ARMAN MELIKYAN: BAKU WILL NOT START WAR WITHOUT SUPERPOWERS’ SUPPORT

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 6, 2010 – 17:27 AMT 12:27 GMT

Azerbaijan will not start a war against Karabakh without superpowers’
support, according to former NKR Foreign Minister Arman Melikyan.

As Arman Melikyan told a joint news conference with LPA chairman
Hovhannes Hovhannesyan , "Today, negotiation process is being conducted
in accordance with Baku’s wishes, so Azerbaijan will not withdraw from
the process. Still, Azerbaijan seeks to speed up negotiations. Soon our
authorities will see the necessity to change current format of talks."

Melikyan characterized Baku’s statements on withdrawal of Armenian
forces from Lachin and Kelbajar as a mere wish on behalf of Azerbaijan
and Turkey.

"Yet, Karabakh territories can become an object of bargain between
Russia and Azerbaijan. However, neither Azerbaijan nor Turkey became
reliable partners to Russia, thus giving us a chance to maneuver,"
ex-FM stated. According to Arman Melikyan’s forecast, active
negotiations will be continued for another 3-5 years.

Hovhannes Hovhannesyan, in turn, expressed doubts over the possibility
for Turkey to become OSCE MG Co-Chair. "Given US efforts to alter
the status quo, Karabakh issue might soon be resolved," LPA chairman
concluded.