Artsakh Cannot Be Under Azerbaijani Jurisdiction, Says Armenian Foreign Minister

On November 9, the statement outlines the situation present at the time of its adoption, with the understanding that the final political settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not resolved, stated Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan in an interview with RIA Novosti.

“We believe that a solution can only be achieved through negotiations, which will consider the rights of all and bring peace and stability to the South Caucasus. Such a settlement should be based primarily on the determination of the status of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). The essence of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the question of the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination. This right cannot be suppressed or frozen by force. Armenia has asserted and will continue to assert the positions of recognizing the self-determination and security rights of the people of Artsakh,” he said.

The minister emphasized that under any status and in any conditions, Artsakh cannot be under Azerbaijani jurisdiction. According to the minister, the recent aggression has once again confirmed that Artsakh's inclusion in Azerbaijan would mean Artsakh without Armenians.

“As for Armenia’s recognition of Artsakh as an independent state, Yerevan remains committed to the negotiating process. Currently, the issue of resuming the peace settlement process, which will ultimately ensure long-term security and stability in our region, is on our agenda,” the head of the foreign ministry stated.

Foreign mercenaries brought to the conflict zone by Turkey and Azerbaijan must be withdrawn from the region immediately and completely, Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan stated in an interview with RIA Novosti.

The minister noted that the decision of the Azerbaijani leadership to turn the country into a Turkish satellite and a center of terrorism poses a serious threat not only to regional but also to international security.