The Armenian leader made the remarks late last week at a solemn reception in New York held by the Armenian Permanent Representation to the United Nations, the Embassy of Armenia in the United States and Armenian-American organizations.
“A peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue remains a priority for the Armenian state and its people as, I am sure, it is for the entire Armenian nation,” said Sarkisian, according to his press office. “The only reason that Armenia has not yet recognized the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh is because Armenia has been trying to ensure results through negotiations. At the same time, it must be understood that any adventurism on behalf of Azerbaijan, any action beyond the framework of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Minsk Group will result in our recognition of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.”
While Armenia maintains close political, economic and military ties with the breakaway region and strongly backs Karabakh Armenians’ self-determination, it has not yet formally recognized Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence from Baku. Armenia’s pro-government factions effectively blocked a parliamentary opposition party’s move legally upholding Stepanakert’s sovereignty late last year, arguing that the move would potentially complicate the ongoing peace process.
On several occasions in the past Sarkisian had already warned Baku that Yerevan could recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as a ‘last resort’ in the negotiations in which Armenia is seeking the region’s independent status.
In a speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday Sarkisian slammed Azerbaijan for its “everything-or-war posture” that he said hampered progress in the settlement process. He also accused Baku of promoting “Armenophobia” and warmongering.
“A peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue remains a priority for the Armenian state and its people as, I am sure, it is for the entire Armenian nation,” said Sarkisian, according to his press office. “The only reason that Armenia has not yet recognized the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh is because Armenia has been trying to ensure results through negotiations. At the same time, it must be understood that any adventurism on behalf of Azerbaijan, any action beyond the framework of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Minsk Group will result in our recognition of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.”
While Armenia maintains close political, economic and military ties with the breakaway region and strongly backs Karabakh Armenians’ self-determination, it has not yet formally recognized Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence from Baku. Armenia’s pro-government factions effectively blocked a parliamentary opposition party’s move legally upholding Stepanakert’s sovereignty late last year, arguing that the move would potentially complicate the ongoing peace process.
On several occasions in the past Sarkisian had already warned Baku that Yerevan could recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as a ‘last resort’ in the negotiations in which Armenia is seeking the region’s independent status.
In a speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday Sarkisian slammed Azerbaijan for its “everything-or-war posture” that he said hampered progress in the settlement process. He also accused Baku of promoting “Armenophobia” and warmongering.