“Integration unions can only succeed and develop in a secure environment. Security is the key basis for the development and prosperity of our states,” Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said, addressing the extended session of the Supreme Council of the Eurasian Economic Union.

“The fact that the countries forming the EEU are also members of the CSTO, an organization that aims to ensure comprehensive security in the region, is extremely important. The escalation of the situation at the Karabakh line of contact and the Armenian border by Azerbaijan in early April became a serious challenge to the security of the EEU region,” President Sargsyan said.

“The danger is obvious. The EEU will either be views by our foreign partners as a zone of economic development, stability and security, where one can make investments and initiate long-term programs, or everyone will get used to this complex situation and will be guided by the circumstance that there are hearths of permanent tension and split here. I don’t think the second scenario meets our interests,” the President added.

“Armenia cannot stay aside in case of aggressive actions against Nagorno Karabakh on the part of Azerbaijan. Of course, the self-defense forces of Nagorno Karabakh were quick to restore the situation, taking it under control. An important role here is reserved to Russia, which Azerbaijan addressed with a request to re-establish the ceasefire,” the President of Armenia stated.

Referring to the Vienna meeting mediated by the Minsk Group, President Sargsyan said “an agreement was reached on the confidence building measures, including the implementation of monitoring and investigation mechanisms.”

“Armenia intends to work consistently towards implementation of those agreements and continue to seek ways for a peaceful settlement, which should be primarily based on the right of the people of Nagorno Karabakh to self-determination. Armenia agrees with the Minsk Group Co-Chairs that this principle forms the basis of settlement, along with the principles of the use of force or the threat of force and territorial integrity,” President Sargsyan concluded.