OSKANIAN SUGGESTS TAKING ABRUPT STEPS

Tert.am
14:50 ~U 19.03.10

The primary issue for Armenia’s leadership is to avoid creating
any situations which may put pressure on the country. But since it
seems avoiding such situations hasn’t worked out, it’s necessary to
consider what should be done in the future, Armenia’s former foreign
minister Vartan Oskanian said in an interview with local Armenian
business daily Capital, while answeringthe question whether Armenia
is pressured on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

In his words, Armenia either has already given an official answer to
the new proposals presented by the OSCE Mink Group co-chairs or will
do so in the near future.

"If the reality is what I think it is, then I suppose Armenia should
rebuff any document unacceptable for us. Any other unclear or dual
answer may have dangerous consequences for us. On the other hand,
it’s necessary to also present a constructive proposal while rebuffing
the negotiated document," said Oskanian.

In his words when the circumstances, the inertia of negotiations
and the perceptions of the co-chairs are not beneficial for Armenia,
it should take immediate steps instead of sitting and waiting to see
how the situation will develop. At the same time, mentions Oskanian,
any change in accentuation and positions must be well-founded.

"We had such changes in ’98 as a result of a coup. It’s more acceptable
when, in case of a coup, you propose something else while not agreeing
with the position of previous authorities. It is more difficult for
current authorities to substantiate any abrupt change in accentuation
and position, but perhaps it is an unavoidable problem," said Oskanian.