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Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan addressed on Monday criticism over his latest interview to BBC HardTalk's Stephen Sackur, in particular regarding the Artsakh conflict.

“Such a program can prompt domestic political debates in a democratic country and Armenia is no exception. On this occasion, I am pleased to reiterate that there is pluralism in the Republic of Armenia, there is criticism and support,” Mnatsakanyan told a joint news conference with Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zakharieva in Yerevan.

“I noticed that it caused quite a dynamic discussion in Armenia, which is only to be welcomed,” the FM said, adding he is grateful for different opinions, including for criticism.

Commenting on the his remarks over the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) conflict made during the interview, the minister expressed hope everyone shares the position that the issue at the core of the conflict is the individual and collective rights of the people of Artsakh, including their right to self-determination, security of the Artsakh people and the status of Artsakh, which is the most important for Armenia.

“The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not about territorial dispute; it’s a matter of security and status for us. The primary concern for us is a human being with his individual and collective rights. Naturally, Artsakh, like Armenia, is a territory inhabited by Armenians. In order for it to remain a historic, Armenian territory, it is necessary to protect the Artsakh people’s security and right to self-determination today and in the future. We have been and remain the guarantor of Artsakh's security,” Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said, adding that this is the key point in the Artsakh issue which will continue to be strengthened by various formats and methods.