Armenia's recognition of Karabakh shouldn't be a 'single shot'

PanARMENIAN.Net - "However, such a move on behalf of the Republic of Armenia, to put it figuratively, should not be a single shot. It must be followed by similar statements by other countries. If no preparations have been made, it is necessary to get to work as new international relations are being established," Masis Mayilyan said.



"Theoretically, it would be desirable if Azerbaijan were among countries which will recognize NKR first. In that case the conflict would be settled, and opportunities for effective regional cooperation, beneficial for all the nations of the South Caucasus, would appear. However, since our neighbors are not ready for such actions, NKR and Armenia must pursue a policy on the Karabakh issue in two parallel directions. On the one hand, it is necessary to resume the talks in the full three-party format under the aegis of the OSCE Minsk Group, on the other hand, it is necessary to work with separate countries and international organizations for the de jure recognition of NKR. Such an approach is positive in every sense since the least success on the second track will help the Minsk process move forward," he said.



A 'solo' recognition of NKR by Armenia would be of vital necessity in case of armed aggression against NKR on behalf of Azerbaijan, according to him.



"Meanwhile, in this phase it would be expedient to establish a legal basis for the military cooperation of the two states. It will help to solve a number of issues, including that of the military service of volunteers from Armenia in the NKR Army of Defense. It is evident that the NKR Army of Defense defends not only the border of NKR but also the eastern border of the Republic of Armenia, from the ridge of Mrav to the Armenian and Iranian border in the south. It is also necessary to set down in an agreement the status of the Republic of Armenia as a guarantor of the security of NKR and its people," he said.



As to Azerbaijan's attempt to replace the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, Mr Mayilyan said, "The recent actions of the Azerbaijani side were like blackmail rather than real steps toward changing the composition of the co-chairs or to thwart the Minsk process. The point is that besides Azerbaijan there are other sides of the conflict, and the choice of mediators is not made by one of them. All the three sides should agree. To some extent, this blackmail was successful. I was a bit surprised at the excusing tone of the interview of one of the co-chairs," Karabakh-Open.com reports.