Edward Nalbandian: Claims That Russia Has Excluded the Status of Artsakh from Negotiations Are Absolutely Wrong

The final status of Nagorno-Karabakh is the main topic of negotiations at this stage. This was stated by former Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian during a video bridge between Yerevan and Moscow at the Sputnik Armenia multimedia center.

He noted that the status issue was not mentioned in the recent statement released by the heads of foreign affairs of the co-chairing countries of the OSCE Minsk Group; however, Russian officials have indicated that the issue remains open and can be considered in the future.

Nalbandian finds it important how much the co-chairs will be able to continue negotiations for determining the interim, temporary status of Karabakh. In all documents, the interim status is a very serious point.

All documents discussed during the negotiations regarding the conflict emphasize that during the interim status of Karabakh, all branches of government must be formed, law enforcement forces created, and the opportunity to establish foreign relations and attract foreign investments should be provided.

The former foreign minister categorically rejected claims that Russia has excluded the status issue of the Republic of Artsakh from the negotiations. He pointed out that throughout the negotiation process, the status issue—both final and interim—has been included in all working documents, both before and after the Kazan meeting in June 2011.