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Below we present the welcoming address of the President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan to the Annual International Academic Forum (November 29-30, 2012) organized by the Institute for National Strategic Studies, MOD and Political Science Association of Armenia. The address was delivered by the Head of INSS, Advisor to the Minister of Defense, Doctor of Political Science, MG Hayk Kotanjian.

Two-day international conference on “Regional Security Dynamics in the South Caucasus” kicked off in Yerevan on Thursday, November 29. The conference is attended by about two dozen experts from Armenia, the United States, Russia, Great Britain, Turkey, Iran and Israel.

TO THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “REGIONAL SECURITY DYNAMICS IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS” ORGANIZED BY THE INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL STRATEGIC STUDIES, MOD AND POLITICAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION OF ARMENIA

Let me greet all the participants and guests of the already traditional international conference “Regional Security Dynamics in the South Caucasus” on the occasion of its transformation into the Annual Forum. The importance of the topic of the Conference is verified both regarding the security interests of the regional states and the authority and influence of the present specialists and experts.

The geopolitical processes occurring in the South Caucasus are complex and often difficult to foresee, are under the influence of regional and extra-regional power centers’ interest pooling and competition. This fact creates both additional opportunities and certain challenges for the regional states.

Armenia’s foreign policy is based on the mutually advantageous cooperation with regional and global actors, mutual respect, and principle of interest pooling. We are sure that the open borders and the implementation of common economic programs can become the best incentive for the formation of the environment of mutual understanding and trust, consequently, for the settlement of political problems. Meanwhile, the policy aimed at creating the separation lines between regional states will inevitably lead to the atmosphere of instability and distrust in the South Caucasus as a whole.

The critical challenges facing the region are unresolved conflicts, which need a comprehensive solution. Armenia is convinced that the existing conflicts can be settled only by peaceful negotiations on the basis of fundamental principles of the international law. For the Republic of Armenia the OSCE Minsk Group format is the only acceptable platform for the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. I want to put a special emphasize on the fact that a long lasting peace and stability can be achieved in the region only in case the Nagorno- Karabakh population’s physical security and the right to independently decide its fate are guaranteed. NKR’s return to the settlement process is excessively important in this respect.

The arms race unleashed by Azerbaijan in the region, its bellicose statements and the propaganda of hatred against Armenians at the highest state level - the latest manifestation of which was the glorification of the Azerbaijani officer Safarov who assassinated with axe the sleeping Armenian officer - seriously undermine the security not only of Armenia but also of the entire South Caucasus. Under these conditions Armenia is forced to focus greater attention on reforming and improving its defense system as a key factor in containing the belligerent ambitions of Azerbaijan and ensuring stability in the South Caucasus.

In 2008, Armenia initiated the process of Armenian-Turkish rapprochement offering as a first step the establishment of diplomatic relations and opening of the border without preconditions. In contrast to Turkey, Armenia today also adheres to the principles underlying the rapprochement.

Realizing the significance of the involvement of the experts’ potential in the state-level policy developing and preparing the drafts of strategic decisions, Armenia highly evaluates the organization of the Annual International Conference in Yerevan dedicated to the regional security dynamics with the participation of international distinguished analysts.

I wish good luck and productive work to the Annual International Academic Conference dedicated to the regional security dynamics.