It is high time for Minsk Group to make specifically addressed assessments – Artak Zakaryan

Artak Zakaryan, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, Parliament of Armenia, believes it is high time for the OSCE Minsk Group to make a specifically addressed assessment of the latest incident involving the Nagorno-Karabakh MI-24 helicopter, which was shot down by Azerbaijani armed forces on November 12.

Azerbaijan is doing its utmost to get rid of the OSCE Minsk Group format.

“They are well aware that it will eventually force Azerbaijan into admitting the immutable principle of the Nagorno-Karabakh people’s right to self-determination,” Mr Zakaryan told Tert.am.

As regards the Armenian side’s statements, which do not sound so strong as to force the OSCE into addressing a particular side, the MP said:

“We have urged the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs to take a specific position and point to Azerbaijan as a side committing gross ceasefire violations. It implies acts of sabotage and provocations for the purpose of derailing the peace process. That is, Azerbaijan’s actions are aimed at the OSCE Minsk Group as well. I think the OSCE Minsk Group should be more specific about its positions to prevent any harm to the negotiation process. We firmly believe that there is no alternative to a peaceful settlement of the conflict or the peace process within the OSCE Minsk Group.”

As to whether Azerbaijan’s conduct proves it has guarantees from certain structures, Mr Zakaryan said:

“This is not the first time that Azerbaijan has attempted to derail the peace process. In urging the conflicting parties to contribute a constructive dialogue, international organizations imply such actions must be ruled out as unacceptable, which never facilitate a peaceful settlement of the conflict. And Azerbaijan’s counterproductive steps to derail the Minsk Group process include a series of military actions as well.

“Shooting down a helicopter during a training flight was the most outrageous act committed by Azerbaijan. Using its weapons, Azerbaijan is seeking to derail the peace process. It claims it is a champion of peace during all the negotiations processes. But it is actually escalating border tensions. The Minsk Group’s efforts to find out the fate of the downed helicopter’s crew members have failed as well.”

As regards Armenia’s diplomatic efforts, Mr Zakaryan said:

“Our diplomacy and other nations’ diplomacy follow certain principles. It is not a question of ‘strong’ or ‘weak’. Our diplomatic circles are doing their best within rational framework.

“There is no sense in expecting bellicose statements. An adequate assessment has been made. As regards the Minsk Group, it is high time for them to make an adequate assessment of the incident. Azerbaijan is committing numerous ceasefire violations, which must be a signal for the Minsk Group. Well aware of the situation, Armenia will never allow Azerbaijan to draw itself into its foul play.”