NKR PARTICIPATION IN REGULATION OF NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT IS OF A CERTAIN IMPORTANCE: SERZH SARGSYAN
12:28, 30 November, 2012
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The President of the Republic
of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan issued a welcoming address to the Annual
International Academic Forum organized by the Institute for National
Strategic Studies and Political Science Association of Armenia,
which is held on November 29-30, 2012. The address was delivered
by the Head of INSS, Advisor to the Minister of Defense, Doctor of
Political Science, MG Hayk Kotanjian. As reports “Armenpress” in the
address it was said:
“Let me greet all the participants and guests of the already
traditional international conference “Regional Security Dynamics in
the South Caucasus” on the occasion of its transformation into the
Annual Forum. The importance of the topic of the Forum is verified
both regarding the security interests of the regional states and the
authority and influence of the present specialists and experts.
The geopolitical processes occurring in the South Caucasus are complex
and often difficult to foresee, are under the influence of regional
and extra-regional power centers’ interest pooling and competition.
This fact creates both additional opportunities and certain challenges
for the regional states.
Armenia’s foreign policy is based on the mutually advantageous
cooperation with regional and global actors, mutual respect, and
principle of interest pooling. We are sure that the open borders and
the implementation of common economic programs can become the best
incentive for the formation of the environment of mutual understanding
and trust, consequently, for the settlement of political problems.
Meanwhile, the policy aimed at creating the separation lines between
regional states will inevitably lead to the atmosphere of instability
and distrust in the South Caucasus as a whole.
The critical challenges facing the region are unresolved conflicts,
which need a comprehensive solution. Armenia is convinced that the
existing conflicts can be settled only by peaceful negotiations on
the basis of fundamental principles of the international law. For the
Republic of Armenia the OSCE Minsk Group format is the only acceptable
platform for the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
I want to put a special emphasize on the fact that a long lasting
peace and stability can be achieved in the region only in case the
Nagorno Karabakh population’s physical security and the right to
independently decide its fate are guaranteed.
The arms race unleashed by Azerbaijan in the region, its bellicose
statements and the propaganda of hatred against Armenians at the
highest state level – the latest manifestation of which was the
glorification of the Azerbaijani officer Safarov who assassinated with
axe the sleeping Armenian officer – seriously undermine the security
not only of Armenia but also of the entire South Caucasus. Under these
conditions Armenia is forced to focus greater attention on reforming
and improving its defense system as a key factor in containing the
belligerent ambitions of Azerbaijan and ensuring stability in the
South Caucasus.
In 2008, Armenia initiated the process of Armenian-Turkish
rapprochement offering as a first step the establishment of diplomatic
relations and opening of the border without preconditions. In contrast
to Turkey, Armenia today also adheres to the principles underlying
the rapprochement.
Realizing the significance of the involvement of the experts’ potential
in the state-level policy developing and preparing the drafts of
strategic decisions, Armenia highly evaluates the organization of
the Annual International Forum in Yerevan dedicated to the regional
security dynamics with the participation of international distinguished
analysts.
I wish good luck and productive work to the Annual International
Academic Forum dedicated to the regional security dynamics.”