ArmInfo. Shushi is an Armenian cultural center and we will never accept the fact that the city can become an Azerbaijani cultural center. Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian stated this from the rostrum of the parliament. According to Aivazian, the statements of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev are very contradictory. On the one hand, Aliyev claims that the Karabakh issue has been resolved, on the other, he makes provocative statements, fueling the conflict.
The Foreign Minister stated that the Artsakh conflict has entered a new phase and the Armenian parties need to come up with a common agenda. "From this side, I would like to note the importance of my recent visit to Artsakh. Artsakh Foreign Minister David Babayan and I discussed the creation of a common agenda and other important issues related to the settlement of the Artsakh conflict, "the minister said.
He also stressed that Armenia is ready to start negotiations within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship. "For us, one of the priority issues is the de- occupation of the territories of Artsakh and the return of temporarily displaced citizens. In addition, we also hope for humanitarian assistance from international structures. Also, the Armenian Foreign Ministry intends to deal with the preservation of Armenian monuments in Artsakh, "Aivazian noted.
The Minister stressed that the city of Shushi is an Armenian cultural center. "We will never agree that the city can become an Azerbaijani cultural center. I think international organizations will agree with us on this issue and provide assistance, "Aivazian emphasized.
The Foreign Minister also noted that the issue of Armenian prisoners of war is in the center of attention of the department. "Azerbaijan declares the possibility of establishing peace in the region, however, all actions of Baku are not constructive. And we are trying to convey to our international partners that despite these statements, there will be no peace in the region until Azerbaijan changes its behavior and demonstartes a constructive approach, "concluded Aivazian.