ArmInfo.Normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations and a settlement of the Karabakh-Azerbaijani conflict are interconnected, but different processes, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Artsakh David Babayan stated at a Facebook conference held by the Azatutyun Radio.
However, developing the bilateral relations does not at all imply ignoring the Nagorno-Karabakh process and Artsakh's future or simultaneous processes, or Nagorno-Karabakh remaining part of Azerbaijan.
"No doubt, this is one of the main objectives of official Baku - and they do not at all conceal it. They are openly stating that their top priority is that Armenia itself recognize Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan. That would be a historical, political, geopolitical and even moral victory for them," Mr Babayan said.
According to him, it gives rise to numerous questions concerning Artsakh's future. In this context, Mr Babayan stressed that Artsakh will never be part of Azerbaijan, and any attempts of annexation will result in another genocide and war.
"And Artsakh's fall will be followed by the fall of Armenian statehood – and let no one have doubts," Mr Babayan said.
As regards Armenia's six proposals concerning a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, he pointed out that the Artsakh authorities and people have equal votes, as one person cannot decide Nagorno-Karabakh's fate.
"We have repeatedly addressed the issue at various levels, including the President of Nagorno-Karabakh. We emphasized the unacceptability of becoming part of Azerbaijan, with both the Parliament and foreign office issuing special statements. No doubt, guaranteeing security to the people is well and good, but what is this security status? No status in Azerbaijan can ensure our security. On the contrary, our very existence will be questioned. Or rather, the outcome is well known – bloodshed, war massacre. This is Artsakh's position," Mr Babayan said.
Speaking of the peace agenda, he stated that Artsakh prefers peace to war and a peaceful settlement of all the problems, which, however, does not at all mean Stepanakert will tacitly consent to all the proposals and to becoming part of Azerbaijan. The so-called "cultural autonomy" is out of the question.
"We have experienced all that. What cultural autonomy are you talking about? We had autonomy in the Soviet Union and it was only due to the deterrent factor of the Soviet Union that we were not annihilated. Azerbaijan is not at all concealing its intentions, and any status in Azerbaijan will lead to Artsakh's fall," Mr Babayan said. The world has now entered an era of barefaced geopolitics, and nations must defend their interests themselves by "holding on to their future like grim death."
The Artsakh president is informed of the peace process and Stepanakert's redline is that Nagorno-Karabakh cannot be part of Azerbaijan.
Asked who it was that made Artsakh leave the negotiating table, Mr Babayan called for the question to be left to historians. The last trilateral meeting (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh) took place back in 1996. Later the process was disrupted, he added.