If War Resumes, Nothing Will Prevent Armenia From Recognizing Nagorn

IF WAR RESUMES, NOTHING WILL PREVENT ARMENIA FROM RECOGNIZING NAGORNO-KARABAKH’S INDEPENDENCE: FARMANYAN

Tert
Nov 23 2009
Armenia

RA president’s press secretary Samvel Farmanyan, commented on Ilham
Aliyev’s bellicose statements on the threshold of the meeting between
Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents in Munich.

"We already had an opportunity to note that however much the statements
are directed to an inner audience, at the same time, they hardly
create a favourable atmosphere for the negotiation process on the
conflict settlement. The Azerbiajani president’s statements once again
testify to Azerbaijan’s non-constructive behaviour," said Farmanyan,
as reported by the press office of the Armenian president.

He also stated that the increase in tension surrounding the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, of course, is the most desirable way out
of the situation.

"It will be the most desirable reality for both Nagorno-Karabakh
and Armenia and the whole region. But the Republic of Armenia cannot
remain indifferent towards the fate of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh,
and for that reason, the president of the Republic of Armenia [and]
other officials numerously stated that we are responsible for the
security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. There are ways that are
accepted in the world: in case of such developments, let’s assume,
the Republic of Armenia can recognize Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence,
with the consequences which result from that. Secondly, the Republic
of Armenia may sign a mutual assistance agreement with the Republic
of Nagorno-Karabakh.

"There are options, and I am sure that the Republic of Armenia will
benefit from those few options either separately or simultaneously.

And it should be noted that the Republic of Armenia still hasn’t
recognized the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh for one reason only:
that it doesn’t become an impediment for peaceful negotiations. And
if peaceful negotiaons are interrupted and military actions begin,
then nothing is preventing the Republic of Armenia from recognizing the
independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. But today , the reality is such that
the negotiation process continues. Armenia has always declared that
it sees no other option than the peaceful settlement of the problem.

Armenia believes that it’s possible to obtain peaceful and
comprehensive settlement of the problem through negotiations,"
Farmanyan said.

Speaking about the negotiation process, Farmanyan stated that the
Armenian side is already used to the fact that after each meeting
of the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents, "very well-informed"
sources make announcements about discussions and arrangements which
in reality don’t exist.

"This is simple disinformation and has nothing to do with
reality. No such issue is discussed; therefore, there could be no
such arrangement. It was stated numerously that the core issue of the
negotiation process and discussions on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
settlement is the status of Nagorno-Karabakh. The other issues are
derivative," Farmanyan concluded.