If Azerbaijan Intends to Observe any Result in Negotiations, it should Directly Negotiate with Stepanakert and not Pretend such a Subject Lacks: Shavarsh Kocharyan

“In this case conclusion by the Government was the fact, that recognition is conditioned by the result of negotiations between two Armenian states, on account of forthcoming developments, including external factors as well,” Shavarsh Kocharyan, RA Deputy MFA, told after today’s session, replying to the question whether the draft law on recognition of Artsakh Republic means end of negotiations.

Touching upon the statement by Sergey Lavrov, RF MFA, Shavarsh Kocharyan said, there are parts in it, which are rather clear,

“Firstly, there is no other alternative to peaceful settlement, which we totally agree, of course, there is no any alternative, that ceasefire regime should be strengthened—this is what he was saying in Yerevan as well. So, this is quite normal. As for the issue of recognition, our disposition is very clear, and if Azerbaijan attempts to avoid establishment of ceasefire regime and develops another aggression, the issue will undoubtedly enter into the agenda.”

Touching upon Bishkek records, signed in 1994 on this very day, Shavarsh Kocharyan said they were of crucial importance, however, it was a grounding, after which the agreement on ceasefire was concluded.

“Bishkek in itself wasn’t accidental, as how come the sides came to that agreement, as there was a lasting process prior to that?” said Kocharyan, then added that one point is clear: if Azerbaijan intends to see any result in negotiations, it should directly negotiate with Stepanakert, and not to pretend that such a subject lacks.

“From this perspective, as it’s said, it’s a certain litmus paper: as long as Azerbaijan opposes that Karabakh was a complete negotiating party, this means, it furthers with its policy—making use of negotiations as a veil for its destructive steps.”

By Ofelya Hovhannisyan