We Are Witnessing Azerbaijan's Choice of a Military Option for Resolution with Turkey's Support: Zohrab Mnatsakanyan

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, gave an interview to "BBC Newshour," as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. Below is the interview:

- I am in Moscow to discuss various issues on our bilateral agenda with our Russian colleagues during a planned visit. However, on our agenda, of course, is a very clear issue, a major crisis that we are facing today: the escalation of the situation in Artsakh and this blatant aggression against our people and compatriots in Artsakh. We have reached a very important statement: to confirm the ceasefire regime and reduce tensions. To take that first step for humanitarian purposes and subsequently to solidify the ceasefire regime so that we can return to the normal process of peaceful resolution.

- But a ceasefire was declared on Saturday, yet it seems very fragile now:

- Yes, it remains very fragile and is a source of great concern for us, as what we are witnessing are ongoing large-scale attacks towards the settlements, positions, and defensive positions in Artsakh. And we are still hopeful that we can bring the situation back to normal, return to our agreement on ceasefire so we can restore our normal operations. First and foremost, we need to carry out very important humanitarian actions, as we had agreed on Saturday.

- Let me ask you about the ceasefire violations. Azerbaijani officials claim that seven people have been killed and dozens injured when the Armenian side shelled residential areas in Ganja. Is that true?

- The Artsakh defense forces are doing everything possible to protect themselves, as since Saturday morning, and in this regard, I am truly outraged, Azerbaijan has been continuously attacking settlements and defensive positions. Stepanakert and other towns have been subjected to relentless attacks until late Saturday night and this continued into Sunday morning. And again we have this fragility of the situation. Stepanakert has found itself in a very difficult situation: so much destruction, so many casualties, so many displaced people. The infrastructure, energy supply, and everything has been brought to such a dire state that people have found themselves in a very heavy situation. The same can be said for other cities and towns.

- Let me ask you about the status of Artsakh. Last week, the self-proclaimed government of this enclave requested international recognition. Does Armenia support this?

- Of course, Armenia supports everything that sustains the existential physical security of our compatriots in Artsakh. We have been very cautious and patient not to jeopardize the peace resolution. But what we are witnessing in the last two weeks is Azerbaijan's choice of a military option for resolution, forced through military aggression.

- Why don’t you annex the territory or recognize its independence? These are options available to you:

- For the very same reason that we must be responsible. We do not want to miss the opportunity for a peaceful resolution.

- But if your Prime Minister says that Karabakh is Armenia, then it is quite clear that you do not wish to recognize its independence:

- Do not present it out of context. The Prime Minister of Armenia has been very consistent regarding the issue of a compromise solution, insisting that there is no alternative but to achieve a compromise solution acceptable to the people of Armenia, the people of Artsakh, and the people of Azerbaijan. Only a compromise solution is possible. When the Prime Minister’s statement is viewed out of context, it results in misunderstandings. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has said that Armenia is making great efforts towards its own reforms and its own development, and that Armenia cannot be indifferent to its compatriots in Artsakh. And in this context, Armenia will support our compatriots in Artsakh as their only guarantor of security. In the context of the conflict, he has directly and consistently spoken about compromise.

- How confident are you that the ceasefire, as it currently exists, will be maintained in some way?

- I believe that this is also an important part of our conversation here in Moscow, and we will continue discussions with the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, France and the USA, who are part of these mediation efforts. Russia is doing a lot of work with France and the USA. Now we must not abandon any possibility of maintaining peace. We need to advance the idea of verification mechanisms, which will help us restore the ceasefire regime, reestablish peace so that we can return to peaceful resolution. We do not lose hope, and we will continue to work tirelessly in this direction.