Response to US Ambassador's Remarks on Artsakh-Azerbaijan Conflict

The recent remarks made by the US Ambassador to Armenia in an interview with Armenian Public Television on July 3, 2023, regarding the prospects for resolving the Azerbaijan-Karabakh (Artsakh) conflict, have prompted an official response. The statement issued by Armenian authorities emphasizes certain key principles and concerns.

While acknowledging the constructive role that the United States, as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair, has played in mediating the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict, Armenia underscores the importance of maintaining a neutral stance during the negotiation process. The statement highlights that the role of a mediator should avoid prejudging the ultimate outcome of negotiations, especially for a conflict as intricate and prolonged as the one between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh).

Armenia asserts that a successful resolution of the conflict requires flexibility, creativity, and constructive engagement from all parties and mediators involved. The adherence to international law and fundamental values such as justice, dignity, and freedom are deemed pivotal to achieving a just and lasting peace in the region. Drawing upon the accumulated mediation experience of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship is seen as vital in reaching a comprehensive settlement.

However, the backdrop against which these remarks are made is a matter of significant concern. Armenia raises the issue of Azerbaijan's policy of land seizure, ethnic cleansing, and ongoing human rights violations against the people of Artsakh. In this context, the statement suggests that certain remarks may inadvertently encourage such aggressive actions, historically known to embolden aggressors and exacerbate violence.

Armenia reiterates its stance that the resolution of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict should be based on the principles of international law, including equal rights and self-determination of peoples, as enshrined in the UN Charter. The statement underscores the need for a fair, balanced, and dignified settlement that respects the will of the people, citing international precedents of conflict resolution as potential guiding points.

The response from Armenia to the US Ambassador's remarks reflects the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict. As the international community continues its efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, the statement serves as a reminder of the multifaceted considerations that underlie the pursuit of a comprehensive resolution.