FM Nalbandian: Should Negotiations Fail, Armenia Will Recognize Karabakh Independence

YEREVAN (Armradio.am) — Should the negotiation fail, Armenia will recognize the Nagorno Karabakh and take all other steps to ensure Artsakh’s security, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said at the National Assembly today.

Asked about Armenia’s steps in case of Azerbaijan’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union, Minister Nalbandian said the issue is not on the agenda. “All members of the EEU have the tight for their opinion, and such decisions should be made by a consensus,” he added.

Speaking about the recent escalation at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the line of contact between Karabakh and Azerbaijani forces, Edward Nalabndian said: “The Co-Chairs have issued targeted statements, clearly indicating who’s responsible for the ceasefire violations. They offer to create mechanisms for investigation of border incidents, and declare that Armenia has accepted the proposal, while Azerbaijan refuses to do so.”

“Thus, the Co-Chairs make it clear that Azerbaijan bears full responsibility for the ceasefire violations and border incidents,” the Minister said.

He reminded that Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Ranking Democrat Eliot Engel (D-NY) of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee recently sent a letter to US Co-Chair James Warlick, proposing three concrete pro-peace steps that would, “in the short-term, save lives and help to avert war.”

“This means the initiative of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs finds support not only among different international structures, but also national parliaments, including the US Congress. Moreover, James Warlick has reacted to the letter, saying he fully agrees with the Royce-Engel proposals for Karabakh peace,” Minister Nalbandian stated.

“We also welcome, because that’s what we have always been saying. It’s about withdrawal of snipers, reinforcement of the ceasefire regime and creation of mechanisms for investigation of border incidents,” the Minister concluded.