Arminfo.info



 Monday, September 7 2020 20:10
Marianna Mkrtchyan

Stepanakert: If the hostilities resume in the region it will be  catastrophic not only for the region, but for the whole international  community

Stepanakert: If the hostilities resume in the region it will be  catastrophic not only for the region, but for the whole international  community

ArmInfo. If one considers the pace and scope with which Azerbaijan builds up its military arsenal, it becomes clear that it doesn't buy arms to store in a  warehouse, but rather with an intention to use them one day. Artsakh  Foreign Minister Masis Mayilian said this in an interview with the  "Nationalia" News Agency Operating in Barcelona, answering the  question whether Stepanakert admits the likelihood of another  aggression from the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. 

At the same time, the Minister expressed his conviction that: " It  will use every opportunity to test the grounds, to check if it is the  right time to start a new aggression. We have seen Azerbaijan doing  so in April 2016, and quite recently, on July 12, on the  Armenian-Azerbaijani border, in the Tavush region of Armenia. In both  cases Ђrtsakh and Armenian defence forces gave an appropriate  response. There is no reason to believe that Azerbaijan will not give  it another try when it feels itself strong enough to unleash another  military adventure.  And , of course, we know it and Artsakh Defence  Army stands ready to rebuke any aggression as it has done before.>

To refinement, how is NKR MFA, and the larger Artsakh government,  working in the international diplomatic arena in this context in  order to strengthen the position of Artsakh, given the fact that it  continues to be unrecognized, the diplomat noted that the Foreign  Ministry and the Artsakh authorities, in general, do their utmost to  present to the world the true picture of the events.

"The position of our Republic has been unchanged since the  proclamation of its independence. We have always been in favour of  the resolution of the conflict exclusively by peaceful means. This  position has been voiced on numerous occasions both publicly and  during the meetings with the OSCE Chairperson- in- Office and Minsk  Group Co-chairs, and many statements of the foreign ministry  circulated in the international organizations like OSCE, UN, CE etc.   We make no secret of the fact , that we want peace, at the same time  we realize what an ancient Latin philosopher had in mind noting "Si  vis pacem, para bellum -If you want peace, be prepared for war". And  we have gone through it already", the head of the NKR Foreign  Ministry stressed.

At the same time, Mayilian stated: "Sometimes, a single glance at the  region is enough to understand the underlying reality of the  developments taking place in the conflict zone. As you have mentioned  in your first question, thousands of demonstrators in Baku demanded  from the Azerbaijani government to start a large-scale war. In  fairness, however, it should be noted that the demonstrators that  broke into the country's parliament building also had an  anti-government agenda. It just shows the role the conflict plays in  the internal life of Azerbaijan and how prepared is the Azerbaijani  society, and the government for peace or the peaceful settlement of  the conflict.

Peace can not be reached unilaterally, all sides to the conflict  should strive for it. And no matter, how loudly we announce of our  readiness to reach peace with our neighbors, they should be both  receptive and perceptive of peace. Unfortunately, for years the  anti-Armenian sentiments in Azerbaijan have been cultivated into a  state-run policy and instead of preparing its population for peace,  Azerbaijan has been preparing it for war. This is the reality we face  today. And this is the reality the international community should  deal with. Independent of the fact whether the country is recognized  or unrecognized , it is the people that we should think of. And we do  our part not only to ensure the security and safety of our people,  but to play a constructive role in contributing to peace and  stability in the region", he emphasized.

To clarify why there was no progress in the negotiation process, as  many analysts forecasted, after Nikol Pashinyan came to power in  Armenia in 2018, Mayilyan once again noted that peace can not be  reached unilaterally.  

