President Sargisian Addresses the UN

I have already noted that day-by-day Armenia and the diaspora are more and more becoming each other’s extensions. We will not have the Armenia of our dreams without engaging efforts and input of our compatriots from the diaspora. On the other hand, we will not have an efficient, Armenian thinking, Armenian identity preserving and developing, proud diaspora without a persistently developing Armenia, which has its place and role in the modern world.

To make our relations — our complementarity — full grown, we should do everything to be mutually comprehensible and understandable. I am aware that there were times that there could have been disappointments. It is possible that the citizens of Armenia, too, sometimes were disappointed in their expectations. Nevertheless, we should realize that we need to rise above the disappointments of the failures and put our common ardor in passing on to the next generation the Armenian and diasporan bonds that will give no reason for disappointment. All areas of the Armenian politics, particularly the area of foreign policy, must be comprehensibly presented to the diaspora. We will never shy away from consulting with the diaspora, from its criticism, its observations, listening to its viewpoint and considering its experience. There may be situations when our positions on some issues may differ, however we have to do everything to be mostly acceptable and comprehensible for each other. Regarding the preservation of the Armenian identity, issues of essential national interests our goals and agenda must be synchronized, while different means and ways of reaching them must become our asset and guarantee of success.

Peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabagh issue remains a priority for the Armenian state and its people as, I am sure, it is for the entire Armenian nation. Here we have what we have of which you’re well aware. Unfortunately, at the moment we don’t have any news worth mentioning. I don’t think my position differs from yours. Artsakh has been enjoying its independence for the last twenty years and after the settlement it cannot have a status inferior to the one it has now and which has been won by its sons’ blood.

Independence of Karabagh or the right of its people for self-determination is not to be questioned. We continue negotiations with Azerbaijan mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs. I wouldn’t say the negotiations are entirely inefficient, however on the other side, Kazan is the best example that Azerbaijan is not shining with constructiveness. Our goal has been and remains to achieve international recognition of Karabagh, including recognition by Azerbaijan. There will be no unwarranted or onesided concessions, and we have talked about it on many occasions. We continue to believe that in order to register tangible results in the negotiations, it is necessary to undertake measures and steps which will enhance atmosphere of confidence among the parties.

As long as Azerbaijan carries on with the threat to use force, as long as Azerbaijan nourishes the anti- Armenian sentiments, which are present today, it will be extremely difficult to achieve real progress. And one more thing should be made very clear: the only reason that Armenia has not yet recognized the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh is because Armenia has been trying to ensure results through the negotiations. At the same time, it must be understood that any adventurism on behalf of Azerbaijan, any action beyond the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group will result in our recognition of the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh.

We together have yet much to do to bring this process to a successful conclusion. I am confident that with the strengthening of NKR diasporan relations, the issue of the international recognition of Artsakh will become a key point on our common agenda.