YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Asked to comment on the latest statement by Levon Ter-Petrosyan spokesperson Levon Zourabian suggesting that Nagorno-Karabakh not meddle in Armenia’s internal affairs–chief of the Information and Press Department of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Zhanna Krikorova said the following:
"It does not matter whether Zourabian refers to meddling in Armenia’s internal affairs as a fact or simply warns against any such move. We hold it inadmissible to make similar statemen’s without having any factual grounds. Therefore–the given `warning’ can be viewed as irresponsible and beyond the spokesman’s official powers. With regards to all that is stated above–we deem it necessary to point out the following: it is true that Karabakh criticizes the events that have been taking place over the past three months–especially now that attempts to arrive at a solution to the Karabakh issue without considering the interest of the people of Karabakh are so obvious. Karabakh can express not only the opinion above–but also its own resolution too any current situation–not only with regards to Armenia’s leadership but with any other state which tries to force unacceptable decisions on its people.
"The settlement of the Karabakh conflict and all related matters cannot be viewed as either the internal affairs of Armenia or those of Karabakh. This problem belongs to all Armenia’s. Karabakh’s leadership is not only entitled to–but–furthermore–ought to defend its people’s positions. Realizing its responsibility for the security and peaceful existence of the peoples of Karabakh and Armenia–it has to define the factors hindering a solution to the problem and comment on any processes obstructing the Karabakh settlement."
