Serzh Sargsyan wouldn’t call it a fiasco
Serzh Sargsyan answered Armenian and Polish journalists' questions during a joint press conference with President of the Republic of Poland Bronislaw Komorowski.
"Interfax" Agency: The RA President announced in Strasbourg that Nagorno-Karabakh is also a part of Europe. As supporters of the Eastern Partnership and Euro integration, for that matter, don't you think it is necessary for the European Union to provide technical and financial assistance in reforms taking place in Nagorno-Karabakh since regardless of whether the NK is recognized or not, the reforms are aimed at strengthening democracy?
S. Sargsyan: Democracy is an absolute value, and in this sense, we would appreciate any assistance. We will only be happy if tomorrow the European Union assists Nagorno-Karabakh in strengthening state and democratic structures. The citizens of the NKR look forward to that assistance because they have been on that path for the past 17 years. They are holding elections corresponding to international standards, and that is something that we and they take pride in. Nagorno-Karabakh has held three presidential elections with three presidents, and none of them have received power as inheritance. That is also the reason why the legitimate authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh never allow themselves to make offensive remarks about the Azerbaijani people, unlike the authorities of the neighboring country that is able to speak in different ways, but isn't able to conceal its hatred. It is known that a person filled with hatred can't make good, normal decisions, and it is in these cases when the European Union's assistance is simply a necessity for Nagorno-Karabakh.
Public Television of Poland: After the fiasco in Kazan, is there a chance for a permanent, peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? If yes, what demands must Azerbaijan fulfill for Armenia for a truly sustainable resolution?
S. Sargsyan: Of course, I wouldn't call the meeting in Kazan a fiasco, though Armenia and the international community had quite a lot of expectations from that meeting. What happened was simply what had to happen and what I spoke about at the PACE. I am first referring to the lack of an adequate atmosphere, and that atmosphere must first improve. I don't know if you have ever followed the international news flow or not. Are you aware of what the Azerbaijani President said about the Armenian nation? Would a normal person say something like that, not to mention the head of state? The Karabakhis and the entire Armenian nation demand a solution to the issue that corresponds to international law, and the principles of that law are stated in the "Madrid Principles", which was proposed to the sides by the Minsk Group Co-Chairing countries, including the United States, France and Russia. We don't have any other claims. In other words, our claims fall in line with those of the international community.
"Prosava" Agency: My question refers to the Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in Warsaw. Mr. President, what are your expectations from the Eastern Partnership?
S. Sargsyan: First, Armenia expects an approach with versions, evaluations with versions not in the sense that reforms must stop in our countries since there are no different evaluations, or evaluations for that matter. As in any country, in Armenia reforms are implemented not because we give reports, but because we don't see any development without that. But when people give evaluations without taking into account the progress, but based on other factors, I think that directly contradicts the principle of the same policy. To put it briefly, the principle is the following: More Assistance, great progress. Approach with options, nothing else.
