Armenian MP urges Nagorno-Karabakh to start dialogue with Azerbaijan
YEREVAN, July 14. /ARKA/. Sargis Khandanyan, the chairman of the Armenian parliamentary committee on foreign relations from the ruling Civil Contract party urged today the authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh to start negotiations with Azerbaijan saying they are important for protection of the rights and ensuring the security of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Khandanyan's remarks came after residents of Nagorno-Karabakh launched daily protests today in the capital city Stepanakert demanding that Azerbaijan unblock the Lachin corridor, the only road that connects Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia.
The road that was used to deliver food and medicines to Nagorno-Karabakh, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since last December.
The protesters also demand that Russian peacekeepers fulfill their obligations, stipulated by the 2020 November 9 trilateral statement- to ensure a connection between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia, as well as the security of movement for persons, vehicles and cargo in both directions through the road.
"The Armenian side constantly raises this issue at meetings with international partners. Our partners have an understanding that it is time for targeted actions," Khandanyan told reporters at the National Assembly today.
Nevertheless, as the parliamentarian noted, the position of the Armenian authorities is unchanged. In particular, as far as protecting the rights of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians and ensuring their security is concerned.
"However, a dialog between Stepanakert and Baku is necessary. The issue should be discussed in this very format so that it gets international resonance," Khandanyan said.
He expressed confidence that the provisions of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020 should be strictly observed by all parties. At the same time, the decision of the UN International Court of Justice of February 23, 2023 (it ordered Azerbaijan to open the corridor for movement of people and goods in both directions) should be immediately implemented by Azerbaijan.
"The task of the Armenian side is to voice these issues at different platforms. For example, in the UN Security Council," the MP said.
He said also that Yerevan and Stepanakert should seek decisions, which will be followed by concrete steps and actions. This could be, for example, a broad international presence in Nagorno-Karabakh. According to the head of the committee, this could well guarantee the protection of the rights and security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh. -0-
