Armenian President’s Spokesman Samvel Farmanyan referred to the recent bellicose statement of the Azerbaijani President, assessed as bellicose rhetoric by the experts.

“The growth of tension around the Karabakh conflict would certainly be the most unwanted outcome. It will be the most undesirable development for Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia and the whole region. But the Republic of Armenia cannot stay indifferent to the fate of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. That is why the President of Armenia and other officials have declared on different occasions that we are responsible for the security of Nagorno Karabakh people,” he said.

“In case of the above-mentioned developments, there are accepted practices in the world. Let’s suppose that the Republic of Armenia recognizes the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh with all the ensuing consequences. Secondly, the Republic of Armenia might sign a cooperation agreement with the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. There are options, and I’m confident that Armenia will use those options separately or altogether. It should be noted that Armenia has not recognized the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh only not to hinder the peace talks. Should the peace talks suspend and military actions start, nothing will prevent Armenia from recognizing the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh,” Samvel Farmanyan said.

“Armenia has always declared it sees no alternative to peaceful settlement. Armenia does believe that it is possible to reach the peaceful and comprehensive resolution of the issue through peace talks,” Farmnanyan noted.

OSCE MG Co-Chairs Group called on both conflicting sides to be constructive in their public statements at this important moment in the negotiating process and urged President Ilham Aliyev toabstain from bellicose statements.