Armenian side to continue efforts to extend the Russian peacekeepers`  mandate in Nagorno-Karabakh - Armen Grigoryan

ArmInfo.The Armenian side will continue its efforts to extend the Russian peacekeepers' mandate in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan has stated. 

Commenting on the results of the Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani  leaders' meeting in Sochi, Mr Grigoryan said that the so-called  Russian package, including the points related to Nagorno-Karabakh,  was being supported during the very first days of preparations for  the meeting, when the package was being drafted. 

"We made several attempts for the Russian proposals to mention the  Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as well.  The Russian side had promised  that, but it has never happened. We also wanted a clear point on the  deployment of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh, but the final  statement adopted in Sochi did not contain it," Mr Grigoryan said. He  stated the Armenian side will continue working with Russia to get the  desired results. 

Armenia's premier publicly stated Armenia's readiness to sign an  agreement extending the Russian peacekeepers' presence in  Nagorno-Karabakh for 15-20 years or for any other term. "We will  attempt further work in this direction, and the Russia side appears  to understand a need for work and finding a solution," Mr Grigoryan  said in an interview with Factor.am.

The Russian side publicly stated it had good proposals for the  Armenian side, and Armenia is fully supportive of this agenda.  Armenia will continue working with all the sides to find ways to  long-lasting peace. 

Mr Grigoryan also highlighted Russia's statement that the issue of  Artsakh's status should be postponed to better times. "And Armenia  made a step forward, focusing on the issue of rights and security on  the agenda, which is by no means in conflict with the relevant  policy. Armenian will continue work for long-term security guarantees  in Artsakh and for the way of settling the Nagorno-Karabakh  conflict," Mr Grigoryan said. Armenia has not discussed deployment of  peacekeepers from other countries. 

As regards the Western and Russian proposals for normalization of  Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, Mr Grigoryan gave assurances that two  documents are on the table now: one presented by Azerbaijan - and the  sides worked on it - and one presented by Russia, proposals dealing  with the parameters of a peace agreement. 

"And speaking of the West's draft is wrong. The West is only helping  find options. For example, at the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign  ministers' meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State in Washington  next week, where the Armenia side's response to Azerbaijan's  proposals will be discussed. This is the essence of the process and  any speculations are unacceptable. As to the Russian version, Armenia  is approving it and hopes Russia will push ahead," Mr Grigoryan said.  According to him, no West-submitted proposals recognize Azerbaijan's  sovereignty over Artsakh. 

Armenia responded to expanded variant of Azerbaijan's proposals,  which will soon be discussed. 

As to whether the expanded document contains a point on Artsakh being  part of Azerbaijan, Mr Grigoryan said that the document does not  mention Nagorno-Karabakh. It contains hints at Nagorno-Karabakh, and  Armenia will specify the points. 

"Of course, we have done work to make this document closer to the  framework of the peace agreement.  The first version required great  work. And we will soon continue negotiations on the document," Mr  Grigoryan said. 

As to the unblocking of transport links, Mr Grigoryan gave assurances  that, if Azerbaijan is sincere, it could be done within a few days -  provided Baku does not demand a "corridor." The statement of November  9, 2020, does not provide for any corridor, whereas Azerbaijan is  trying to deceive the international community by claiming the  existence of other agreements based on the "corridor logic."