Armenia does not officially recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic because of the ongoing negotiations with Azerbaijan and mediators, namely OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan said during Pozner Program.

“To recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic means to withdraw from the negotiation process,” Sargsyan said, explaining that it is exactly the non-recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic that keeps Armenia from also recognizing Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Kosovo. 

Sargsyan agreed that Karabakh’s recognition would increase the probability of resumption of hostilities. “The lack of negotiations increases the probability of resumption of hostilities. We want the question to be resolved in a peaceful manner. We think that the principles and elements behind the joint statements by the presidents of Russia, France and Unites States and “Madrid Principles” enable the peaceful resolution of the problem,” he said.

Armenia’s President expressed confidence with regard to the adoption of a decision which will exclude resumption of hostilities, enabling the normal coexistence in the region. “I’m sure of this,” Sargsyan said.

Referring to the Karabakh war, Sargsyan said that Armenians had to defend themselves then, otherwise “this question wouldn’t exist long ago.”