Aravot interviewed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh, Davit Babayan.
– After the Sochi meeting, there are two views in the public discourse. The first is that there is nothing in the joint statement about providing a corridor to Nakhichevan- we will only provide a road- and the second is the view that we are actually providing a corridor while calling it a road. What is the truth?
We should not give a corridor and there can be no corridor. A road is another matter; it is a matter of communication. What does the corridor mean – a territorial concession? For what? Even more, that corridor, so to speak, will cut our body like a knife and divide it into several parts. Therefore, the provision of a corridor is generally unacceptable.
Davit Babayan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh
Turkey and Azerbaijan must understand that. Is it possible to say that it is impossible to unleash them? No. Therefore, we must take that stance: a corridor will never be provided. Is Nakhichevan cut off from the world now? It is connected to Azerbaijan through Iran, and it has a border with Turkey. Roads are another matter, as is the unblocking of communications.
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– Immediately after the meeting in Sochi, Ilham Aliyev tweeted that the Zangezur corridor is becoming a reality. Did it have a purely propaganda significance?
I think so. We understand that they will constantly put pressure on us, including information, but that does not mean that we should fall victim to these provocations.
– Recently, RA Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan stated that it is not yet known which road from Nakhichevan to Azerbaijan should be used. In your opinion, what will be the most effective way that will not lead Armenia to isolation?
It should be discussed. The most important thing is not to have a corridor. The road issue is a purely technical one.
– In the public debate, the fact that the demarcation-delimitation commission will be bilateral and the role of Russia will be purely advisory is also very much promoted. In your opinion, how effective will the bilateral talks be and will Russia maintain its neutral role?
I think it will maintain its role because any such step must be bilateral so that there are no further accusations. Russia is doing the right thing.
– Is there an opportunity to get involved in other international consultations?
That is in the sphere of bilateral discussion.
To be continued tomorrow.
Interview by Nelly Grigoryan
