YEREVAN (Combined Sources)—While pledging to not interfere in the Armenia-Turkey dialogue processes, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Foreign Minister Georgi Petrosian on Thursday said that there were concerns over some provisions of the Armenia-Turkish protocols.
“Our position is quite clear: we have never interfered in Armenia’s decisions. Although, within issues of pan-Armenian importance, we are concerned with some elements of the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement,” said Petrosian in an interview with the Turkish NTV.
The foreign minister stressed his country’s desire that Turkey not connect the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with the Turkey-Armenia protocols.
“We would like the two issues to be separated from each other. Attempts to link them will not contribute to the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Turkey has obviously become hostage to its own promises to Azerbaijan. It made the promises and is now forced to keep it,” said Petrosian.
The Karabakh foreign minister also warned of Turkey’s overtures—desires—to become a party to the conflict.
“It is being perceived as a sort of pressure [from Turkey]. However, positive results rarely can result from pressure,” added Petrosian.
The Karabakh leader also emphasized that Stepanakert had repeatedly declared its willingness to sit down at the negotiating table with Azerbaijan and all issues but repeatedly has been turned down.
“Maybe Azerbaijan has its reasons, however in my opinion there are no grounds from such an adamant refusal for direct negotiations with us. We have said repeatedly that the conflict resolution would not be effective without taking into consideration the position of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic,” explained Petrosian.
In addressing the issue of Karabakh not having been recognized by another country, Petrosian explained that per international law, the development of a country does not depend on recognition.
“Throughout the years, (since 1992) we have proved to ourselves and others that we wish and are capable of establishing a state. And this is the pillar for our general policy under the current situation. The road for the future has been paved. When officials from Karabakh are holding discussions with journalists and political leaders from our country, it can only be seen as very effective for the future,” concluded Petrosian.
In response to Petrosian’s interview, the Azeri Foreign Ministry Friday issued a complaint to the Turkish Embassy in Baku and called for the Turkish Foreign Ministry to take measures to investigate and address the matter.
The visit of the NTV journalists to Karabakh “disappointed Azerbaijan,” Azeri Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Elkhan Polukhov said. “The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry strongly opposes such visits to the country’s occupied territory and requests the Turkish Foreign Ministry to investigate this fact and take measures.”
When Karabakh will be recognized by Armenia?
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