ARMENIA HAS NEVER APPEALED TO ANY COUNTRY

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
28 Oct 2008
Armenia

To Realize Mediation Mission

President Serge Sargsyan’s interview given to the Public TV.

"Mr. President the discussions on the settlement of Karabakh
conflict have become very active – different assessments, different
predictions. At what stage is the settlement of the conflict?"

"The thing is, after a long-term passiveness the process of the
settlement of Karabakh conflict has entered an active stage. This
fact is conditioned by at least two important circumstances: firstly
– presidential elections were held both in Armenia and in Azerbaijan
and secondly – the famous events that took place in the region over
again proved that there is no military option for the settlement of
the conflict.

The settlement of Karabakh conflict is possible only in case
Azerbaijan recognizes the right of the people of Nagorno Karabakh
to self-determination, if Nagorno Karabakh has a land border with
the Republic of Armenia and if the international organizations and
the progressive countries guarantee the security of the people of
Nagorno Karabakh.

In my view that activeness, public discussions are really helpful and
I strongly believe that we will enter a period of much more active
public discussions. The discussions are always helpful, but they must
be based on only one interest, the interest of Armenian people.

We have sacrificed a lot for the settlement of Karabakh conflict
and can’t afford closing our eyes on the speculations of certain
facts. We are solving a precious issue. We are solving a very important
historical issue and those who seek a benefit from this historical
issue are simply immoral."

"Mr. President, judging from the recent developments the activeness
of the other players in the region becomes perceptible. Particularly
the initiative of the Russian President, D. Medvedev, of the meeting
between the three Presidents and the announcement made by A. Gyul
saying that you were the first to ask for his help in the settlement
process. How would you comment on this?"

"I must say that the process of the settlement of Karabakh conflict
passes in the framework of OSCE Minsk Group, based on "Madrid
principles". I have said many times and I would like to repeat that
there are no other mediators, other than OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen
and the confusion that some people are trying to create doesn’t
support us.

I must repeat OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen are the only mediators,
Armenia has never appealed to any country to realize mediation mission.

Russia is one of OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen countries and the
invitation made by D. Medvedev and his activeness in this issue is
quite normal.

As regards the commentary on the announcement made by Abdullah Gyul,
I must firstly say that, maybe you have noticed that I don’t like
commenting on the announcements made by other political figures,
especially because our press usually publishes sections cut from the
whole context.

In reality OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen are the only mediators,
but we still don’t refuse any assistance. I believe Turkey can lend
a hand in the process of the settlement of Karabakh conflict and
they do so. President Gyul’s visit to Armenia, the negotiations
between Armenia and Turkey are good examples for the settlement of
tough issues. I believe if Turkey opens its borders with Armenia and
establishes diplomatic relations with us, it will greatly help the
settlement of Karabakh conflict.