Karabakh Foreign Minister Expresses Concern Over Protocols
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By Asbarez Staff on Sep 24th, 2009
YEREVAN (Combined Sources) – While pledging to not interfere in the
Armenia-Turkey dialogue processes, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Foreign
Minister Georgi Petrosian on Thursday said that there were concerns
over some provisions of the Armenia-Turkish protocols.
`Our position is quite clear: we have never interfered in Armenia’s
decisions. Although, within issues of pan-Armenian importance, we are
concerned with some elements of the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement,’
said Petrosian in an interview with the Turkish NTV.
The foreign minister stressed his country’s desire that Turkey not
connect the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with the
Turkey-Armenia protocols.
`We would like the two issues to be separated from each
other. Attempts to link them will not contribute to the resolution of
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Turkey has obviously become hostage to
its own promises to Azerbaijan. It made the promises and is now forced
to keep it,’ said Petrosian.
The Karabakh foreign minister also warned of Turkey’s overtures –
desires – to become a party to the conflict.
`It is being perceived as a sort of pressure [from Turkey]. However,
positive results rarely can result from pressure,’ added Petrosian.
The Karabakh leader also emphasized that Stepanakert had repeatedly
declared its willingness to sit down at the negotiating table with
Azerbaijan and all issues but repeatedly has been turned down.
`Maybe Azerbaijan has its reasons, however in my opinion there are no
grounds from such an adamant refusal for direct negotiations with
us. We have said repeatedly that the conflict resolution would not be
effective without taking into consideration the position of the people
of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic,’ explained Petrosian.
In addressing the issue of Karabakh not having been recognized by
another country, Petrosian explained that per international law, the
development of a country does not depend on recognition.
`Throughout the years, (since 1992) we have proved to ourselves and
others that we wish and are capable of establishing a state. And this
is the pillar for our general policy under the current situation. The
road for the future has been paved. When officials from Karabakh are
holding discussions with journalists and political leaders from our
country, it can only be seen as very effective for the future,’
concluded Petrosian.