YEREVAN (Yerkir)–Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR) Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian told journalists in Stepanakert that MKR should take part in talks about the Karabagh settlement. He said that if MKR is not included in talks–once agreement is reached the parties will have to start talks with MKR from the beginning.
In his words–if Azerbaijan wants to solve the issue by force–Karabagh would be able to defend itself. Ohanian pointed out–however–that Karabagh is for the peaceful settlement of the issue.
Ohanian added that Karabagh has already established de facto independence and the talks should reflect this. The Karabagh movement–which began 18 years ago and was followed by a national liberation struggle–resulted in establishing the Mountainous Karabagh Republic–he said.