Below is an interview Hetq conducted with Davit Ishkhanyan, a representative of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s Central Committee in Artsakh, regarding the recent Declaration signed in Moscow by the Presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia.

– Mr. Ishkhanyan, how would you evaluate the Declaration recently signed in Moscow?

– Of course, I don’t think that the Declaration carries any essential or pivotal significance, whatever the context it is viewed in. My personal opinion is that without the participation of Karabakh the Declaration lacks real significance given that certain parallels are being made with the ceasefire document.

Let us remember however that Karabakh participated in the ceasefire document but not in the Declaration. I wish to stress that Karabakh must always be a fully-fledged participant in the negotiations process. While true that Armenia represents the interests of Karabakh in the settlement process, Karabakh must participate in the signing of any document whether a declaration or treaty. In this context I have a negative assessment of the Declaration while there are certain points that I find positive, settling the conflict through peaceful means and resolving the issue under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group.

– What do you think about the rumored return of the liberated territories?

– The ARF has publicly declared that these territories are liberated historic Armenian lands and comprise a security zone for the country. Thus, there should be no talk of returning them. Sadly, the ruling regime in Armenia is trying to create a favorable public mood in preparation for their concession. When we speak of concessions or mutual concessions the ARF has never viewed the return of the territories in this light. In this regard, the NKR government has much to do in terms of forming public opinion and spreading the word that the country’s position about not conceding the territories has remained unchanged. Serious work in this direction has been lacking till now. Daily public debate and discussion on the issue needs to be organized and steps taken to create a corresponding public sentiment.

Anahit Danielyan