ARMENIA WILL RECOGNIZE THE INDEPENDENCE OF NAGORNO KARABAKH, PRESIDENT’S SPOKESMAN SAYS

armradio.am
23.11.2009 18:18

"The growth of tension around the Karabakh conflict would certainly be
the most unwanted outcome. It will be the most undesirable development
for Nagorno Karabakh, Armenia and the whole region. But the Republic of
Armenia cannot stay indifferent to the fate of the people of Nagorno
Karabakh. That is why the President of Armenia and other officials
have declared on different occasions that we are responsible for
the security of the people of Nagorno Karabakh," Armenia President’s
Spokesman Samvel Farmanyan said in response to the recent bellicose
statement of the Azerbaijani President.

In case of the above-mentioned developments there are accepted
practices in the world. "Let’s suppose that the Republic of Armenia
recognizes the independence of Nagorno Karabakh with all the
ensuing consequences. Secondly, the Republic of Armenia might sign
a cooperation agreement with the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. There
are options, and I’m confident that Armenia will use those options
separately or altogether. It should be noted that Armenia has not
recognized the independence of Nagorno Karabakh only not to hinder
the peace talks. Should the peace talks suspend and military actions
start, nothing will prevent Armenia from recognizing the independence
of Nagorno Karabakh," Samvel Farmanyan said.

"Armenia has always declared it sees no alternative to peaceful
settlement. Armenia does believe that it is possible to reach the
peaceful and comprehensive resolution of the issue through peace
talks," Farmnanyan said.

The Spokesman refuted the information disseminated by Azeri media that
during the Munich meeting the parties have talked about withdrawal
form Kelbajar region by yearend, which would allow Turkey to ratify
the Armenian Turkish protocols and make Azerbaijan soften its position
on the Karabakh settlement."

"In Armenia we have already got used to the fact that following
every meeting between the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan,
well-informed forces inform about non-existent discussions and
agreements. It’s a simple misinformation and has nothing to do with
reality. The question is out of discussion. Therefore, there such
an agreement is impossible. It has been repeatedly stated that the
issue of the status of Karabakh lies at the core of the talks. Other
issues are secondary," Samvel Farmanyan concluded.