April 2 marks the anniversary of the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Karabakh. What conclusions did Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR) draw from these events?
Official Stepanakert, certainly, fully analyzed the April war, considering its various aspects, including military, political, economic, information, psychological and humanitarian. Appropriate conclusions were drawn, a lot of work is being done to increase the defense capacity of the armed forces of our country, to adjust the strategic goals and tasks of the army in counteracting adversary’s aggressive policy in various directions.
The Azerbaijani side rejects arrangements on introduction of investigation mechanisms. What does it mean?
This speaks volumes. First and foremost, such a destructive policy of official Baku demonstrates that it is the Azerbaijani side that initiates the violation of the ceasefire regime, various acts of a terrorist character at different sections of the border. Secondly, it shows that Azerbaijan never gives up its aggressive plans to destabilize the situation in the region. Thirdly, Baku’s policy is a manifestation of disrespect for the undertaken obligations, disrespect for international law and torpedoing of mediator’s efforts on peaceful settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict.
Is unilateral introduction of these mechanisms possible?
Implementation of the abovementioned measures unilaterally is technically possible. But in this case, it will have no effect at all, because all parties should be interested to introduce the mechanisms and take measures to prevent violation of ceasefire regime. Non-participation of one of the parties in this process negates all the work.
The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group have repeatedly stated about the need of Karabakh’s participation in the negotiation process. Isn’t it the time for Artsakh’s participation, given deadlock in talks after the April events?
We have repeatedly stated that it is simply impossible to achieve a comprehensive negotiated settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict without a full-fledged format of negotiations with the participation of official Stepanakert at all the stages. Mediators also realize this. The issue of restoring a full-fledged negotiation format is only a matter of time, and this will happen sooner or later.
What do you think of permanent threats from Baku?
As I have already mentioned, official Baku pursues a destructive, aggressive and anti-Armenian policy. Their policy is not only about information and propaganda, this also is manifested every day in the form of various violations of the ceasefire regime, continuous provocations and attempts to carry out subversive and terrorist actions. We, of course, take this into account and take appropriate steps to maintain peace and stability in the region and to preserve strategic initiative in the hands of the NKR Defense Army along the entire border.
Is it possible to return to peaceful relations between the two peoples in the future?
Unlike the policy of official Baku, which is based on Nazi ideas and hatred towards Armenians, we do not hate Azerbaijani people and our fight is not against them. The Azerbaijani people became hostage to the policy of hatred displayed by their own authorities. Peace between our nations is possible, but it should be based on the principles of equality, neighborliness and mutual respect.
