will gain victory. Kocharian
also stated that prior duty of all Armenians is to make public the
independence of Nagorno Karabakh all over the world.