The Co-Chairs recognized that the Armenian authorities’ recent decision to return the body of an Azerbaijani serviceman was a helpful humanitarian gesture. The two Ministers reiterated their commitment to strictly observe their international humanitarian obligations including those of the Astrakhan Declaration of October 2010 issued by the Presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Russian Federation.
“Should Moscow work instead of anyone? This isn’t the scenario. And as compromise isn’t so favorable to the sides, enough resources for pressure lack as well, and even if they exist, why should they be implemented? On account of this Moscow is led by the following logic: ”we shouldn’t allow the situation grow into uncontrollable conflict, then you should also be initiative.”
Greece’s stance on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement is unchanged, Ambassador of Greece to Azerbaijan Dimitrios Tsoungas told APA, announcing the Azerbaijani media have incorrectly translated his speech on February 10.
“Essence of Lapshin’s case was establishing fear atmosphere among foreigners intending to visit Artsakh, and Artsakh’s Ombudsman is in the European Parliament, moreover, introduces military crime committed by Azerbaijan, at the same time, grounding that allegations of the Azerbaijani side are baseless,” Bedo Demirdjian said.
On February 15, the expert group from the NATO Defense Education Enhancement Program (DEEP) visited the National Defense Research Univerity (NDRU), MoD, RA. President of the NDRU, Doctor of Political Science, Professor, Lieutenant-General Hayk Kotanjian welcomed the guests. He highlighted the support provided by the NATO expert group for the defense education reforms underway in Armenia.
“I attach great importance to this workshop since many things are being forgotten and distorted by Azerbaijan’s efforts. Azerbaijan is incompatible with the human rights, the terrorism committed at the state level is obvious. The April war showed that what has started in Sumgait, is its continuous policy.”
“The existent situation can’t be acceptable to neither party to the conflict, as casualties on both sides have been recorded, and not only during the April developments, but they continue until now on the line of contact. This situation can’t last long.”
Baku is strictly concerned over the statement made by French President Francois Hollande who said the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict must be based on the right to selfdetermination.
“In this circumstance, our goal is not to allow such provocations to achieve their goal,” the Minister said. He assured that the Armenian Armed Forces continue fully controlling the situation in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact and the Armenian-Azerbaijani border
Reflecting to Russia’s role and approaches in the region, that these projects will be banned by Russia, Barzegar said it should be taken into consideration that in the South Caucasus and in the region, where Armenia is located, Russia traditionally has had positions of a leading power. In his words this means, like in case of any other country following its national interests, in case of a superpower those interests are being imposed on other countries.
