STEPANAKERT (Combined Sources)–Following a meeting with Nagorno-Karabakh Republic President Bako Sahakian Tuesday, chairman of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau Hrant Markarian told a press conference that his party’s position on the Karabakh conflict resolution process remains unchanged, expressing concern over the recent movement in Armenia-Turkey/Armenia-Azerbaijan relations.
Markarian said that the region was going through complicated issues–among them are the recent overtures for normalizing relations between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey.
“The ARF position has not changed. We believe that the conflict must be resolved through negotiations and that Karabakh must be included in those talks. We believe that the final resolution of the Karabakh conflict will come with the recognition of the Karabakh, with its current borders, or its reunification with Armenia,” said Markarian.
“Turkey cannot become a mediator or a side to the conflict. That is completely unacceptable for us,” asserted Markarian when asked about Turkey’s role in the process.
In discussing Armenian-Turkish relations, the ARF leader said that there were several issues, among them the Genocide issue, which are non-negotiable in this burgeoning process.
He explained that the Armenian-Turkish relation process has not matured yet to even think “God forbid, discussing concessions.”
Markarian also discussed the situation in Javakhk, saying. “Javakhk’s salvation is in Georgia’s salvation.” He explained that he believed that Georgia would eventually become a federated or confederated state, within which Javakhk will attain its autonomy.
“Only this set-up can ensure complete stability for Georgia,” said Markarian, adding that Armenia will have to play a great diplomatic role in the event of the changes in the region.
