INCIDENT COINCIDED WITH EVENTS IN ARMENIA

KarabakhOpen
06-03-2008 17:45:23

Interview with Arthur Tovmasyan, leader of the Azat Hayrenik Party

Mr. Tovmasyan, is tension on the line of contact between the armed
forces of Karabakh and Azerbaijan the consequence of the post-election
events in Armenia?

Skirmishes on the line of contact occur every now and then – since
May 12, 1994 the cease-fire has been violated periodically. I think
the skirmish simply coincided with the developments in Armenia.

What is the situation on the front like, what caused the attack of
the Azerbaijani armed force? Do you think the skirmish on March 4
may cause more large-scale actions?

I am sure that military actions will not be resumed. However, it
should not be ruled out that skirmishes may occur in future, even
in the presence of the OSCE mediation mission. If the ministers have
wish, skirmishes will occur in future as well. I think there are no
preconditions for the resumption of military actions, because when
the oil pipeline Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan was laid out, the British and
American investors demanded the commitment of Azerbaijan to peace. I
have always argued that the oil pipeline guarantees peace in the
region till the year 2015, as long as the pipe will bring profit
to Azerbaijan. I rule out war till then, especially that Armenia,
Azerbaijan and NKR are committed to the peace talks.

What is your evaluation of the post-election events in Armenia and
adequacy of the actions of the government? How will this situation
affect the Karabakh settlement?

On January 25 the CEC of Armenia released the final results
of the election according to which Serge Sargsyan has won the
election. However, protest did not stop, and unsanctioned rallies
continued. Serge Sargsyan stated ready to cooperate with all the forces
but Levon Ter-Petrosyan did not accept the proposal on coalition. The
government had to take that step to protect the constitutional
order. Armenia needs a climate of confidence more than ever, among
all forces because only strong Armenia is a condition for possible
recognition of independence of NKR.

The government acted in accordance with powers vested in it by the
law. The events led to destabilization, without those actions stability
in Armenia would under threat, which would benefit our foes. People
cannot be arrested for their political opinions but illegal weapon
has nothing to do with political opinions. If the act is illegal,
it must be punished.

As to the effect of the events in Armenia and the settlement of the
Karabakh conflict, they are not interrelated because I am sure that
the situation in Armenia stabilize very soon.