Artsakh’s Presidential Spokesman, David Babayan

YEREVAN (Armenpress)—There is no alternative to the recognition of Karabakh’s independence and the restoration of the complete negotiation format, said Spokesman of Nagorno-Karabakh’s President, David Babayan.

“Azerbaijan insists on the phased option which is a form of delaying the process, seeking to obtain a more advantageous position. If Azerbaijan is trying to show that it is interested in the conflict settlement and doesn’t see any option than the phased one, it must recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’s independence; we will also recognize Azerbaijan and will sit around the negotiation table to discuss various issues. There is no other option. Karabakh’s independence must be recognized, the complete negotiation format must be restored, and time will show the rest. At the same time everyone must understand one thing: there cannot be a return to the past, in terms of the borders as well,” Babayan said.

Referring to the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement that this time success is closer than ever before, Babayan said it is probably related to the implementation of the investigation mechanisms.

“Taking into account that currently discussions are being held over implementation of mechanisms, I think that this statement is associated with it since at this stage we do not see any step by Azerbaijan towards the comprehensive settlement. Quite the contrary, the destructive statements still continue. They hinder the process of the implementation of these mechanisms, but they do not openly talk about it. Thus, we should wait and work towards the implementation of these mechanisms,” Babayan said.