Armenian sides should take advantage of the Hague court ruling: Arman Melikyan

"The ruling by the Hague court was not surprising. It is still hard to foresee what consequences it will have over the Nagorno Karabakh conflict as world powers insist on Kosovo not being a precedent for other unresolved conflicts. But this does not mean that the Armenian sides cannot take advantage of this ruling. This is a vivid example of how an autonomy can obtain full independence due to international recognition," Former Artsakh Foreign Minister Arman Melikyan told Tert.am asked to comment on the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

By a much-anticipated ruling the ICJ decided on July 22 that the declaration of independence of Kosovo does not break international law.

Saying that though Serbia still does not agree with that ruling, which might well prompt further tension in the region, Melikyan mentioned that the fact remains unquestionable that more than 60 states have recognized Kosovo's independence.

Armenia, according to him, can launch a relevant process aimed at Karabakh's international recognition also given this ICJ ruling. Though it is another thing that Kosovo's independence and its recognition by dozens of states in fact took place in quite a different geopolitical interests, and that is why several states have recognized Kosovo, while Karabakh has not been recognized, even by Armenia, which is also due to the fact that Armenia's political elite neglects its duties.

Today Armenia and Karabakh are ready to continue the talks based on the Madrid Principles which clearly mention that Armenia must withdraw its troops from Nagorno Karabakh. This according, to Melikyan, leaves no room for Armenia to speak about other issues, as it has not recognized Karabakh's independence.

"Generally the continuation of talks with this logics is not beneficial for Armenia, not to speak about Karabakh, and the Armenian diplomacy, especially, the political elite must try and find ways to change this logics of the talks," said Melikyan.