SERGE SARGSYAN: THE KARABAKH CONFLICT SHOULD BE RESOLVED IN A PEACEFUL WAY AND THROUGH CONCESSIONS
ArmRadio.am
26.10.2006 12:25
In an interview with the "James" military, political and security
research center RA Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan expressed confidence
that "the Karabakh conflict should be resolved in a peaceful way and
through concessions.
However, in Serge Sargsyan’s opinion, Azerbaijan’s policy dies
not further this kind of solution. Today Azerbaijani officials are
speaking about the resumption of war. During the last year their
military expenses have doubled.
The Minister stated that according to neutral experts, Azerbaijan
is still incapable to resolve the conflict in a military way. "If
military actions resume, Armenia will again have an advantage. Despite
the result, war will be a blow for the both parties."
Speaking about oil revenues of Azerbaijan, which it wants to apply
for resolving the Karabakh issue, Serge Sargsyan reminds that in
early 1990s Azerbaijan was again exceeding Armenia with population
and the armaments inherited from the Soviet Union.
"In 1992 they surrounded Armenians of Karabakh, and few believed that
we can succeed. Together with all predictions, the oil revenues will
not provide the advantage they had 14-15 years ago. Then the way of
military resolution failed, and it will ail again. I hope that earlier
or later Azerbaijani authorities will refuse from this approach,"
Serge Sargsyan said.
Turning to Armenia-NATO relations, the Defense Minister referred
to Turkey.
In his opinion, for a long time Turkey’s policy has been defaming
NATO’s reputation in Armenia.
"The Russian military base was founded in Armenia under the conditions
of external danger, and this base has been serving as power preventing
this danger. Unfortunately, this threat persists up to now, since
there has been no improvement in our relations with Turkey. Turkey
upholds the blockade of Armenia, which is actually a hostile action
against us. Turkey defends Azerbaijan in the Karabakh issue and the
improvement of our relations depends on the whim of Azerbaijan."