Armenian former foreign minister: "If the negotiating process fails Armenia will no choice but to recognize the "Nagorno Karabakh Republic"

He means Russia-USA and Russia-Europe relations and division of the influence zone. As for Russia's decision, Oskanyan said it was a surprise for everybody including to the Russian politologists close to the Kremlin.

"Armenians' negotiating position needs not be changed, but ought to be even more clearly and loudly articulated and reinforced than ever. Armenia has to make clear very quickly that the only reason Armenia has not thus far recognized Nagorno Karabakh's independence or asked others to is because at core of the ongoing negotiations is the issue of the self-determination of the people of Nagorno Karabakh. If this process fails, Armenia should make clear that it will have no choice but to recognize Nagorno Karabakh. What the military and political conflict of the last two weeks brought to the fore is this: One, that the issue of use of force to resolve ethnic conflicts is unacceptable. Second, a country's sovereignty and territorial integrity have become an even greater focus of attention. This newly emerged situation is a double-edged sword for Nagorno Karabakh because on the one hand, there will be far less tolerance for military rhetoric and military action. On the other hand, we should expect a toughening of the line on self-determination issues by the international community. Still, just as we've said all along, the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is not like any other conflict. It has evolved down its own path. Our right to self-determination is founded not just on legal, historical and political foundations, but also on the fact that Azerbaijan has repeatedly used force to impose its jurisdiction on the people of Nagorno Karabakh. We will continue to defend their rights, ", Oskanayn said.

/ArmInfo/