Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian

YEREVAN (ArmRadio)—The liberation of Shushi became a turning point in a war waged by Azerbaijan, and the fact that the day overlaps with the victory over fascism may not be accidental, Armenia’s Foreign Minister, Edward Nalbandian, said to Public TV.

“Today the victorious Army of Artsakh is fighting a new expression of fascism. The aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh in early April was nothing but fascism. The statements full of xenophobia, intolerance and hostility coming from Baku were nothing but fascism,” Nalbandian said.

“Six hundred thousand Armenians participated in World War II, and only half returned home. My father participated in the victorious Battle of Stalingrad, my two uncles were killed in the war, and there is no Armenian family that has not participated in the Great Patriotic War,” he added.

According to Nalbandian, the Armenian nation was victorious over fascism and continues to do so today.

Meetings and discussions should focus only on the prevention of new Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh, the Foreign Minister says.

As for Armenia’s perspective of recognition of Artsakh, Nalbandian said that “the recognition will depend on discussions between Armenia and Artsakh and other developments, including the ones on international arena.

“It’s a delicate issue, and there’s no need for sudden and emotional approaches,” the Minister said.

“The international community shares our approaches and stance. This is proven by the five statements of the heads of the three-co-chairing countries. Until now, Azerbaijan has been avoiding to make any reference to the statements, while those represent the position of the international community on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue,” Nalbandian said.

“The messages coming from the United States, France and Russia also make it clear that the self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh is a key issue. It has always been a key topic in the talks, and it’s necessary to ensure that the right is realized and recognized,” the Foreign Minister added.