Recent agreements between Russia and Armenia important from a geopolitical point of view, since Russian-Armenian fraternal relations are being strengthened. This is very important from the point of view of ensuring peace and stability in the region. The stronger the Armenian-Russian fraternal relations, the more reliable the future of both Armenia and Artsakh will be, the stronger Russia's positions will be, Artsakh Foreign Minister David Babayan told Armenian News-NEWS.am.
He added that the statement confirmed the importance of following the peace agenda, resolving issues peacefully, and emphasized the concept of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. All processes must be considered from this point of view.
As for the issue of the status of Artsakh, the FM recalled that Russia touched this problem more than other countries, said that the Karabakh problem had not been resolved. Russia also reacted to Azerbaijan's statements that the Lachin corridor allegedly belongs to them, and they will do whatever they want there.
“Back then, Moscow clearly stated that the Lachin corridor was in the zone of responsibility of Russian peacekeepers. And which of the other countries represented in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship raised the issue of status? We do not see Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan, everyone in Artsakh, without exception, adheres to this opinion. It doesn’t matter who says what, this is unacceptable for us, even if the whole world tries to convince us of this,” Babayan said.
He stressed that relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan are connected with the settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh problem, however, these are separate processes.
“Regulation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan cannot take place at the expense of Artsakh. Recognition of Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan will lead to a catastrophe not only for Artsakh, but for the entire Armenian statehood. And let no one think that Armenia has a future without Artsakh. There will be no such thing. With such a development of events, only one future awaits Armenia - destruction.
In addition, such developments will fundamentally change the geopolitical landscape in the region. It can't just happen by someone's will. It will be a terrible, bloody process. Those countries for which such a situation will create a mortal threat will not sit idly by and simply watch as Turkey and Azerbaijan absorb the entire region.
In the event of the destruction of Artsakh, a completely different situation will be created in the region, everything will change in Armenia too, it will become an object and will be absorbed by Turkey and Azerbaijan.
If Baku and Ankara achieve their goals in the South Caucasus, then the foundation will be laid for the reconstruction of a new Ottoman Empire. This is clear to everyone. It is clear who is interested in this and who is not. Therefore, it is not so easy anymore, there are “red lines” everywhere. Our fate, the fate of the Armenian people, is being decided, so our answer will be clear, unambiguous and bold. Artsakh is one of the exceptional countries that has no borders, but a line of contact. These are all red lines. Therefore, the status of Artsakh is very important for us,” the diplomat said.
Babayan believes that Russia bears an exclusive historical responsibility for the region.
“We must do everything to save Artsakh. To do this, first of all, it is necessary to maintain fraternal relations with Russia. This is not a field for experimentation. One of the important guarantees for the salvation of our homeland is the Armenian-Russian fraternal relations,” he added.
According to him, the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship as a single body in which Russia and the West have been cooperating for many years, against the backdrop of the Ukrainian events, is frozen, not liquidated, not dissolved, but frozen.
“The dissolution involves a more complex legal and political process,” the Artsakh Foreign Minister concluded.
