September 2, 2016 - 14:10 AMT
Reports on ceding land for status are false, Karabakh speaker says

President of the Nagorno Karabakh National Assembly Ashot Ghulyan on Friday, September 2 described reports on surrendering some lands in return for status as false, RFE/RL Armenian Service reports.

Commenting on the talks over the conflict, Ghulyan said he doesn’t think a very active negotiation process is underway.

“Negotiations seemed to have activated following the events in early April, but this was connected with the stabilization of the situation,” he said.

Azerbaijan on April 2 launched overt military actions against Karabakh which killed hundreds of soldiers and civilians on both sides. The parties reached a deal on the cessation of hostilities in Moscow on April 5.

“Consultations are ongoing, the sides seem to be clarifying their positions.”

Coming to speculations surrounding the land-for-status reports, Ghulyan said: “I believe such rumors are false and artificial, seeking to perplex the people of Karabakh, who, however, stand firm and are committed to further building their statehood.”