VIDEO: The Security of the People of Artsakh is Not Subject to Compromise, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan in Bratislava

During the 26th ministerial meeting of the OSCE in Bratislava, Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan delivered a speech outlining the official position of Armenia regarding the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue in seven points. The speech is as follows:

"In this context, I would like to emphasize Armenia's position on key issues regarding the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. First, the conflict, which is addressed within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship enjoying international mandate and support, has no alternative to peaceful resolution. Second, the inalienable right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination is the fundamental principle and basis for peaceful resolution. The recognition of this principle implies that the determination of Artsakh’s final status cannot be subject to any limitations, which must be clearly and unequivocally accepted. The term 'without limitation' clearly points to the right of the people of Artsakh to possess and determine their status independently of Azerbaijan's jurisdiction, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Azerbaijan's ongoing hostile policies and consequential actions create an existential physical security threat for the people of Artsakh, as manifested during the recent aggression by Azerbaijan against Artsakh in April 2016. All this underscores the illegitimacy of Azerbaijan’s claims over the people of Artsakh and the impossibility of their realization. Azerbaijan must take an immediate obligation to recognize, without any limitation, the right of the people living in Artsakh to self-determination through legally binding free expression of will. Third, the security of the people of Artsakh is not subject to compromise. Under no circumstances should the people of Artsakh be left without the necessary lines of security for their protection. There cannot be any situation that poses an existential threat to the security of the people of Artsakh, as occurred in 1991-1994 and in 2016.

To emphasize this thought, I would like to refer to the current situation in the territories of Artsakh that are now under Azerbaijani occupation, where Armenians have been subjected to ethnic cleansing and which are now completely resettled by Azerbaijanis. This reality has recently been presented by the leadership of Azerbaijan as a good example of the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

Fourth, the peaceful resolution must be inclusive, with the direct involvement of all parties to the conflict. Therefore, Artsakh must be a direct party to the negotiation process through elected representatives of its people. In this regard, we emphasize the need for the full engagement of the elected representatives of Artsakh in the peace process, particularly in substantive matters. The Armenian government will never resort to actions that may violate the right of the people of Artsakh to freely determine their own political status and deprive them of a sense of ownership in this process.

Fifth, there is no alternative to the peaceful resolution process of the issue. Artsakh has every capability to protect itself and its people. Armenia continues to be the only guarantor of the security of Artsakh. Peaceful resolution cannot proceed in an environment of escalating tensions and risks. Consequently, the ceasefire agreements of 1994 and 1995 between Azerbaijan, Artsakh, and Armenia must be strictly observed and reinforced. Mechanisms for risk reduction must be implemented, including the establishment of OSCE mechanisms to investigate ceasefire violations and monitor the ceasefire regime, including through the expansion of the capabilities of the Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.

Sixth, there must be an unconditional adherence to the fundamental principle of non-use of force or threat of force. The incitement and orchestrated politics of hatred, intolerance, xenophobia, and anti-Armenianism by the Azerbaijani leadership must be condemned. Efforts must be made to prepare the peoples for peace and to create a conducive environment for peace. Seventh, Azerbaijan’s maximalist positions, which do not take into account the will and concerns of the people of Artsakh, are fundamental obstacles to substantive progress in the peace resolution process. The inability of the Azerbaijani authorities to reciprocate Armenia’s calls for compromise is evidence of this. Let me remind you that Armenia’s Prime Minister demonstrated strong political will by stating that any resolution must be acceptable to the people of Armenia, Artsakh, and Azerbaijan, which means that the resolution is possible only through compromises.

Mr. Chairperson, Armenia is committed to the negotiation process and will continue to work persistently toward a peaceful resolution. At the same time, it is unacceptable for Azerbaijan, in light of current internal political developments, to present conditions for the peace process as put forth in a document circulated prior to the ministerial council. Armenia rejects such an unconstructive approach. Last month we demonstrated a modest but important example of building trust among all parties to the conflict. The exchange of journalists from Armenia, Artsakh, and Azerbaijan is a promising example for building trust and facilitating inclusive dialogue at the public level between the parties. We are ready to build on this experience in the future. Moreover, the relatively low level of violations along the contact line and the state borders must also be maintained and expanded.

Nevertheless, we remain seriously concerned about the fact that despite these measures, casualties and injuries continue to be recorded, which could have been avoided. The implementation of already undertaken commitments is key to building trust toward the prospect of a final resolution of the issue. In conclusion, I would like to greet the next presiding country, Albania, and wish it every success. Thank you."