Artsakh’s status, security among Armenia's priorities: Foreign MinisterJanuary 28, 2019 - 16:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan reiterated Armenia’s commitment to the principles in the Nagorno Karabakh peace process, ruling out any alternative to a peaceful settlement of the conflict, Pamorama.am reports. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group issued a statement following a meeting with Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign policy chiefs, revealing that the Ministers have agreed upon the necessity of taking concrete measures to prepare the populations for peace. They also said that a possible summit between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia would give a strong impulse to the dynamic of negotiations. The Armenian foreign policy was asked about his recent meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart in Paris. Speaking to reporters at Yerablur Military Pantheon on Monday, January 28 - the day Armenia celebrates the 27th anniversary of the national army - the Minister said they have agreed that creating an atmosphere conducive to peace as a key factor to push forward the peace process is key. “The most important thing we stated is that the status and security [of Artsakh] remain priority issues for Armenia. The talks focus on this,” he said. Mnatsakanyan gave his strong assurances that nothing can affect Armenia’s approach in the issue. Commenting on the possible return of Artsakh to the negotiating table, Mnatsakanyan said it requires constant efforts. “Karabakh’s involvement is also a matter of practical application. If something doesn’t work out immediately, it does not mean we forget about it. This is a very concrete, practical issue for us in order to achieve progress in the negotiation process,” he said. As for the Minsk Group co-chairs’ statement on preparing the populations for peace, the Armenian foreign policy chief agreed that it is a necessity, adding there is nothing new in the call. “We work towards peace, but our determination must not be thrown into question. Peace has no alternative: any alternative to peace would imply a catastrophe,” the minister added. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |