Armenia’s president calls on big countries stop militarization of small conflicts, including Karabakh

Armenia’s President Armen Sarkissian participated today in Minsk in the discussions of the Munich Security Conference Core Group Meeting which related to the control of armaments and creation of trust as well as regional conflicts.

President Sarkissian made a speech at the discussion relating to regional conflicts, saying that he shares his viewpoints as a participant of a discussion and is not making an official statement over situation in Armenia, relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

The president stressed that small, frozen conflicts must be treated carefully as they may become rather dangerous.

“This refers to Nagorno Karabakh conflict as well, unfortunately what happens now there may be described as highest level of escalation. I urge all the participants, representatives of the big states stop the militarization of small conflicts, including the Karabakh one. It is a small territory, but Armenia and Azerbaijan are enriching their armament. Of course it is not a nuclear one, but it complicates the situation as today the technologies develop more and arms are becoming more dangerous,” Sarkissian stressed.

“Time is a relative concept. If it works for peace we may wait, if it works for war it is too short. I am deeply concerned with Azerbaijani militarization and how much money is spent on it. It proves that it gathers big military potential. If to be attentive we may see that time is not working for peace. Is there a possibility of chain reaction? Yes, there is. We must not only speak during peace but act,” he said, stressing that soon parliamentary elections will be held in Armenia as a result of which legitimate government and parliament will be formed and there will be people who will sit at the table of negotiations with Azerbaijan. 

The president also thanked the OSCE for the efforts exerted for the peaceful settlement of the conflict.

“The conflict has only one way of settlement – peaceful. There is no military way. If military activities resume all will suffer in Artsakh, in Armenia in Azerbaijan and the whole world. Thus, there is only one peaceful way in the frameworks of OSCE Minsk Group,” he said.