Recently, the highest representatives of the government of the Republic of Armenia declared that they favor such an “internationally visible mechanism” under the auspices of which Baku and Stepanakert will directly discuss the “rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh.” Here, however, we should emphasize that in the parallel reality, the government actually and practically refused the commitment to settle the conflict through fully realizing the right to self-determination of the Republic of Artsakh, stipulated in its pre-election program (and the agenda of the government).
In addition, the President of Azerbaijan has repeatedly confirmed that there is no Nagorno-Karabakh problem and “Nagorno-Karabakh,” that he will talk to the “Armenians of Karabakh” only as his citizens. Moreover, Azerbaijan rejects international involvement in this process, as it considers the problem its “internal matter.”
“Aravot” discussed the topic with Giro Manoyan, Head of the ARF (HYD) Hay Dat and Political Affairs office.
– Mr. Manoyan, according to your analysis, what does this “internationally visible mechanism” imply, and do we have grounds to state that this “dialogue” will be equal between equals?
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– If the principle of equality is violated, then there is no need to negotiate. In that case, there is nothing to negotiate. The President of Artsakh said in his speech the other day that there are meetings about some practical things, but if they have to deal with the settlement of the issue, then the principle of equality should apply. But until today, we have yet to see a disposition on the part of the international community to act as a mediator. Meanwhile, it is inevitable. If the world wants the issue to be settled, and it should be through negotiations between Azerbaijan and the Republic of Artsakh, then their mediation is the option; there is no other option. Because even with their participation, Azerbaijan reaches agreements and breaks them after a few hours. So, there should be a third party or parties, and somewhere, they should also support the negotiations. Today, Azerbaijan is on a different channel and announces there is no issue to settle, nothing to negotiate. Therefore, the international community must play a role, but it will only happen with the active support of RA.
– The authorities’ representatives, regularly referring to the previous round of the negotiation process, justify their decision by saying they are allowing Artsakh to return to the negotiation table and talk with Baku.
– That question has been the subject of many arguments: was Artsakh left out, or was it a part? There were many clarifications that the Republic of Artsakh is not separate but a part. Azerbaijan did not want to sit next to the Artsakh government. And the expulsion of Artsakh happened earlier than some people try to understand. I have no desire to comment on what this government says because everything they say is meaningless. They say one thing, then another.
– Nikol Pashinyan’s government also regularly claims that the previous government, accepting the “Madrid principles,” had already left Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan.
– Sorry for the word; that is stupidity. If it was so, then why did Azerbaijan not accept it? It’s nonsense. It means not understanding. They even stated they did not understand the “Madrid principles” meant. The one who became the prime minister said that he wants to explain what it means to him, so let me not comment on all that.
Luiza SUKIASYAN
“Aravot” daily 03.04.2023
