The sooner Nagorno-Karabakh becomes negotiating party, the better, said OSCE MG French Co-Chair Bernard Fassier at March 12 NATO PA Rose-Roth seminar in Yerevan. However, later it was dawn that the issue is not a matter of an early date.

According to him, speaking of Nagorno-Karabakh participation in the talks he does not mean Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, as it is not recognized by anyone. The aspiration of Karabakhi people to get involved in the talks that affect their vital interests is fair, but this might happen only when all Karabakh citizens including those living there before the conflict return to their places of residence.

“Once people live in peace and perceive each other as neighbors, and those living there before the conflict return to their settlements, then they will have the right for demanding participation in negotiations,” Fassier stated adding that Robert Kocharyan himself expressed a wish to present both Armenia and Karabakh in the talks.

“At some point Nagorno-Karabakh walked out of the talks and currently both parties should give their consent to its return. The day when Karabakhi people participate in the wide-ranging talks will come. And the sooner, the better,” French Co-Chair concluded.

S.T.