The Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR) president's spokesman commented on recent statement by the U.S. Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group James Warlick, Tert.am reports.

In an interview with Azeri news agency APA, Warlick stated that “the interests of the people of the Nagorno Karabakh will have to be taken into account in negotiations.”

In a conversation with Tert.am, David Babayan called the statement significant. “Although it was indirectly said, it is clear that the conflict cannot be settled without Nagorno Karabakh’s participation. We consider this statement an important one,” Babayan said.

No one can represent the Artsakh people’s interests better that the Artsakh people themselves.

“Practice has proved that the conflict is impossible to settle without Artsakh’s participation. It is Azerbaijan’s position rather than that of the OSCE Minsk Group that prevents Artsakh from participating in the negotiations,” Babayan said.

“All sober-minded people – especially diplomats - are well aware of the need for restoring a full format.”

With respect to preparations for the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents’ next meeting, he said:

“I think that emphasis will be placed on maintaining peace at the next meeting because Azerbaijan has recently committed gross ceasefire violations.”

Moreover, Baku is expected to host the 2015 European Games, and maintaining peace and ceasefire will be of even greater importance.

“Maintaining the ceasefire, peace and stability is progress. We should not consider the conflict settled. We should have the most realistic view – preserving peace and stability in the region, and this is actually the aim of all the meetings,” Babayan said.

Regarding Warlick’s statement that releasing the Azerbaijani saboteurs would be considered a humanitarian gesture, Babayan said:

“We showed the best humanism by not lynching the saboteurs. We proved their guilt in a transparent trial, in conformity with democratic standards.”