Yerevan must launch process of recognition of Artsakh - Tevan  Poghisyan

ArmInfo. The "empty words" about Artsakh uttered at Armenian Premier Nikol Pashinyan's year-end press conference are rather difficult - if not impossible - to comment on, Tevan Poghosyan, Head of the International Center for Human  Development, told ArmInfo. "Just a piece of advice: it is only in  bright light that one can speak of Artsakh. Otherwise, it is better  to keep silent," he said.

"Pashinyan`s statements are unacceptable to me, as I believe Artsakh  is not nor can it be bargained over.  For us, for each Armenian,  Artsakh is a precious part of our Homeland. It is a place where each  inch is soaked in Armenian blood. And if we and our leaders have not  so far realized this, it is better to keep silent than say what is  being said. It is not only in Armenia that these unacceptable  statements are being heard, and we must be well aware of the possible  consequences," he said.  

Mr Poghosyan prefers practical steps to mere statements. According to  him the steps must involve entire Armenian society - from ordinary  citizens to the political elite. And they by no means must reflect  the Pashinyan-proposed agenda. In this context, the expert hopes that  the crucial situation will be realized by at least the Artsakh  authorities, with their preparing and implementing their own  programme. 

Mr Poghosyan once more stressed a need for Armenians to perceive  Stepanakert as a city as important for Armenia as Yerevan. No ffort  must be spared to increase the Artsakh population. And the Artsakh  Parliament must adopt the Law on Occupation to settle the issues that  arose after the 44-day aggression by Azerbaijan. 

In its turn, Armenia should initiate processes aimed at recognition  of Artsakh. Otherwise, Yervan will have nothing to speak at the  negotiating table. Artsakh's role and value is in action rather than  in talks.  "Artsakh adopting the Law on Occupation must be  accompanied by practical steps to enforce it. We must not wait for  any foreign much less so domestic political impulses. Stepanakert  must start talking with the Armenians worldwide. And I cannot  understand why it was not done before or is not being done now," Mr  Poghosyan said.