Returning Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan is Not an Option: Sargsyan

During a recent business visit to Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan paid a visit to Stepanakert’s newly built No. 11 school and youth creative center. Asked by a schoolteacher how long Azerbaijan will continue its current political course, Sargsyan said:

“It would be better if you asked [Azerbaijani President Ilham] Aliyev that question because I can’t be held responsible for Azerbaijan’s policy. At most, I can be responsible for the policy implemented by Armenia and, to some extent, by different segments of our society. On the other hand, I’m surprised that you’re surprised by Azerbaijan’s actions… and I’m a little surprised that you’re worried…

“Now, more specifically, yes, there is reliable information that Azerbaijan will present a resolution at the UN General Assembly [probably on September 9] whose approval or not approval cannot have a significant impact on Nagorno-Karabakh’s and Armenia’s political or economic life, or in the field of security. A few dozen countries, naturally, will vote in favor of this resolution.

“Perhaps those countries who always show solidarity with Azerbaijan: first of all, those are the Islamic Confederation countries. But I’m sure that all those countries who want the issue to be resolved through peaceful means and negotiations will vote against that resolution. At the very least, they will abstain from voting because they know very well that adoption of such resolutions cannot have any positive effect on the negotiation process.

“This is one factor, and the second factor, I believe is very is very clear for many, is that Azerbaijan once again allows a grave error and we have to use that grave error to achieve our goals. It’s obvious that there’ll be more steps from us and these steps will bring us closer to our goal.

“But, again I ask, ask me about our actions; our actions must always be directed toward that so that not only Azerbaijan, but also other countries are convinced that there’s no way back, that returning Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan is not an option, that Nagorno-Karabakh is already an established state, though, small, though perhaps with problems, but it’s a state, and it’s a state that’ll strengthen and develop.”