Sarkissian calls for immediate consultations, says he found out Karabakh deal details from press

President Armen Sarkissian says he is launching “political consultations with the purpose of agreeing solutions stemming from our agenda of the protection of pan-national interests in the shortest timeframes.”

In a statement released by his office, Sarkissian said he learned about the Karabakh deal from the press.

“I was informed from the press that a statement on stopping the Karabakh war has been signed with the presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan. I was informed about the conditions of halting the war also from the press. As President of the republic, unfortunately there was no consultation or discussion with me about this document, I didn’t participate in any negotiation. The Karabakh conflict settlement is an issue of pan-national significance and importance. Any step, action, adoption of any decision, moreover the signing of any document touching upon the vital security interest and rights of the people of Armenia, Artsakh and all Armenians must be subject to comprehensive consultations and discussions.

I underscore that the fate of Artsakh, therefore the fate of the Armenian people, can be solved only by taking into account our pan-national interests and only by a pan-national consensus. Given the existing deep concerns of a large part of the people associated with the situation, I am immediately initiating political consultations with the purpose of agreeing the solutions stemming from our agenda of protecting our pan-national interests in the shortest timeframes. As President of the republic, I consider the formation of pan-national unity to be my urgent mission in this highly important moment of national preservation. I am hopeful that we will all succeed in forming this kind of unity in a ten-day period, in the event of which I will consider myself as having used the opportunities of serving my country.”