“We need neither to worry, nor to have fear, nor at the same time be excited. I think we deal with certain transformation of international perception with regard to Artsakh issue. And, in my opinion, this is not situational. Since 2007, the intermediaries hoped that it is possible to bring the negotiating parties, Armenia and Azerbaijan, to a reliable agreement based on the “Madrid Principles”. In theory and, why not, in practice, it was a justified expectation, but Azerbaijan did not display any willingness of mutual concession”, so responded Chairman of NKR parliamentary foreign affairs committee, Vahram Atanesyan, in response to the observation of Aravot.am.
Recently, U.S. California state recognized the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh, some time later, on 12 September, the EU regional parliament for the first time in the history adopted a document, according to which, it supports the implementation of the right of Nagorno-Karabakh to self-determination. Gipuzkoa province, Basque Country, recognized the NKR independence a day before. Although none of the geopolitical players does not go for such revolutionary step, but in this geopolitical situation, it seems quite favorable conditions are created for the second Armenian state.
Aravot.am asked Vahram Atanesyan what concerns, fears or excitement should be displayed in this situation. In the above mentioned situation of Azerbaijan, according to Vahram Atanesyan, the alternative is either the resumption of war or legitimizing of Artsakh’s actual status. “Since the first is excluded because there is no guarantee that the “local” war would not grow to regional, with serious consequences thereof, then the second way remains. It should be paid attention that California passed a resolution supporting the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh after the unprecedented tension on the border and in the Contact line, on August 28, on the eve of the anniversary of proclamation of the Republic of Artsakh. It is a very symbolic message. The Basque Country Parliament resolution is also observable in this context, although there is also the factor of solidarity here.”
Our interlocutor agrees that no one makes such a serious decision for nothing. “Everything is prepared by hard diplomatic work. In this sense, I think, it is fully justified that the Armenian sides, along with their commitment to the peaceful settlement of the matter, develop also initiatives addresses to recognition of NKR internationally. We must hope that in the near future we will witness new manifestations. We must work uninterruptedly. NKR Foreign Minister Karen Mirzoyan, in these days, was in the Basque Country. And it says a lot.”
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Nelly GRIGORYAN
