Nalbandian: Azerbaijan takes responsibility for border incidents by rejecting creation of mechanisms to investigate them

WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. The international society is well aware of who violates the ceasefire regime and rejects the creation of mechanisms to investigate incidents on the contact line. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian, told the “Voice of America” about this.

In answer to the question “which are the prospects to settle Nagorno Karabakh conflict after the meetings of the previous day?” the Armenian Foreign Minister mentioned, “Negotiation process must continue because there is no other alternative. It is and always was the main conclusion”.

He reminded the announcement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs of reaching an agreement over installing mechanisms to investigate incidents occurring on the contact line of Azerbaijan-Nagorno Karabakh opposing armies. “It is not a new idea, and has for years been under discussions. Armenia, as well as Nagorno Karabakh, have announced many times about their consent to the creation of such mechanisms. Azerbaijan is the one that always rejects. This time there was a more clear call to the sides to give consent. Armenia confirmed its readiness. Yes, we are ready to discuss the creation of the mechanism, but Azerbaijan again rejected”, Edward Nalbandian emphasized.

According to the Foreign Minister, the fact that Azerbaijan rejects the creation of such mechanisms means that it takes full responsibility for the incidents and ceasefire violations. Nalbandian believes that today no one has any doubt of who is the violator. “Mediators who previously made neutral statements are forced to address their calls to one side as Azerbaijan crosses all red lines. In January of the current year a simple and addressed statement was issued calling Azerbaijan instead of criticizing the co-chairs and mediators to continue the negotiation process. It was a directly addressed call. Of course, the matter is not that such calls are necessary for everyday. Today the international society is well aware of who is the violator and who rejects creating mechanisms that can also be preventative”, the Foreign Minister stressed.

Highlighting the necessity to continue the negotiation process, Edward Nalbandian mentioned that currently the schedule of visiting the region by the co-chairs is under discussion. To the question about the possibility of meeting between the Presidents, Nalbandian answered that official Yerevan has always supported such meetings.