“We have said that there is a problem of borders and the problem lies in the fact that the mediators have no opportunity for not considering this issue because one of the parties – Azerbaijan, each time raises this issue and they willy-nilly discuss it. But this does not mean that if they are discussing, Azerbaijan’s option should be acceptable and do so that Artsakh again returns to its enclave borders after which the destruction of Artsakh will be a technical issue. If Azerbaijan wants it does not mean that it is acceptable and can become a reality,” so responded the NKR Spokesman David Babayan in an interview with Aravot.am referring to the statement of RA President on surrender of 7 regions to Azerbaijan.
As to why during the statement of surrender of 7 regions Serzh Sargsyan kept silent about the land corridor connecting Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, Mr. Babayan responded, “The RA President’s spokesman also made a statement and your mentioned question was covered in it, and not only the corridor, they have explained differently a secure land connection but these are options and are under discussion, it does not mean that they are passed. We always say that Artsakh has never been and will never be a part of Azerbaijan, all this that refers to the status. As for the territories, Artsakh will never be an enclave, will never have such borders that will be vulnerable by Azerbaijan, why, because we have a history, a precedent, these are not theoretical discussions or it is not a matter of ambitions. Since 1988, Azerbaijan has constantly attempted to destroy the Artsakh. In 1988 when the final phase of the movement began, these borders are the borders of Nagorno-Karabakh, as Azerbaijan reacted to our request, to settle the issue peacefully.”
To our question, now, after all, the returning of 5 or 7 regions is discussed in the NKR peace process, Mr. Babayan replied, “We always say that the problem is not the territories but the borders. We are viewing these bordered one-sidedly, what Azerbaijan demands but the problem is not limited to it. Do we not have a border issue with Azerbaijan: Getashen, Shahumyan, Northern Artsakh, Chardakhlu, occupied lands of Martakert and Martuni? Are these not borders issues? Therefore, when we are talking about borders and territories, we must understand that this is a very complex process that is not considered unilaterally, i.e. what Azerbaijan wants. If Azerbaijan is constantly raising this issue, the mediators are not judges but mediators and have to raise it at the negotiating table but it does not mean that everything is decided.”
Arpine SIMONYAN