"Azerbaijan should work towards peace as well, through contributing  to the atmosphere of trust that will allow for the peace process to  take off. Without excluding the possibility of the use of force and  creating an atmosphere conducive to the resumption of peace talks,  the situation will not get any better.  And, most importantly,  Azerbaijan should understand once and for all that without the  resumption of the trilateral format of negotiations with the direct  participation of the Republic of Artsakh in them, it is naive to  expect any tangible progress in the peace process. Let me remind  here, that the only significant achievement in the peace process to  date has been the signing of the term-less cease- fire agreement in  May 12, 1994, when Artsakh participated in the talks.  And it is  logical that if the Agreement to cease the hostilities and fire was  signed by Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) as one of the two main parties  to the conflict, hence the peace deal should also be negotiated and  signed by Artsakh . To ignore this fact, would mean to deliberately  negate peace.  Azerbaijan and the relevant international agencies  should work towards improving Azerbaijan's human rights record,  fostering democratic developments in the country and educating its  society about the benefits of peace and not war", the NKR Foreign  Minister said.

When asked to assess Turkey's position on this issue, Mayilian  stated: "Turkey has never been neutral in its stance over the  conflict despite being a member of the OSCE Minsk Group that through  its tripartite co-chairmanship mediates the peaceful settlement of  the conflict. It is the only country in the region, that has not only  publicly voiced its support for the brotherly Azerbaijan but also has  backed the Azerbaijani blockade of Armenia and the Republic of  Artsakh. It is not a secret that Turkey also helps Azerbaijan in  army-building, considering that many Azerbaijani officers are trained  in Turkey and Turkish military consultants advise the Azeri military  leadership.

We consider the statement by the Turkish Government in support of the  provocations and violations of the ceasefire regime by Azerbaijan  unacceptable. We emphasize once again that such a position of Turkey  makes its membership in the OSCE Minsk Group senseless.

It should be clear that South Caucasus is a region with a very  complex geopolitics and multiple players; both regional and outside  the region; with varying levels of interests. And it is not by chance  that the Co-chair countries of the Minsk group dealing with the  conflict are Russia, France and the US.

One thing is clear: if the hostilities resume in the region it will  be catastrophic not only for the region, but for the whole  international community. The Republic of Artsakh stands ready to take  its share of responsibility for maintaining peace and security in the  region, its time for other stakeholders do the same".

