“Especially the ruling political class of Armenia and Artsakh should give an account of the fact that if Azerbaijan does not withdraw its squads from the Armenians positions occupied during the 4-day war prior to the meeting, then the Aliyev-Sargsyan meeting will be called on to affix at the international level the right to resume war by Baku and will beforehand give the justification for such behavior,” said former NKR Foreign Minister Arman Melikyan, in an interview with Aravot.am, referring to the possible meeting of the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Vienna next week. Recall that this was announced by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs today.
Aravot.am asked Arman Melikyan what to expect from this meeting if there are no new suggestions and what was available was rejected by Azerbaijan for 25 years, and after the April hostilities, Serzh Sargsyan announced that no negotiations can take place as long as there are shootings on the border. Incidentally, the shootings on the border are nor ceased. “Regarding the installation of effective means to prevent the hostilities and to enhance the mutual trust between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijani armed forces on the contact line, the co-chairs are going to speak exclusively with Ilham Aliyev at this stage and only after the consent expressed by the latter publicly on this issue and the withdrawal of troops from the occupying positions, Mr. Serzh Sargsyan perhaps will have the right to attend this meeting on behalf of Armenia. Suffice, Armenian soldier’s blood can no longer be the subject of dirty trade, and our society must reach this simple truth to the people and all those who are standing in the power today,” said Arman Melikyan, adding that everyone understands clearly that the enemy failed to break through our defense in this four-day war only thanks to 18-20 years old Armenian soldiers’ selfless patriotism and bravery, thanks to the fact that some of these guys took on the responsibility of organizing defensive battles instead of their fallen commanders. Regarding the suspension of the main attack of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the direction of Akna-Askeran, it seems was the result of now dismissed General parliamentarian Vitali Balasanyan’s initiative. “I do not belittle anyone’s contribution, and I do not ignore anyone with these words but to call a spade a spade is imperative,” said Arman Melikyan.
Nelly GRIGORYAN
