Your trusted source

We never had or will any discussions about the autonomous status of Nagorno Karabakh within the borders of Azerbaijan, Edward Nalbandian, Foreign Minister of Armenia told at a joint press conference with Federal Foreign Minister of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Yerevan.

Nalbandian responded to recent statements by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, claiming Azerbaijan is ready to provide an autonomous status to Nagorno Karabakh as Nakhijevan. President Aliyev had insisted that the question of Artsakh autonomy was among the topics discussed in Saint Petersburg trilateral summit attended by Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents.

“Leaders of OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing states has continuously stated that the final status of Nagorno Karabakh should be decided by the people of Nagorno Karabakh through referendum on free will with international legal validity. This is what Armenia and the Co-chairing states at the highest level state. Whom do you suggest to believe – Azerbaijan or the international community?” Nalbandian asked, calling Azerbaijani statements as fake.

Armenia’s foreign minister reminded that there was once another Armenian autonomy in Azerbaijan and not a single Armenian was left there. Centuries-long cultural heritage was destroyed.

“Today, Azerbaijani president points out to Nakhijevan as a model for Nagorno Karabakh. This is another vivid evidence why the issues couldn’t have been discussed during the negotiations,” Nalbandian said, adding each time after negotiations the Co-Chairs ask whether there is possibility to respect the reached agreements and he recommends to see what Azerbaijani side will state while being back to Baku.

“Azerbaijan is trying to shape a public opinion that negotiations are favorable for them. I do not consider such an approach to be useful for the settlement process,” Nalbandian concluded.