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     

News
Armenian leadership deliberately leads Armenian-Russian relations to  collapse - LavrovArmenian leadership deliberately leads Armenian-Russian relations to  collapse - Lavrov
ECHR accepts complaints in cases of Armen Ashotyan and Artur  Danielyan for preliminary proceedings ECHR accepts complaints in cases of Armen Ashotyan and Artur  Danielyan for preliminary proceedings 
Freedom House ranks Artsakh Not Free after Azerbaijani occupation; it  losses 40 points at onceFreedom House ranks Artsakh Not Free after Azerbaijani occupation; it  losses 40 points at once
"Europeans for Artsakh" platform outlines Artsakh`s interests  protecting vector 
Government  allocates about AMD1.4 billion to properly organize 100th  anniversary events of Sergey Parajanov, Charles AznavourGovernment  allocates about AMD1.4 billion to properly organize 100th  anniversary events of Sergey Parajanov, Charles Aznavour
France expresses readiness to consider UFAR`s development and  expansion agenda within Academic City project France expresses readiness to consider UFAR`s development and  expansion agenda within Academic City project 
Armenia to send 30 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza StripArmenia to send 30 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip
No No "governments in exile" for Armenia`s premier 
Armenia is turning into extremely dangerous instrument in the hands  of the West - Maria Zakharova Armenia is turning into extremely dangerous instrument in the hands  of the West - Maria Zakharova 
Former Nagorno-Karabakh president calls on France to expert pressure  on Azerbaijan Former Nagorno-Karabakh president calls on France to expert pressure  on Azerbaijan 
Housing programme for forcibly displaced people to be presented next  month - vice-premier Housing programme for forcibly displaced people to be presented next  month - vice-premier 
40+10 assistance programme for forcibly displaced people to be  extended until end 2024 40+10 assistance programme for forcibly displaced people to be  extended until end 2024 
CSTO Sec Gen on Armenia`s participation in CSTO work CSTO Sec Gen on Armenia`s participation in CSTO work 
Meeting in Brussels is to focus on Armenia`s economic resilience -  U.S. Department of State Meeting in Brussels is to focus on Armenia`s economic resilience -  U.S. Department of State 
Upcoming high-level meeting in Brussels not directed against any  third party - Armenia`s foreign office  Upcoming high-level meeting in Brussels not directed against any  third party - Armenia`s foreign office  
World has experience in development of even failed states - Artak  Zakaryan World has experience in development of even failed states - Artak  Zakaryan 
Zakharova: information on Azerbaijan`s arms supplies to Ukraine is  carefully checkedZakharova: information on Azerbaijan`s arms supplies to Ukraine is  carefully checked
Russian Foreign Ministry: France`s actions are hindering  implementation of Azerbaijan-Armenia agreements Russian Foreign Ministry: France`s actions are hindering  implementation of Azerbaijan-Armenia agreements 
Russian Foreign Ministry: Anything that will benefit the people of  Armenia is only welcomedRussian Foreign Ministry: Anything that will benefit the people of  Armenia is only welcomed
Gnel Sanosyan: Upon completion of demarcation and delimitation  process, there will be no unresolved problemsGnel Sanosyan: Upon completion of demarcation and delimitation  process, there will be no unresolved problems
Statements by Alen Simonyan are carte blanche for aggression:  Opposition MPStatements by Alen Simonyan are carte blanche for aggression:  Opposition MP
Armenia does not join  CSTO PA delegations heads  statement  condemning violent terrorist attack in Crocus City HallArmenia does not join  CSTO PA delegations heads  statement  condemning violent terrorist attack in Crocus City Hall
NA Speaker: I would like to meet with a person who can prove on a map  that the four villages of Tavush belong to ArmeniaNA Speaker: I would like to meet with a person who can prove on a map  that the four villages of Tavush belong to Armenia
National Assembly Speaker: there were no political overtones in my  meeting with Svetlana TikhanovskayaNational Assembly Speaker: there were no political overtones in my  meeting with Svetlana Tikhanovskaya
Armenian PM, French parliamentarians discuss processes in South  Caucasus Armenian PM, French parliamentarians discuss processes in South  Caucasus 
Baku irritated by Pashinyan`s upcoming meeting with Blinken and Von  der LeyneBaku irritated by Pashinyan`s upcoming meeting with Blinken and Von  der Leyne
French delegation inspects security in Sotk mine French delegation inspects security in Sotk mine
Offering Armenia EU candidate status makes its pivot to West  irreversible - report Offering Armenia EU candidate status makes its pivot to West  irreversible - report 
AraratBank places its 27th issue of dollar bondsAraratBank places its 27th issue of dollar bonds
Armenian MP meet with Danish counterparts  Armenian MP meet with Danish counterparts  
Surrender of Tavush villages to destroy locals` ecosystem - expert Surrender of Tavush villages to destroy locals` ecosystem - expert 
