The key to the resolution of the Karabakh conflict and Armenian-Turkish relations is in Russia’s hands, the first Armenian President and the leader of the Armenian National Congress (ANC) Levon Ter-Petrsoyan said, addressing the 16th congress of the Armenian National Movement.

According to him, the West protracts the resolution of the Karabakh conflict despite the OSCE MG Co-Chairs efforts to explain it by disagreement between the sides.

“The West does not consider the issue is of paramount importance. I also used to think that the settlement of the Karabakh conflict was the primary task for the West. However, the recent developments showed the West is more interested in Iraq and Iran,” he said. Levon Ter-Petrsoyan deems the Western states should confess openly for the sides to seek alternative solutions.

“Unlike the West, Russia considers the South Caucasus an area of vital interests. It would be naïve to believe that Moscow will give up protecting its interests. Besides, the West also instinctively treats the South Caucasus as a zone of Russia’s interests,” the ANC leader noted.