Karabakh’s independence and security cannot be compromised: Bako Sahakyan

Karabakh’s key objective is not joining Armenia but rather being internationally recognized, President of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh Bako Sahakyan said in an interview with the Russian newspaper Segodnya (Today).

“It is the international recognition of our republic that is [high] on our agenda. This conflict started between Karabakh and Azerbaijan, and Baku managed to have Armenia involved in it [too]. Armenia does not yet recognize NK’s independence, showing the level of its responsibility. They do not want to hinder the negotiations process,” said he.

Asked whether or not it is possible for him to seat at the negotiation table with the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Mr Sahakyan said that Karabakh has already made such proposals.

“I asked the OSCE Minsk Group to organize a meeting between me and Azerbaijan’s president. But they are not yet ready to ensure such a format due to Baku’s destructive approach. They say there [in Baku] that ‘there is no such state. It is part of Azerbaijan and we can negotiate only with NK’s Armenian community.’ For a dozen of times we have made several various proposals, particularly, to withdraw the snipers [from the contact line]. All our initiatives are met with hysteria. In general, an average level of tension is preserved – no war, no peace,” said Mr Sahakyan.

Karabakh president said he was sure the conflict must be resolved through compromises.

“But we should be given an opportunity to speak about those compromises, while the negotiation process is taking place without Karabakh’s participation. NK’s independence and security cannot be those compromises,”