YEREVAN RULES OUT KARABAKH RECOGNITION, FOR NOW
By Emil Danielyan

Radio Liberty
Aug 31 2007
Czech Rep.

Official Yerevan made it clear on Friday that it has no plans to
recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as an independent state
despite pressure from a major opposition party.

"The recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh by Armenia has always been
and remains in Armenia’s diplomatic arsenal," Vladimir Karapetian, a
spokesman for the Armenian Foreign Ministry, said in a statement. "That
must come at a time when it can be maximally effective and can help
achieve a lasting resolution."

"That time has not yet come," he added.

The comments came in response to a draft law circulated earlier this
week by Raffi Hovannisian, the leader of the opposition Zharangutyun
party. The bill, if passed, will obligate the Armenian government to
officially recognize Karabakh’s independence.

Leaders of the pro-government majority in the Armenian parliament
were quick to speak out against the bill, saying that it would only
undermine international efforts to resolve the Karabakh conflict.

Orinats Yerkir, the second opposition party represented in the National
Assembly, also refused to back Hovannisian’s initiative.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress