Hasty recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is adventurism, incumbent president says

YEREVAN, February 12. /ARKA/. Hasty recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) is an adventurism, Armenian incumbent president Serzh Sargsyan said at his meeting with voters in Erebuni community of the capital, as quoted by Novosti-Armenia Agency.

Several presidential contenders pointed out the necessity of the recognition during their election campaigns. In particular, former foreign minister, leader of Heritage party Raffi Hovannisyan stated earlier that he would recognize the independence of Karabakh if elected.

“Do you realize what it will mean to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh Republic? There could be no greater adventurism at the moment. And this statement is made by a man who is introducing himself as a good expert in foreign policy”, Sargsyan said.

Karabakh conflict started in 1988 when prevailingly Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh declared withdrawal from Azerbaijan. On December 10, 1991, a referendum was held in Nagorno-Karabakh where 99.89% voted for independence from Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan responded by large-scale military operations that led to loss of control not only over Nagorno-Karabakh itself, but also over seven adjoining areas. About 25-30 thousands people were killed and about a million had to leave their homes during the military operations.

A trilateral cease-fire agreement was signed on May 12, 2004, and has been followed since then.

The ongoing Karabakh peace process started in 1992 under auspices of OSCE Minsk Group co-chaired by the USA, Russia and France. 

Armenian presidential elections are scheduled for February 18. Seven nominees are running for  president: incumbent president Serzh Sargsyan, former prime minister and leader of Freedom party Hrant Bagratyan, former foreign minister and head of Heritage party Raffi Hovhannisyan, famous Soviet dissident and leader of National Self-Determination party Paruyr Hayrikyan, ex foreign minister of Karabakh Arman Melikyan, political scientist and head of Radio Hay Andrias Ghukasyan and philologist Vardan Sedrakyan.  -0-