YEREVAN. – Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian thanked the European institutions for their interest and assistance to the settlement of the Karabakh conflict.
During the meeting of PACE Standing Committee held in Yerevan, the Minister recalled that the conflict has not been formally discussed in the Council or Europe, or in the Committee of Ministers.
“These structures have no mandate, but we are grateful for their interest and the interest of other international organizations to the OSCE Minsk Group activities aimed at finding a peaceful settlement on the basis of the proposals made by co-chairs and other member states of the organization. This format is very important and effective,” he said.
Edward Nalbandian recalled that a number of declarations on the level of the co-chairs of the Minsk Group and OSCE Ministerial Council were adopted on Karabakh: “There is no other conflict in the world which would be raised to such a high political level.”
Minister Nalbandian reiterated that Armenia welcomes and supports the mentioned statements and is ready to participate in the settlement of the conflict based on these statements. Foreign Minister said that the Armenian side has never demanded that the international community must support their positions exclusively.
“We expect the support of the international community which is expressed in statements. Such a support can help in finding a peaceful settlement. A similar approach Armenia expects from Azerbaijan,” he said.
Asked about the extent of compromise, Minister Nalbandian said that Yerevan’s position is fully consonant with the position of the international community. At the same time, he criticized the position of the Azerbaijani side, recalling that Baku refers to the updated proposals dating back to 2009.
“Does it mean that all subsequent documents are irrelevant?” he wonders.
At the same time, Edward Nalbandian noted that the Azerbaijani side, agreeing to a certain document, is pressing for 10 reservations. The Minister stressed Armenia’s readiness for confidence-building measures.
“Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh are committed to maintaining the ceasefire, creation of mechanisms to investigate incidents, and withdrawal of snipers. Azerbaijan rejects all such approaches.”
Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am
