ARMENIA’S RECOGNITION OF KARABAKH SHOULDN’T BE A ‘SINGLE SHOT’

KarabakhOpen
06-04-2008 21:09:20

"However, such a move on behalf of the Republic of Armenia, to put
it figuratively, should not be a single shot. It must be followed by
similar statements by other countries. If no preparations have been
made, it is necessary to get to work as new international relations
are being established," Masis Mayilyan said.

"Theoretically, it would be desirable if Azerbaijan were among
countries which will recognize NKR first. In that case the
conflict would be settled, and opportunities for effective regional
cooperation, beneficial for all the nations of the South Caucasus,
would appear. However, since our neighbors are not ready for such
actions, NKR and Armenia must pursue a policy on the Karabakh issue in
two parallel directions. On the one hand, it is necessary to resume
the talks in the full three-party format under the aegis of the OSCE
Minsk Group, on the other hand, it is necessary to work with separate
countries and international organizations for the de jure recognition
of NKR. Such an approach is positive in every sense since the least
success on the second track will help the Minsk process move forward,"
he said.

A ‘solo’ recognition of NKR by Armenia would be of vital necessity
in case of armed aggression against NKR on behalf of Azerbaijan,
according to him.

"Meanwhile, in this phase it would be expedient to establish a legal
basis for the military cooperation of the two states. It will help
to solve a number of issues, including that of the military service
of volunteers from Armenia in the NKR Army of Defense. It is evident
that the NKR Army of Defense defends not only the border of NKR but
also the eastern border of the Republic of Armenia, from the ridge
of Mrav to the Armenian and Iranian border in the south. It is also
necessary to set down in an agreement the status of the Republic of
Armenia as a guarantor of the security of NKR and its people," he said.

As to Azerbaijan’s attempt to replace the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs,
Mr Mayilyan said, "The recent actions of the Azerbaijani side were
like blackmail rather than real steps toward changing the composition
of the co-chairs or to thwart the Minsk process. The point is that
besides Azerbaijan there are other sides of the conflict, and the
choice of mediators is not made by one of them. All the three sides
should agree. To some extent, this blackmail was successful. I was
a bit surprised at the excusing tone of the interview of one of
the co-chairs".