YEREVAN. – The international recognition of the self-determination right of the people of Karabakh (Artsakh) will be at the basis of the peaceful regulation of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, and we will not waver our vigilance in the Karabakh problem’s peaceful settlement process, Armenian President and the ruling coalition’s Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) Board Chairman Serzh Sargsyan said in his address at RPA’s congress on Saturday.

“We will not waver our vigilance in the Nagorno-Karabakh problem’s peaceful settlement process. Artsakh was, is, and will be Armenian. The Republic of Armenia has provided and will continue to provide assistance to Artsakh’s political and economic development.

The international recognition of the self-determination right of the people of Artsakh will be at the basis of the peaceful regulation of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, and we will continue the activities toward including the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as a full party in the ongoing [peace] talks. The efforts by Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora will be directed toward the adoption of decisions—within international organizations—that rule out the use of force in the problem’s solution,” Sargsyan stated.            

Armenia’s President also stressed that diplomatic efforts alone are insufficient to prevent hostile inroads. And the defense potential is strengthened throughout this time.    

“Imported and domestic weapons and equipment have been included. Today the country has sufficient power and means to repel a likely adversary. We will continue to make our defense potential comply with modern standards. The army will become exemplary among the society, too. [And] All current trends likewise attest that we will achieve such standards very soon,” Serzh Sargsyan noted.