RPA press secretary sceptical about expert remarks on Karabakh issue

June 21, 2011 - 21:44 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The press secretary of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) Eduard Sharmazanov expressed his view on experts' remarks regarding the progress of Karabakh talks in a conversation with a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

“Either before, or after Karabakh conflict settlement negotiations, experts suggest the authorities are making concessions on the issue. However, the authorities adhere to their position, which was voiced on many occasions,” he stressed.

“As Edward Nalbandian recently stated, Armenia sees the solution of the issue in observation of the 3 principles, considering the right of Karabakh people for self-determination as the most important one. No progress is possible without taking the view of the people and authorities of Karabakh into consideration,” Sharmazanov stressed.

“Expert comments are the problem of experts themselves. As Armenian authorities repeatedly stated, the issue of Karabakh status is essential. Armenian authorities will never act to the detriment of Karabakh interests. Such concerns were always voiced, Kazan meeting not being the first case. Deauville statement mainly corresponds to the assessment of our authorities. Progress after Kazan meeting depends on readiness to consider the opinion of Karabakh and Azerbaijan's constructive approach,” Sharmazanov noted.

In an interview with RFE/RL, ex-foreign minister of Armenia, head of Civilitas Foundation Vardan Oskanyan commented on June 25 Armenia-Russia-Azerbaijan presidential meeting on Karabakh issue. As he noted, on the threshold of the meeting, President Sargsyan must issue an address to Armenian people, specifically considering recent statements of Azeri leader on the document which must reflect both the principle of territorial integrity and people's right for self-determination. According to Oskanyan, mention of a document to be signed suggests one or both sides agreed to concessions.

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.