The Hayots Ashkharh daily held an interview with Deputy Director of Caucasus Institute, political scientist Sergey Minasyan.

Mr. Minasyan, the Heritage-initiated bill on Nagorno-Karabakh’s recognition was supposed to become a matter of various external speculations. Can we say these fears subdued?

As it was expected, the Heritage Party and Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutyun voted for the bill. The voting did not actually take place, as the parliamentary majority did not vote.

Approaches of Heritage and ARFD towards de jure recognition of Karabakh differ at the moment. However, I think ARFD could not have contradicted with its nationalistic ideology. Besides, being an oppositional political force, ARFD could not but seize this opportunity to reiterate its position. The stance of the pro-governmental coalition was logical too.

It is clear Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Prosperous Armenian Party (PAP) and Rule of Law (OYK) cannot be against Karabakh’s recognition, however they are responsible for foreign policy and could not but take into consideration some political constraints. If we speak openly, it is obvious the pro-governmental coalition considers the bill on Karabakh’s recognition will hinder the negotiation process at this stage. If the Armenian parliament approved the bill, the other side will have no reason to continue the talks.

If the parliament approved of the bill, what would Azerbaijan’s response have been?

It should be remembered after Karabakh’s recognition by Armenia, Aliyev will not be able to go on with his belligerence. He would be forced either to keep silence or unleash a war.