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Armenia’s approach on the exclusively peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict has not changed, Spokesperson at Armenia’s ministry of foreign affairs told reporters on Tuesday at a briefing. Balayan stressed Armenia stays ready to continue the talks based on the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ proposals and in line with obtained arrangements.

Balayan’s comments came in response to a question about the possibility of the return of Artsakh to the negotiations table, as highlighted earlier by PM Pashinyan.

Balayan rejected the idea that Prime Minister Pashinyan’s statement contained a novelty, noting there is a consensus over the foreign policy in the Armenian society, and the Prime Minister has reaffirmed that policy would be continued.

“As to the mechanisms of Artsakh participation in the negotiations, I should note that it is involved in the talks in whatever way. The matter is with Azerbaijan that has continuously rejected direct talks with Artsakh,” Balayan said, adding the main outcome of the NK settlement was recorded in 1994 in a ceasefire agreement that had been obtained due to direct interaction of Azerbaijan and Artsakh, including through documented direct correspondence.

“The Azerbaijani leadership that has negotiated on behalf of Azerbaijan since 2003, should realize that the direct negotiations with NK are the way to reach a settlement. Armenia acts as a guarantor for Artsakh, and we do not refuse from talks, staying committed to continue them, while Artsakh involvement in the negotiations is a necessary condition to reach firm, balanced and long-term peace,” added Balayan.
 
The MFA official next informed about the upcoming trip of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs to the region, probably in June with dates yet to be arranged. He also informed that no specific arrangements have been discussed about the meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijan foreign ministers.