No return to 1988 or 1991 borders – David Babayan

A statement that Stepanakert must participate in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process by any political figure, diplomat, can only be welcomed, David Babayan, Spokesman for the President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), told Tert.am as he commented on US Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group James Warlick’s a statement that Nagorno-Karabakh de facto authorities’ voice should be heard in the peace process.

“We view this participation in the following respect. We must participate in the whole process – from discussions and exchange of views to preparation and implementation of documents,” Mr Babayan said.

The peace process without Nagorno-Karabakh participation is illogical. The peace process must be comprehensive in all respects.

“That is, we must participate in all of its stages. This is our approach,” Mr Babayan said.

At a meeting with reporters in Yerevan Mr James Warlick said Armenia has no intention to return the territories without relevant security guarantees. In commenting on the statement, Mr Babayan said that Armenia has no intention to return any territories to Azerbaijan.

“Therefore, we point out a need to revert to a full format of the negotiating process. We are well aware of two major problems: first, Nagorno-Karabakh’s status; second, the border problem. We are honestly saying there is no returning to the past – in terms of either status or borders. There is not bargaining over Artsakh’s independence. Artsakh has never been nor will it ever be part of Azerbaijan. There is no returning to 1988 or 1991. It is not a result of ambitions or abnormal geopolitical developments or ideas. Rather, they are minimal security guarantees. One cannot even think of Azerbaijan’s control of Berdzor, Qarvachar, which is the source of our water resources,” Mr Babayan said.

The borders of 1988 and 1991 are very attractive to Azerbaijan is terms of a military settlement of the conflict.

“Azerbaijan is demanding territories from us, but we have territories occupied by Azerbaijan. Moreover, Azerbaijan is demanding the territories that would mean a loss of 70% of territories for Nagorno-Karabakh. We are struggling for our life and security after all, not for Azerbaijan’s ambitions,” Mr Babayan said.
A few days ago, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov stated that it is time to intensify efforts at a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

“It is our desire that efforts be intensified. But we have no grounds for optimism. First of all, the full-fledged negotiation format has not so far been restored. Moreover, Azerbaijan continues its counterproductive policy,” Mr Babayan said.

Summing up, he said that the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs’ wishing regional stability and placing emphasis on a peaceful settlement can only be welcomed. He commends their statements that no pressure on any of the conflicting parties will ever be exerted.