Renowned Swiss-American lutenist to perform in Armenia  Renowned Swiss-American lutenist to perform in Armenia  
Azerbaijan uses military-political leaders of Artsakh in captivity to  achieve its propaganda goals - statementAzerbaijan uses military-political leaders of Artsakh in captivity to  achieve its propaganda goals - statement
No details of upcoming meeting between Armenia`s premier, U.S. Sec of  State, European Commission president No details of upcoming meeting between Armenia`s premier, U.S. Sec of  State, European Commission president 
People of Nagorno-Karabakh determined to return to their homeland -  Leevon KocharyanPeople of Nagorno-Karabakh determined to return to their homeland -  Leevon Kocharyan
Armenian committed to peace and stability in South Caucasus Armenian committed to peace and stability in South Caucasus 
Tatoyan Foundation, together with other human rights organizations,  publishes joint report on torture committed by Azerbaijan against  ArmeniansTatoyan Foundation, together with other human rights organizations,  publishes joint report on torture committed by Azerbaijan against  Armenians
Mirzoyan: Armenia considers Argentina as reliable partner in South  AmericaMirzoyan: Armenia considers Argentina as reliable partner in South  America
French Ambassador: The right of Artsakh people to return to their  homeland has been violatedFrench Ambassador: The right of Artsakh people to return to their  homeland has been violated
State Dept on US policy principles in relations with ArmeniaState Dept on US policy principles in relations with Armenia
Slander aimed at removing National Democratic Pole from political  arena: party responds to IC Slander aimed at removing National Democratic Pole from political  arena: party responds to IC 
Armenian diplomat to EU special rep: Aliyev regime is gearing up for  new aggression against Armenia, as he faced no consequences for last  onesArmenian diplomat to EU special rep: Aliyev regime is gearing up for  new aggression against Armenia, as he faced no consequences for last  ones
ICLaw presents cases of 8 Armenian servicemen to UN Working Group on  Enforced DisappearancesICLaw presents cases of 8 Armenian servicemen to UN Working Group on  Enforced Disappearances
Following Armenian foreign office, references to Artsakh `disappear`  from president`s websiteFollowing Armenian foreign office, references to Artsakh `disappear`  from president`s website
Sati Spivakova and the Moscow Theater of Nations soon in YerevanSati Spivakova and the Moscow Theater of Nations soon in Yerevan
CSTO Secretary General calls for creation of tools to counter  terrorismCSTO Secretary General calls for creation of tools to counter  terrorism
No discussions yet held on the issue of Armenia`s new Constitution -  minister No discussions yet held on the issue of Armenia`s new Constitution -  minister 
Establishment of lasting peace and stability in South Caucasus  Armenia`s top priority - Nikol Pashinyan Establishment of lasting peace and stability in South Caucasus  Armenia`s top priority - Nikol Pashinyan 
Azerbaijan should end the intimidation and harassment of journalists  and civil society activists - Dunja MijatovicAzerbaijan should end the intimidation and harassment of journalists  and civil society activists - Dunja Mijatovic
Armenia`s minister of justice on reforms in judicial system Armenia`s minister of justice on reforms in judicial system 
Armenian expert on Azerbaijan`s policy of misappropriation of  Armenian heritage Armenian expert on Azerbaijan`s policy of misappropriation of  Armenian heritage 
Incident with ex-minister of defense followed by numerous dismissals  - minister Incident with ex-minister of defense followed by numerous dismissals  - minister 
Russia is going through a rather difficult period in relations with  friendly, fraternal Armenia - Russian presidential spokesman Russia is going through a rather difficult period in relations with  friendly, fraternal Armenia - Russian presidential spokesman 
Azerbaijan creates artificial grounds for military aggression against  Armenia - Arman Tatoyan Azerbaijan creates artificial grounds for military aggression against  Armenia - Arman Tatoyan 
Armenian FM takes part in presentation of book Armenian FM takes part in presentation of book "Armenian Buenos  Aires" 
Threats against Armenia in Azerbaijani media channels unacceptable -  Toivo KlaarThreats against Armenia in Azerbaijani media channels unacceptable -  Toivo Klaar
Opposition MP: Threatening people with war is not the mission of  country`s leaderOpposition MP: Threatening people with war is not the mission of  country`s leader
Roundtable on geopolitical developments in South Caucasus held at  Belgian SenateRoundtable on geopolitical developments in South Caucasus held at  Belgian Senate
Andranik Tevanyan: Political struggle is the only guarantee of  success, a chance not to turn real Armenia into historical oneAndranik Tevanyan: Political struggle is the only guarantee of  success, a chance not to turn real Armenia into historical one
Vahagn Khachaturyan Vahagn Khachaturyan "closes" book of condolences at Russian Embassy  in Yerevan
Read more



Commented