YEREVAN. - The primary goal of Armenian foreign policy is resolution of conflicts by peaceful means on the basis of good neighborly relations, said the presidential candidate and leader of Heritage party Raffi Hovhannisian this Wednesday, while presenting his election program.

According to Hovhannisian, recognition of the territorial integrity and independence of Karabakh is very important, and if the people of Karabakh wish, then unification with Armenia is also possible. As a guarantee for peaceful resolution of Karabakh conflict, the participation of the Nagorno-Karabakh authorities must be ensured in the negotiation process within the OSCE Minsk Group.

Also, according to a presidential candidate, the right of Karabakh people to self-determination must be established from the international community, providing a solution that ensures reliable land borders with Armenia, while Karabakh itself will develop and implement its own domestic and foreign policy.

“The negotiation process on the Karabakh conflict should take place only within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, excluding the role of any other country with a biased position,” Hovhannisian said.

He also noted that in the context of approval of good neighborly relations, it is necessary that the Armenian parliament withdraws from the agenda and reviews the Armenian-Turkish protocols.

“Armenia must propose requirements on cessation of hostilities and the blockade imposed by Turkey. The best option for the parties is to sign protocols on establishing diplomatic relations without any preconditions,” he added.

Hovannisian believes Armenia-Turkey reconciliation also includes a comprehensive settlement of all historical and contemporary disputes, the recognition of a shared history and the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire.