Azerbaijan-sought settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through territorial concessions fails – Vahram Balayan
Azerbaijan and the forces supporting it sought a settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by means of handover of territories, but their plans failed, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) Vahram Balayan said in an interview with Tert.am.
The forces in question have come to realize that people cannot be easily brought to their knees by military force.
Mr Balayan, following a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan stressed that “in the core of the Karabakh conflict is the struggle of the people of Karabakh for the right for self-determination.” Do you think it was a message “by chance” given the rumors about discussions of a scenario envisaging return of five regions to Azerbaijan?
I think the hostilities in early April changed very much. In any case, if the available information is being examined, it is clear that not only Azerbaijan, but also the other interested sides were seeking to achieve goals by using force. Most likely, in the context of territories, they tried to force us into concessions. I think that the plans failed and those people have come to realize that people cannot be easily brought to their knees by military force and make them leave the course of peace. The mediators have come to realize that the process has reached stalemate and they may have submitted an option we are not informed of.
That is, you think that the president’s emphasis that the exercise of the Nagorno-Karabakh people’s right to self-determination will resolve the problem was not at all “by chance” and there was an option envisaging territorial concessions?
This option may have been offered as a result of the developments. Azerbaijan and its supporters have been convinced that it is impossible in this way.
But which forces are supporting Azerbaijan?
I cannot say for sure. Some forces are inspiring Azerbaijan, but they can hardly be named.
Why do you think that settling the conflict by means of territorial concessions failed?
I think this option was offered due to our army’s fortitude and determination. Their plans were different: unleashing war, reaching Stepanakert within days, split Armenian people, who would not rise in defense of their homeland, but their calculations proved wrong. People fought for their freedom in 1991, and the 25-year-long history - built up statehood and achievements – cannot be easily forgotten.
Is Russia among the countries that, as you say, were supportive of Azerbaijan in its attempts to settle the conflict by means of territorial concessions?
I cannot say for sure whether it was Vladimir Putin or anyone else. I have no facts at hand. True, Russia is supplying weapons to Azerbaijan and has common economic interests with Azerbaijan. On the other hand, one can hardly claim they had an arrangement. It is no secret that the United States has its own interests in the region as well. But I cannot say which one did this or that. But something did take place. Time will make things clear, and files will be declassified. Azerbaijan was apparently encouraged: those statements were not mere words. But Azerbaijan and its sponsors miscalculated.
What is your opinion of Russia’s more active role in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process?
It is clear Russia is an empire seeking influence over the post-Soviet territories. Russia will try to do it in the case of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. And we should take it with calm. That state has its own national interests.
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