Serzh Sargsyan: “Our Claims are in Compliance with Those by the International Community”

YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS: RA President Serzh Sargsyan answered questions by Armenian and Polish reporters at today's joint news conference with President of Poland Bronisław Komorowski.

"Interfax" Agency – In Strasbourg at the Council of Europe the RA president stated that the Nagorno Karabakh is a part of Europe. As an advocate of the Eastern Partnership and generally European integration, don't you think that it is appropriate that the European Union provides financial and technical support in the process of reforms in the Nagorno Karabakh, because, regardless the fact the Nagorno Karabakh is recognized or not, the reforms there are aimed at the strengthening of democracy.

Serzh Sargsyan – Democracy is an absolute value, and thus we highly praise any support to democracy. So, if tomorrow the EU supports the Nagorno Karabakh in strengthening democratic, state establishments, we will just be happy. The NKR citizens, actually, expect the support, as it is already 17 years they have been advancing through the path of democracy. Elections are held in the Nagorno Karabakh in compliance with the international standards: both they and we are proud of this. During the parliamentary elections in the Nagorno Karabakh an opportunity was created for all the political forces to have seats at the parliament. Three presidential elections were held in the Nagorno Karabakh, three presidents were elected and none of them inherited the power. That is one the reasons for which the elected authorities of the Nagorno Karabakh never dare make insulting statements on the Azerbaijani people, and they are honored for this in contrast to the authorities of the neighboring country, which, actually, manage to make articulate statements, but do not manage to conceal their hatred. As it is known, the one, full of hatred, cannot make normal decisions and in such cases the European Union's support is certainly just a necessity for the Nagorno Karabakh.

Public TV of Poland – Is there an opportunity of permanent and peaceful resolution to the Nagorno Karabakh issue after the Kazan fiasco? If yes, what requirements by Armenia Azerbaijan should meet in order to achieve a really sustainable settlement?

Serzh Sargsyan – For sure, I would not call the meeting in Kazan a fiasco, though, as I mentioned, both we and the international community had quite a lot expectations from that meeting. Actually, there happened what just was to happen and about what I was speaking at PACE. This firstly refers to the absence of a corresponding atmosphere, and first of all this atmosphere should be improved. It is not proper to poison one's own people every day and at every level. I do not know whether for instance you have followed the international newscast, the statements by the Azerbaijani president about the Armenian people? And is it a statement by a normal person? Yet I do not say whether it is appropriate for a leader of a country or not. There is only one claim by the Karabakhi people, and generally the Armenian people: the issue should be settled in compliance with the international law, and the principles of this right are set forth in the document, which is called "Madrid Principles" and was offered to the parties by the Minsk Group co-chairs – the United States of America, France and Russia. We do not require anything else. Thus, our claims are in compliance with those by the international community.

"Prosawa" Agency – My question refers to the Eastern Partnership summit expected to be held in Warsaw. Mr President, what are your expectations from the Eastern Partnership?

Serzh Sargsyan – From the Warsaw summit we first of all expect a diverse approach, diverse assessments. Yet this does not imply that if there are no diverse assessments or even if there are no assessments, the reforms in our countries should be stopped. No! As in any other country, the reforms in our country are carried out not for presenting some reports, not for some assessments, but for the reason that without those reforms we do not see any development, creation of strong state and developed society. But when assessments are made on the basis of not the progress, but some other circumstances, I think this just contradicts the principles of this policy. In short, the principle is as follows: a bigger support to bigger a progress. A diverse approach, not more.