David Babayan Responds to Elmar Mammadyarov

The statements made by Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov indicate that Baku is not ready for progress in the negotiations to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This was stated by David Babayan, the press secretary of the President of Artsakh, on his Facebook page.

Specifically, the post states:

“Mammadyarov’s statements can only be assessed as yet another manifestation of Baku's unconstructive stance. It is unclear against whom this is a disrespectful attitude—towards us or towards himself? The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister promises to ensure the safety and self-governance of Nagorno-Karabakh as a great concession. But what, are we now deprived of this? Alongside such statements, Baku continues to threaten with war. Instead of clinging to unfulfilled dreams, the Azerbaijani authorities should change their rhetoric and approaches and start direct negotiations with the official Stepanakert. This would be a significant step toward substantive negotiations, as Mammadyarov likes to express it.

The scenario proposed by Azerbaijan envisions the next step being the appointment of Ramil Safarov as the governor-general of Karabakh. In this case, the entire composition will be complete in terms of 'ensuring physical security.' It is regrettable that official Baku cannot rid itself of its illusions and continues in the same spirit. Azerbaijan’s real objectives have not changed.”