Exclusion of Nagorno-Karabakh from Negotiations is Impossible, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan

The recent negotiations held in Moscow regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh issue have solidified the inviolability of the current negotiation format; however, this does not mean that Nagorno-Karabakh is excluded from the discussions. Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan stated this in an interview with RBC television.

Mnatsakanyan regarded the agreement on the unchangeability of the negotiation format as the primary outcome of the talks in Moscow. He emphasized, “It is impossible to exclude Nagorno-Karabakh from the negotiation process, as the issue pertains directly to Nagorno-Karabakh and its population, which has chosen its authorities. Regardless of the assessments made by Azerbaijani propaganda concerning this issue, realities exist. The fact that Nagorno-Karabakh is not at the negotiation table does not mean that we are not working with its representatives on our side. But if anyone assumes that we call Nagorno-Karabakh and issue commands, they absolutely do not understand the realities present in Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh, our life, and our relationships.

The issue of Nagorno-Karabakh’s involvement is so sharply presented in Azerbaijani propaganda because it is crucial for them to show that this is a ‘Armenian-Azerbaijani’ conflict where Nagorno-Karabakh has no place at all. But the realities are different,” noted Mnatsakanyan.

The Armenian Foreign Minister also stressed that the recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh's independence by the international community is an important means of ensuring its security.