Saturday, August 1 2020 17:03

ArmInfo. RA Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan recalled the three main directions of the Armenian side's work on the peaceful settlement of the Karabakh  conflict.  In an interview with "Shant" TV channel, the minister  pointed out the accuracy of the chosen formulations - "status and  security", that is, recognition of the right of Artsakh to  self-determination, the exercise of the function of free expression  of will without restrictions, and the results that have legal force.  As for security, there should be no threat to the comprehensive  security of Artsakh, for which Armenia continues to be the only  guarantor.

"The second most important area of work for us was the formation of  the environment that is necessary to achieve real progress in the  negotiation process. The rhetoric that was formed during this period,  which we constantly heard, is by no means conducive to this  environment, "he said, pointing out the importance of introducing  instruments that ensure a stable, long-lasting ceasefire and  eliminate the risks of escalation.  This also applies to the  introduction of an investigation mechanism, which makes it possible  to study the situation and identify risks that intentionally lead to  escalation. All this makes it possible to preserve the environment  necessary for the peace process.

"And the third main direction, which was very important for us, was  the participation of Artsakh, its involvement in the peace process.  This is not a change of format at all. This is a practical task and  we have explained very clearly why this is necessary. The people of  Artsakh have shown in all respects their ability to govern, organize  their lives from a social, economic, political, defense point of  view, have elected authorities, participate in international  processes, and the Artsakh authorities are endowed with the mandate  of their people through a democratic process. Non-participation of  Artsakh leads to a situation where we will not be able to ensure  serious and real effective progress in the peace process. We have  experience in the work of Security Councils, our leaders, both the  Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Artsakh, work very  actively together, and we have all the necessary measures that we  must undertake to ensure the security of Artsakh. During these two  years we have been consistently working in these three directions,  "Mnatsakanyan noted.

"From time to time there are situations when we become eyewitnesses  of complications in the form of intentional or unconscious  perceptions, but I think that everything that has been consistently  voiced over the years has been summarized today, including during the  speeches of the Prime Minister of Armenia. As for July 12, the most  important precept was that the language of threat, the experience of  using threat and force are by no means an instrument, have and will  not have any influence. Armenia and Artsakh continue to remain  absolutely loyal to the peace process. There is no alternative to the  peace process; the alternative leads to extremely serious  consequences for the region. We have enough confidence to say all of  this, because we have sufficient capacity to defend, which was also  demonstrated on July 12, "he said.

"Until now, we have not heard any signals or formulations from the  Azerbaijani authorities that demonstrate sensitivity to the  priorities of Artsakh and Armenia. Any position, any step that will  show that they are also willing to work for a compromise. And in this  regard, if we listen to their positions more attentively, then this  is maximalism, when only the solution is seen that is beneficial  exclusively to the Azerbaijani side. It won't work, it's not a  compromise. As for a decision based on a concession, no one is ready  to go this way, "Mnatsakanyan added.

Speaking about the monitoring system, the Foreign Minister noted that  this implies an effective mechanism that reduces risks and ensures  the stability of the truce and ceasefire in the best way. The same  applies to incident investigations. "We talk a lot about the need to  have a direct link on the spot in order to provide solutions to  unintended situations, as well as to control them. We have experience  in comprehensively ensuring a stable ceasefire, ensuring a stable  minimal risk environment, "Mnatsakanyan said.

"If Azerbaijan assumes that, in this way, we freeze the process, then  this is simply unacceptable. If it is assumed that we can make  progress in the context of escalation, this is out of the question:  If it is assumed that we can consider the threat, the use of force as  a factor in the peace process, then this will not happen.  This seems  to be more than clearly expressed in political, diplomatic, and  military aspects, "the minister continued.

"Using us as a convenient enemy is unacceptable, ineffective, and it  will be much more useful if Azerbaijan can more effectively solve its  internal political issues on its own, without using us as a  convenient enemy," Mnatsakanyan stressed, adding that he expects to  meet with the new head of Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan.