Nagorno-Karabakh Foreign Minister Sergey Ghazaryan said Wednesday that Artsakh authorities were ready to discuss the whole set of complicated and painful issues with Azerbaijan on condition that the course and outcome of the negotiations were not predetermined.
"Given that there are numerous violations of both individual and collective rights of the Artsakh people by Azerbaijan, clear-cut international guarantees for them to exercise their rights, including the right to self-determination, must be defined," Ghazaryan told the Moscow Times.
He also commented on the acceptability of using such a term as "integration of Karabakh Armenians" used by Azerbaijan.
"First of all, it should be noted that Azerbaijan uses the term "integration" as a screen to hide its policy of forcible subjugation of the people of Artsakh with their subsequent expulsion from their historical homeland. Therefore, it is impossible to evaluate the terms without taking into account the purposes for which they are used. We believe that it would be correct to talk about finding mutually acceptable and balanced formulations, which will be aimed at working out lasting and fair solutions and will serve the interests of peace," Ghazaryan said.
He noted that since the end of hostilities in 2020, meetings between the Artsakh and Azerbaijani sides have been held periodically with the mediation of the Russian Federation, during which a number of technical and humanitarian issues were discussed, including the restoration of vital infrastructure.
"As for the discussion of political issues, including those related to the comprehensive settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict, we have always emphasized the need for an agreed international format within which it will be possible to start searching for mutually acceptable, balanced solutions that will ensure a lasting, just and dignified peace," Ghazaryan said.
He reminded that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh in cooperation with other authorized structures develops and submits to Artsakh leadership proposals, recommendations and position on the negotiation process.
"Besides, discussions are also held on key issues with the participation of various political forces and responsible persons, after which appropriate decisions are made," Ghazaryan said.
