No significant progress was observed in Karabakh conflict settlement negotiations; no radical changes are to be expected, according to NKR external relations committee chairman Vahram Atanesyan.

As he told a news conference in Yerevan, Karabakh negotiations were halted, as Azerbaijan continues distorting the essence, methodology and perspectives of Karabakh conflict settlement.

NKR sees the recognition of Karabakh people’s right for self determination as the solution of the conflict, Vahram Atanesyan stated, adding that the issue can’t be settled without official Stepanakert’s involvement in negotiations. “Negotiation format has to be brought up to standards stipulated in OSCE documents,” he emphasized.

As Vahram Atanesyan noted, Artsakh authorities are taking steps to repatriate Karabakh people to their residences, citing population growth in Shahumyan region as an example.

Dwelling on Abkhazia and NKR’s mutual recognition of independence, Vahram Atanesyan reported that NKR President addressed a letter to Abkhazia president, congratulating him on independence declaration. “Bako Sahakyan’s participation in Sergey Bagapsh inauguration ceremony proves both countries will soon recognize each other’s independence, with the fact to be consolidated though establishment of diplomatic relations,” Karabakh parliamentarian noted.