Karabakh problem should be resolved peacefully, on basis of mutual concessions
"I do think that the Nagorno Karabakh problem should be resolved peacefully, on the basis of reasonable mutual concessions," Armenia's Prime Minister and President-elect Serzh Sargsyan told Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
"I come from Nagorno Karabakh. I was born, grew up and occupied senior posts there. I know the core of the problem. My stand on it underwent no changes during 15 years. I presented my vision of resolution in my election program and the votes I received testify that the Armenian public approves my approaches.
"How paradoxically it may sound, I think that Azerbaijan should recognize the right of Karabakhi people to self-determination while Armenia should recognize Azerbaijan's right to territorial integrity. Ex facte, these two approaches are incompatible but understanding each other's problems we can find a reasonable solution," he said.
Asked whether recognition of Kosovo's independence can set a precedent for Karabakh, PM Sargsyan said, "We do not eye the Kosovo issue as precedent for resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh problem. Each conflict has different causes, development dynamics and ways of settlement. But we welcome each nation which succeeds in asserting the right to self-determination."
"I come from Nagorno Karabakh. I was born, grew up and occupied senior posts there. I know the core of the problem. My stand on it underwent no changes during 15 years. I presented my vision of resolution in my election program and the votes I received testify that the Armenian public approves my approaches.
"How paradoxically it may sound, I think that Azerbaijan should recognize the right of Karabakhi people to self-determination while Armenia should recognize Azerbaijan's right to territorial integrity. Ex facte, these two approaches are incompatible but understanding each other's problems we can find a reasonable solution," he said.
Asked whether recognition of Kosovo's independence can set a precedent for Karabakh, PM Sargsyan said, "We do not eye the Kosovo issue as precedent for resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh problem. Each conflict has different causes, development dynamics and ways of settlement. But we welcome each nation which succeeds in asserting the right to self-determination."
