The Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutiun (ARF-D) has always voiced concerns over the statements from Armenia and Artsakh that could create tension in relations, ARF-D Bureau member, Head of the Office for Armenian Cause and Political Affairs Giro Manoyan told a news conference on Tuesday.

According to him, possible tensions in relations between the two countries may even lead to a split between the two societies.

Speaking about the “Pro Artsakh Forum: Cooperation for Justice and Peace” held in Stepanakert on 11 October in attendance of more than 150 political and public figures, as well as intellectuals from over 30 countries, Manoyan said everyone understands that the people of Artsakh have the right to self-determination, with some of the speeches at the event stressing that the ultimate goal of Artsakh is reunification with Armenia.

"In this case, independence is a path, a means, while the ultimate goal is the unification. They understand the meaning of the Artsakh flag – it's about the step-by-step unification. That’s to say everyone understands that the recognition of [Artsakh’s] independence is one stage of that process,” he stressed.