Statement In Reply to Azerbaijan delivered by Ambassador Arman Kirakossian at the 1128th Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council

19 January, 2017

Mr. Chairman,

We regret that instead of demonstrating support and constructive approach to the peace process led by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs, Azerbaijan is again referring to the history of the conflict in distorted manner.

The UNSC resolutions were adopted almost quarter of century ago during the military phase of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with the aim of immediate cease of hostilities. But every time these resolutions were violated by Azerbaijan, whose leadership continued to rely on forceful solution of the NK issue.

By enthusiastically citing the resolutions the Azerbaijani side in line with its usual practice refers only to certain provisions of these documents and distorts their content. Not only there is no any reference to the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia in those Resolutions, but they clearly indicate that the territory of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding military security zone are in control of the “local Armenian forces”.

Nowadays when Azerbaijan put into doubt the existence of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and its authorities and label all their activities as illegal it should remember that they have been recognized as direct and immediate party to the conflict. It also should be recalled that during the very historic period Azerbaijan was directly negotiating with the authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic without even participation of the Republic of Armenia. My delegation had opportunities to circulate in the OSCE relevant documents, and we can do that again if Azerbaijani wishes so, which testify that President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliev and his Minister of Defence have been part of these efforts.

Thus if Azerbaijan wishes to implement those resolutions it should start by establishing direct contacts with Nagorno-Karabakh elected authorities.

Moreover, the Resolutions, inter alia, include the following provisions: condemnation of the violations of cease-fire, demand for immediate cessation of hostilities and hostile acts with a view to establishing a durable cease-fire, calls for restoration of economic, transport and energy links in the region, unimpeded access for international humanitarian relief efforts in the region and lift of blockade. All these measures were clearly and unequivocally addressed to Azerbaijan and rejected by that country further escalating the military situation.

Azerbaijan failed to comply with those resolutions and opted for military adventure. That policy was doomed to failure and in May 1994 Azerbaijan had to conclude a ceasefire agreement with Nagorno-Karabakh. The agreement of cease-fire opened the way for negotiations to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Unfortunately, nowadays the leadership of Azerbaijan continues again its policy of resolution of conflict by use of force, despite numerous calls of the international community to settle it exclusively by peaceful means. The April large-scale offensive of Azerbaijan against NK, followed by attempts to dismantle the tripartite ceasefire agreements of 1994 and 1995, which make up the foundation of the cessation of hostilities and peace process zone are indicative in this regard.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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