The World Court’s judgment on Kosovo cannot have any impact on the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, and the Armenian side should not be enthusiastic about it, Galust Sahakyan, Chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) parliamentary faction told reporters on July 28. “First, the U.S. statement made it clear that double standards are applied worldwide in dealing with such problems. Kosovo can be recognized, others cannot. This is the reason why I say we should not be enthusiastic. Especially so if the grounds are even stronger in the case of Nagorno-Karabakh than in the case of any similar problems, including Kosovo,” Sahakyan said. The World Court’s judgment enables the Armenian side to modify its foreign policy and “put it on a new track.”

According to Sahakyan, Armenian diplomatic corps must call on the friendly nations to initiate the recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh as an international entity.

Sahakyan also commented on a proposal made by Karen Bekaryan, the head of the European Integration NGO. According to the proposal, the NKR foreign office should initiate consultations with friendly nations on the possible recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh. Sahakyan shares Bekaryan’s opinion, without, however, separating the NKR and RA foreign offices, as it is a national problem.

Commenting of the widespread opinion that Armenia will agree with any decision acceptable to Nagorno-Karabakh, Sahakyan said: “We say so, but it is not so. What Armenians decide will be a decision for Nagorno-Karabakh.” After the World Court passed its judgment, Armenia must speak of the format of Nagorno-Karabakh’s self-determination rather than of concessions.

The OSCE Minsk Group is the strongest format enabling Armenia to share its opinion with the international community. Therefore, this is the right format for further negotiations.