The situation in the region is the result of the use of force, but no conflict has yet been resolved through the use of force. The RA Foreign Minister stated this at the meeting with the members of the NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations.
"The use of force may create a new phase in the conflict, but it cannot resolve the conflict. Only a negotiated political settlement that respects the rights of all, paves the way for the elimination of the causes and consequences of war, can bring lasting peace and reconciliation in the South Caucasus", he said.
Aivazian noted that the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is based on the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination, and Armenia will continue to act from the position of that right. "Armenia is ready to continue the process of peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and their countries. It should be based on the part of the basic principles and elements that was not addressed in the November 9 statement", Aivazian stressed.
According to the Minister, one of the priorities of the Armenian parties is the de-occupation of the territories of Artsakh and the provision of appropriate conditions for the safe return of the Artsakh Armenians to their places of residence.
Touching upon the preservation of the Armenian historical and cultural heritage, Aivazian noted that so far any step of the international community in that direction meets with the resistance of Azerbaijan, which does not allow international structures, in particular, UNESCO, to enter the region.
"The misappropriation or distortion of the history and values of the Armenian people, the violation of the current rights of the Armenian people can not create a good future for our region. From this point of view, the preservation of cultural heritage and religious sanctuaries can create preconditions for peace in the region", he said.
Aivazian stressed that addressing the migration situation in Artsakh and the direct involvement of international partners, particularly the UN, are among the current priorities of the ministry.
"At this stage, the cooperation between Armenia and Artsakh is of key importance. I recently visited Artsakh and discussed our common pan-armenian agenda with our partners. I think that at the parliamentary level we should also cooperate more closely with Artsakh, as well as make the voice of the Armenian people more audible in various international parliamentary platforms", the minister concluded.
