Karabakh refuses to discuss consequences of conflict with Azerbaijan

Nagorny Karabakh has reiterated that the consequences of its conflict with Azerbaijan can be discussed only after Baku agrees to recognize the independence of the NKR (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic). This was stated on August 11 by Vagram Atanesyan, Chairman of the Commission for Foreign Relations of the Karabakh Parliament, in the press conference.

The parliamentarian gave his comments on the statements of Matthew Bryza, American co-chairman of the Minsk OSCE Group, who has declared that the people of Karabakh should themselves define their status through referendum.

Vagram Atanesyan has added, in his interview to the BBC Azeri Service, that mediators should be sincere at least before the parties in conflict and not to act to please those or these interests of one of the parties. In particular, in Mr Atanesyan's opinion, Matthew Bryza had partially rejected his own words in order not to aggravate the situation in the pre-electoral Azerbaijan.

"We find such behaviour to be unacceptable. It's probably real time now to increase the status of co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group for Karabakh settlement. We know that the international crisis group has also recommended increasing the presentation level of the co-chairing countries, at least to the level of Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs," said Vagram Atanesyan, having noted that he expects more serious statements from the mediators.

Addressing the essence of the Karabakh settlement, Mr Atanesyan has noted that the authorities of Karabakh had declared more than once their readiness to discuss liquidation of the conflict consequences only when Azerbaijan is ready to recognize the independence of the NKR. The MP has warned that should the talks progress inadequately, one of the parties can refuse to take part in them.