A peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has no alternative. War is not an effective way of resolving conflicts, Polish Ambassador to Armenia Zdzislaw Raczynski told journalists Nov. 18. He pointed out that a victory can hardly be gained over a people unwilling to be subdued. The history of the Armenian and Polish peoples proves that such attempts always failed, Ambassador Raczynski said.

Speaking of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, the diplomat noted that Karabakh Armenians have repeatedly stated their willingness for independence or for being part of Armenia. At present, this factor is taken into account.

As regards the EU standards of recognizing independent states, particularly Kosovo and Karabakh, the Polish Ambassador said that each case is unique. The Kosovo problem was an event in the center of Europe, while the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the result of historical problems between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a complicated problem, as the interests of many external forces clash in the South Caucasus, the Polish Ambassador said.

The EU’s position on the South Caucasus is based on the following two principles: territorial integrity and peoples’ right to self-determination.

If Armenia and Azerbaijan continue recriminations, it will only complicate the peace process. Friends, rather than neighbors, are normally chosen. Settling the Nagorno-Karabakh issue is a multi-faceted process, with different civilizations, religions and historical insults.