Three former Armenian foreign ministers, including Raffi Hovhannisian, Vartan Oskanian and Ara Aivazian, have joined a statement on Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Armenian-Azerbaijani and Armenian-Turkish relations.
The document, which is also supported by a group of Armenian intellectuals, scientists and artists, stresses that the Artsakh issue, which is based on the right of nations to self-determination, cannot become a “subject of bargaining” under any circumstances.
"The status of the Artsakh Republic, including the Hadrut and Shushi regions, the uninterrupted and free communication between Armenia and Artsakh, the return of Armenians to their places of permanent residence, the security of the Artsakh Armenians and constant work with the Russian peacekeeping mission should become our foreign policy priorities," the statement says.
"Only a modern and efficient Defense Army of Artsakh and the Armenian military can guarantee Artsakh’s security. Armenia's security is directly linked to the security of Artsakh.”
The authors stress that the issue of the Armenian Genocide is indisputable in the negotiation process with Turkey without preconditions, adding the effectiveness of the Armenian-Turkish dialogue cannot be conditioned by Artsakh’s status and the final settlement of the security issues in Artsakh.
“In order to effectively fulfil these nationwide tasks, it is necessary to use the diplomatic arsenal which hasn't been exhausted yet, the full potential and unity of all Armenians. Putting aside all differences, it is necessary to voice nationwide disagreement with anything threatening Armenia and Artsakh and to stand up for our national and state interests and dignity," reads the statement.