Together with the Co-Chairs Armenia will continue its efforts directed towards exceptionally peaceful settlement to the conflict

Address and Q&A of the Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian at the joint press conference with the Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov.

Question: (Vahe Hovhannisyan, Armenian Shant TV channel) I have questions to both Ministers. You touched upon the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, but I would like to ask you to interpret in more details on which stage the settlement process is. The negotiations, how did they stick and how did the approaches and principles of the settlement change? And I would like to request Sergey Viktorovich to interpret on Russia’s reaction. Is Russia ready to fulfill her obligations to Armenia in case of an escalation? It is no secret, that Azerbaijan actively voices territorial claims to even Armenia, let alone Nagorno-Karabakh. It is reflected in official statements and military provocations. What the actions would be like, once military escalation rise? Thank you.

Edward Nalbandian: I can only add that regarding the stances of the parties, I do not think that some changes appear, that we could speak about the change in stances of the sides. The Co-Chairs’ stance is reflected in the Statements on the level of Presidents of the Co-Chair states, i.e. in L'Aquila, Muskoka, Deauville, Los Cabos and Enniskillen. And Armenia’s stance is in line with that of the international community. As soon as the Azerbaijani stance would also be in line with that of the international community, and the Co-Chairs have the mandate of the international community to mediation in the settlement process, then indeed we will move towards the opportunity of political settlement to the conflict.

Unfortunately, till now Azerbaijan rejects the proposals of the Co-Chairs on the essence of the settlement of the conflict and confidence-building measures. This is what we have today, but there is no alternative to the negotiations. Together with the Co-Chairs Armenia will continue its efforts directed towards exceptionally peaceful settlement to the conflict.