The joint declaration signed by Armenia and Cyprus is important as it mentions the right of Artsakh people to self-determination as primary, an Armenian expert said.

“Armenia should sign similar declarations with the other countries,” Prof. Ruben Safrastyan, director of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the RA Academy of Sciences, told a news conference in Yerevan.

“During his visit to Cyprus, Armenian President clearly stated that Turkey’s policy regarding Armenia is based on blackmail, what is unacceptable for Yerevan. President Sargsyan also emphasized that Armenia possesses all historical and legal grounds to set recognition of the Armenian Genocide as a precondition for normalization of relations,” he said.

Prof. Safrastyan also voiced hope that Armenia will go on with its policy aimed to protect national interests and secure a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.