“If we do not pursue realistic geopolitics, imagine the situation virtually, or stop dealing with stress, we will face bigger challenges and losses.” Aravot interviewed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh, Davit Babayan.
– Speaking at the online press conference on demarcation, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that they know in millimeters where the border passes. Are they aware of Armenia’s programs and processes in Artsakh?
It is in the sphere of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. What is important for us is our approach, which is unchanged: Artsakh will never be part of Azerbaijan and the issue of deoccupation is a priority for us. We will never merge with the occupation and seizure of our lands.
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– What portfolio should Armenia use to participate in the upcoming meeting in Brussels within the framework of the Eastern Partnership summit, especially since the previous 2017 summit resolution, which was also signed by Azerbaijan, was actually violated by Azerbaijan by unleashing war on Artsakh and Armenia. What demands should Armenian diplomacy make towards the international community?
We need to talk about the issues you mentioned, but more importantly, we must unite, stop dealing with stress, and pursue a correct, realistic policy. If we do not pursue realistic geopolitics, imagine the situation virtually, or stop dealing with stress, we will face greater challenges and losses.
– What do you mean when you say that we should pursue a realistic policy? Is there a realistic policy now?
We must correctly assess the environment, the real interests of all players, our resources, distinguish between true friends and those with whom relations must be formal, neighborly, and ritual, those with whom we must deepen relations, and those with whom we must weaken relations, because there are directions in which relations with secondary-tertiary players should be. We must pursue a very realistic policy for a country in a difficult situation like ours.
– In other words, who should be our main partners?
When we talk about it, it does not mean that we should loudly declare that state A, state B are secondary for us, but in my opinion, such a policy should be pursued.
– What are the expectations from the OSCE Minsk Group? This platform has not been able to reorganize its work in a year and they have not even visited the conflict zone.
Discussions take place, they also have meetings, share statements, and, as can be seen from the recent announcements, they want to resume work and there are already noticeable directions with an emphasis on humanitarian issues. We will see. We are interested in the Minsk Group resuming its work. The Co-Chairs are also interested and have made statements about it.
– The Artsakh Human Rights Defender recently warned that Azerbaijan is restricting communication opportunities in Artsakh. What do they want to achieve by applying new pressures?
They want to choke Artsakh. They don’t want any Armenians to remain here. They never hid their intentions. They are the most honest enemies.
Interview by Nelly Grigoryan
