If there is a dialogue between the sides to the Karabakh conflict and if they are negotiating, the readiness for concessions on Karabakh must be mutual, indeed. Defense Minister of Armenia Seyran Ohanyan made such statement at a news conference on the Line of Contact of the Karabakh-Azerbaijani troops.
"Intensification of the negotiation process is a fact. We hope the problem will get an exclusively peaceful, political settlement to which the OSCE Minsk Group strives for too. At the same time, I'd like to say that no one-sided concessions are possible. Armenia and Artsakh chose this path yet on the days when the Ceasefire Agreement was made. I'd like to say that the self-determination of NKR, the free, independent life of the Karabakh people is still the goal we pursue," the minister said.
Ohanyan said the causalities the army suffered during Azerbaijan's April aggression have just increased their responsibility before the public, the people who send their sons to guard the country's borders. The minister assured media that the army will do its utmost to protect every inch of Artsakh's territory and will not go on any concessions. In his words, the arming of the NKR Armed Forces is in the focus of the government's attention, but it is an issue of state secrecy. The minister expressed hope that the public will show understanding concerning this issue.
As for the implementation of the agreements on the supply of arms to Armenia for the 200-million-dollar Russian loan, the minister said the agreements have been coordinated almost fully. In his words, the procurement procedures for cash differ from those for a credit. "The public must not worry, as the arms delivery under the given credit is in underway. I am sure that our strategic ally will implement all its commitments under relevant agreements with Armenia," Seyran Ohanyan said. -