The international community has no alternative but to recognize independence of Nagorno-Karabakh, an economist, MP from Republican Parliamentary group (RPA) Gagik Melikyan told a press conference on November 20. According to him, the international community is adhered to the international law and cannot simply renounce this step.

“By international law, Karabakh people defended their right to self-determination in a national referendum and voted for independence, whereas the second referendum approved a constitution for the Karabakh nation,” Melikyan said, stressing this was indicative of one thing, namely, the appearance of Nagorno-Karabakh on a geopolitical map.

As to why no country, including Armenia, have not yet recognized Karabakh’s independence, Melikyan stressed there’s time for everything. “Once the opportunity was missed,” he underscored.

Referring to Armenian President’s decision not to attend NATO Summit in Lisbon, the parliamentarian hailed it as a positive and diplomatically correct decision. “The reason for the decision is that the draft declaration contains previous wordings on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. We said and will go on saying the situation is unacceptable to us. This decision should not be considered Armenia’s diplomatic failure and cannot give rise to chill in Armenia-NATO relations,” the official stated, noting a high-level of Armenia-NATO relations should be brought to notice. “Armenia is involved in numerous programs of the alliance, within the framework of Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC), Individual Partnership Action Plan, as well as Partnership for Peace program. This decision is explained by the fact that the declaration contains only one of the three principles voiced by OSCE Minsk Group, principle of territorial integrity in particular,” Melikyan noted.

Speaking of the Astana Summit to be held on December 2, RPA member said Azerbaijani President will take three principles of Karabakh conflict resolution as a basis, thereafter he will try to disclaim them. “At present the question is: Azerbaijan should realize there is no other solution to the conflict, except for recognition of Karabakh’s independence. Thereafter it will be possible to negotiate other disputable issues. Nagorno-Karabakh has never been nor will it be a part of Azerbaijan,” he said.

“Aliyev will see back of his neck but not Nagorno-Karabakh,” Melikyan concluded.