Karabakh people defended their homeland in the cruel war and cannot be forced to surrender their independence, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan told reporters on Monday during his visit to Serbia.

Speaking about Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, President Sargsyan told that a peaceful resolution to the Karabakh dispute “has no alternative” and use of force or threat of force is unacceptable by international law. Armenian President stressed that his Serbian counterpart holds the same stance on the Kosovo. Serbia will never recognize Kosovo’s independence, but will refrain from any military hostilities, added Serzh Sargsyan.

“Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, people of Nagorno-Karabakh enjoyed their right to self-determination,” told President Sargsyan. “They have no future in Azerbaijan. Karabakh people defended their homeland in the cruel war and cannot be forced to surrender their independence.”

Speaking about bilateral relations between Armenia and Serbia, Serzh Sargsyan stressed that the political dialogue and cooperation in trade, economic and cultural spheres between Armenia and Serbia have great potential. According to President Sargsyan, Armenian and Serbian officials hold regular meetings in bilateral format and within the framework of international forums. The cultural relations between Armenia and Serbia are also developing actively, enhancing mutual confidence and strengthening cooperation in other fields, added Serzh Sargsyan.

“Meanwhile, joint steps are marked to be taken to broaden and deepen collaboration,” mentioned President of Armenia. “First, we focused on development of trade and economic component and stressed that there is a basis for cooperation in agriculture, tourism and energy industries.”