"We Stand on the Threshold of Critical, Perhaps Tragic Developments": Davit Babayan

Before signing any document with Azerbaijan, it must be stated, at least in one form, that it does not apply to Artsakh. It is categorically unacceptable for us to consider any option of being part of Azerbaijan; whomever wants to sign that, let them do so, stated Davit Babayan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh, in an interview with "Factinfo."

“We must be confident and know clearly that the recognition of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity will not extend to Artsakh. As long as there is nothing concrete, we’ll wait, but sooner or later an answer must be provided regarding this issue. We are standing on the threshold of critical, perhaps tragic developments. We are obliged to be principled, excluding any option of incorporating Artsakh into Azerbaijan. If we maintain this principle unviolated and adopt the correct approach, then everything can be normal,” Babayan emphasized.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh considered direct negotiations between Stepanakert and Baku unrealistic at least at this moment but reaffirmed that Artsakh is ready to negotiate with Azerbaijan if, first of all, the OSCE Minsk Group format is restored. “If that format is restored, where Artsakh is internationally recognized both as a party to the negotiations and as a party to the conflict, then we can negotiate with Azerbaijan, of course, with the participation of the member countries of the Minsk Group,” he stated.

Babayan stressed that as long as this opportunity does not exist and there is not much hope that it will arise soon, Armenia, as the guarantor of Artsakh’s security, must fulfill its obligations. “For 30 years, negotiations have been ongoing, and who has said that this process will end soon? The issue is not so much about direct or indirect negotiations but about advancing our position regarding the fate of Artsakh, as our future depends on it. Recognizing Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan would be catastrophic for all Armenians; we would be fundamentally demoralized, losing the right to have a state and, in general, the right to live,” emphasized the head of Artsakh’s foreign affairs agency.