NKR PRESIDENT: I AM SURE NO SETTLEMENT DOCUMENT WILL BE SIGNED BEHIND OUR PEOPLE’S BACK

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
June 6 2007

A final decision on the Karabagh conflict settlement will not be
rendered without Armenian people’s consent, Nagorno-Karabagh Republic
President Arkady Ghoukassian stated in the course of a briefing held
in Yerevan June 5.

According to Arkady Ghoukassian, it is logical that the negotiation
process is proceeding confidentially, however, after an agreement is
achieved, the document will be presented to the people. "In any case
I do not think someone will be able to render a decision behind the
back of the people or sign a document that does not correspond to
the people’s interests. I am sure it will not take place. The talks
should be held under conditions of confidentiality; however, in case
the parties come to an agreement, the decision will be presented
to the people of Nagorno-Karabagh and Armenia and all the political
forces. We will render the decision together", NKR President stated.

In this connection Arkady Ghoukassian underscored he could not
comprehend "artificial stir created around the issue". "Many times
people believed the issue will be resolved any day now. I can remind:
Moscow, Key-West, etc. Then it turned out it did not correspond to
reality", NKR President noted.

Touching upon a current round of RA and AR Presidents’ talks to be held
in St. Petersburg, Arkady Ghoukassian doubted if the meeting would
yield specific results. "I think it will be an ordinary meeting",
Arkady Ghoukassian said.

Nagorno-Karabagh President remarked he was informed of the Karabagh
conflict talks’ matter. "In any case the final word will rest with us,
I assure you", he underscored.