“Azerbaijan signed the truce without realizing its consequences”
May 12 marks 16 years of ceasefire in Nagorno Karabakh, under Russia's mediation. 16 years ago a ceasefire agreement was signed in Moscow between Armenia, Karabakh and Azerbaijan.
"This is the only incomparable document signed between the conflicting sides. There is no other agreement of the kind in the international practice. In this sense, the document is invaluable," said Armenia's ex Foreign Minister Vahan Papazyan.
We bound the ceasefire to Azerbaijan through our ally Russia. Evidently, the document was essential not only for Azerbaijan but also for Armenia as the country had already exhausted itself. Whenever we have to choose between war and peace, undoubtedly we give preference to peace," he added.
But when ceasefire is not maintained, when the sides open fire at each other and refuse to remove snipers from the front lines, it means the truce is fragile and needs to be consolidated."
Ex Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutyunyan says "the ceasefire agreement de facto strengthened the contact line." Then he recalled Azerbaijan's "resistance."
"Azerbaijan did not only object to Karabakh's involvement in the agreement but did its utmost to make Armenian troops return to Karabakh's borders, thus solving the issue of liberated territories. But Azerbaijan was unable to realize its goal and the agreement was signed in full compliance with Armenia's interests. Azerbaijan signed the agreement without realizing its consequences," said Mr. Harutyunyan.
"A few days later, Azerbaijan wanted to withdraw from the agreement. For this purpose, the country's Defense Minister Mamedrafi Mamedov invited a sitting with the participation of Vagharshak Harutyunyan from the Armenian side and Bako Sahakyan from the Karabakhis side.
In response to Azerbaijan's decision to withdraw from the document, Russia pledged to cease its mediation. Russia's sudden announcement forced Azerbaijan to fulfill its commitments by the agreement."
"Armenia simply refused to sign the agreement arguing that if Karabakh did not assume obligations, then who will implement the agreement?" Thus, we clearly distinguished between Armenia and Karabakh as full sides of the agreement," said Vagharshak Harutyunyan.
