Armenia Has Not Discussed the Integration of Artsakh into Azerbaijan, Security Council Secretary Says

Armenia has not discussed the integration of Artsakh into Azerbaijan, assured Armen Grigoryan, the Secretary of the Security Council, in an interview with Azatutyun.

Here is an excerpt from the interview:

Azatutyun: Mr. Grigoryan, what did Aliyev mean when he said there is a need for international arrangements to negotiate with the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh?

Armen Grigoryan: Back in September, we had a meeting in Washington with Jack Sullivan and Hikmet Hajiyev, and one of the topics discussed was the formation of an international mechanism. I believe this is what he was referring to, that when we talk about an international mechanism, discussions should take place between Stepanakert and Baku. However, these discussions are not about ultimatums, because Azerbaijan is demonstrating certain behaviors that fall outside agreed terms, meaning it is trying to speak in ultimatums, continuing to pressure Nagorno-Karabakh through various means. I mean keeping the Lachin corridor closed, conducting diversions, and carrying out terrorist actions, such as was noted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nagorno-Karabakh on Wednesday, which warned that Azerbaijan is preparing provocations.

Azatutyun: Baku insists that the agenda of this dialogue should include the integration of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, and it is known that Stepanakert rejects this.

Armen Grigoryan: We have not discussed such a question. Everyone has publicly stated that these discussions are about rights and security, and these were precisely the international arrangements that must be implemented.

Azatutyun: Yerevan's position is that this should not be discussed.

Armen Grigoryan: Yerevan's position is that we should discuss what we have agreed upon, namely rights and security within the framework of the international mechanism.

Azatutyun: According to Azerbaijan, that could imply integration.

Armen Grigoryan: If we predetermine the final outcome, then these negotiations will be difficult to advance because Nagorno-Karabakh can also declare its final expectations. Therefore, in order for negotiations to take place, an opportunity must be created for discussions, and we must remain within the framework of agreements, because we have agreed to discuss security and rights.

Azatutyun: Mr. Grigoryan, is there a specific mechanism proposal today on the agenda for ensuring the rights of Artsakh Armenians, rather than negotiations?

Armen Grigoryan: The international mechanism is about ensuring that negotiations or discussions take place between Stepanakert and Baku, and as a result of those discussions, mechanisms can be created. One of those mechanisms could be establishing a demilitarized zone around the contact line of Nagorno-Karabakh. This demilitarized zone would, of course, create security guarantees for Nagorno-Karabakh. Various other issues could be discussed; I believe there are many questions that can be addressed, including the presence of the international community in Nagorno-Karabakh and creating mechanisms to ensure that the international community is present to provide security for the Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh. Mechanisms regarding rights could again be discussed, ensuring rights within the framework of those mechanisms. Thus, at this moment, there is an agreement on the international mechanism for negotiations, but the arrangements that need to ensure security and rights are already the subject of negotiations.