Nagorno-Karabakh should have been recognized on April 3 – Armenian ex-FM

Armenia’s ex-FM Alexander Arzumanyan, member of the parliamentary faction of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) Khosrov Harutyunyan and member of the Heritage party’s parliamentary faction Tevan Poghosyan spoke of recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence.

In this context, Mr Harutyunyan highlighted Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s position.

“Serzh Sargsyan has repeatedly stated that recognition of Artsakh’s independence will be put on the agenda depending on developments. It does not at all mean we reject the idea. It is a question of when it should be done – a step adequate to the current situation.”

There is no demarche now, and the problem depends on further developments, and decisions can be made when necessary.

“The problem is not on the agenda, but it does not mean the issue is not to be discussed at all,” Mr Harutyunyan said.

Alexander Arzumanyan said that all the three Armenian presidents’ position was that Armenia should be ready to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh in the case of aggression against it.

“I think that, if the four-day war was actually a war, Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence should have been recognized on April 3. A unanimous decision should have been made to allow the authorities to continue military operations. If we did not do it at the right moment, the idea of recognition loses its value,” he said.

Tevan Poghosyan, who has returned from Nagorno-Karabakh said that the local population cannot understand such long-lasting discussions on the issue.

“I believe it is more important that this instrument be part of the political agenda. However, we would more hinder the process than help it unless a full-scale war breaks out, we are fully informed and make a well-informed decision.”