Armenia Firmly Rejects Azerbaijani Aggression; This Conflict Has No Military Solution – Mnatsakanyan

Attempts to undermine the OSCE Minsk Group format for resolving the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict are unacceptable, stated Armenia's Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan in an interview with Interfax.

“Any attempt to question the work of the co-chairs, which serves as a significant deterrent against escalation, as well as exerting pressure on the existing format, is unacceptable,” Mnatsakanyan said.

According to him, “over the years, a complete mechanism has been developed, with a whole system of different regulations and approaches that provide the framework where it is possible to work out compromises, tangible and real compromises.”

“In this sense, we continue to support this mediation format and will continue to do so,” he emphasized.

He noted that the efforts of the Russian Federation as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group have been “very effective, as evidenced during the events of July and even prior to them.”

“I am convinced that Russia's involvement at all levels underscores the seriousness of Russia in this process and the important contribution it provides alongside the other co-chairs in the peace settlement process,” stated Armenia's foreign minister.

Referring to the July escalation along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, the minister remarked that he considers it an attempt to impose unilateral concessions on Armenia and Artsakh through the use of force and military actions.

As Mnatsakanyan stated, “Armenia has firmly rejected this aggression, reiterating that this conflict has no military solution.”

He disagrees with certain experts who believe that seeking ways to resolve the conflict is not beneficial for Armenia. “Both Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh are interested in establishing sustainable peace in the region. This is possible through reaching a peaceful agreement based on compromises. Unilateral concessions are excluded; they cannot have a promising future,” emphasized the head of Armenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.