Babayan Provides Details on Meetings Held in Armenia

Artsakh does not oppose the improvement of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan; however, recognizing Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan is unacceptable, as it could lead to war, bloodshed, genocide, or the depopulation of Artsakh. This viewpoint was expressed by David Babayan, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Artsakh, during a press briefing with journalists at the National Assembly of Armenia.

Referring to the statement made after the meeting in Prague on October 6, attended by Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Michel, and President Macron, wherein Armenia and Azerbaijan confirmed their recognition of each other's territorial integrity, Babayan stated, “We are not against the improvement of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Who can be opposed to the improvement of those relations? However, we must understand that it is unacceptable for Artsakh to be recognized as part of Azerbaijan for the people of Artsakh and, I believe, for all Armenians.”

When asked about the clarifications the Artsakh delegation received regarding this matter during their meetings in Armenia, he said, “At both meetings, there were, of course, clarifications that no one is planning to leave Artsakh or recognize it as part of Azerbaijan. Now we need to conduct a very flexible policy.”

According to Babayan, while Armenia and Azerbaijan can recognize each other's territorial integrity, it must be emphasized that this does not extend to Artsakh. “This can be noted as a separate point, or it can be mentioned that this issue should be discussed later. We must state and clarify that Artsakh can never be part of Azerbaijan. It is very important for us that this philosophy is expressed either through a point or clearly articulated in policy,” stated the Foreign Minister of Artsakh.

He noted that there is no document stating that Artsakh is part of Azerbaijan or that Armenia is renouncing it. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of the unity of the Armenian people.

The delegation led by the President of Artsakh has been in Yerevan for 3-4 days. David Babayan announced that they have held various meetings during this time. On October 13, they met with the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, and on October 14, they met with the Speaker of the National Assembly. A meeting with the President of Armenia is also scheduled for the day. On October 15, meetings with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Armenia are planned.

“In other words, we will meet with representatives of the highest leadership who are involved in the negotiations and directly participate in all processes concerning the fate of Artsakh and the Armenian people,” said Babayan.

He highlighted the importance of maintaining a stable connection between Armenia and Artsakh, including at the institutional level. “We have openly discussed the most complex issues. It is also very important for us to have a clear stance regarding Artsakh,” noted the Foreign Minister of Artsakh.