ACCORDING TO LEVON TER-PETROSIAN, INTERNATIONAL LAW IS LAW OF THE MIGHTY

Noyan Tapan

Se p 3, 2008

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 3, NOYAN TAPAN. "It is not excluded that the
precedents of recognizing the independence of Kosovo, South Ossetia
and Abkhazia may complicate the resolution of the other "frozen"
conflicts," the first Armenian president Levon Ter-Petrosian stated
at the September 2 press conference.

In his words, it may seem paradoxical that on the one hand some frozen
conflicts are settled, while on the other hand it does not mean that
these solutions facilitate the resolution of other conflicts. "In one
case the principle of territorial integrity is applied, in another case
– the principle of self-determination, whereas in reality neither of
the principles works." L. Ter-Petrosian said that just a principle
proceeding from expediency and the interests of superpowers works,
and at any moment the superpowers may give preference to the principle
of territorial integrity, and in another case they may prefer the
principle of self-determination of nations.

"The so-called international law is the law of the mighty: such was
the case in the past, and it is the case today. 4-5 mighty decide the
order of the world." L. Ter-Petrosain found it difficult to say what
geopolitical situation concerning the Nagorno Karabakh problem may
form in the context of the current developments in the region. "I don’t
know if there will be a moment when the world or one of the mighty of
the world will defend Nagorno Karabakh’s right of self-determination,
I don’t know. I do not rule out that there may be such a situation
when it will happen."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress