"Artsakh’s problem not to be solved by its recognition by Armenia”

There are three ways to solve the problem of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh): one is that Azerbaijan will attack, destroy and occupy it, the second scenario is Artsakh’s recognition by all states, and the third one is unification of the two Armenian states, political scientist Levon Melik-Shahnazaryan told journalists today.

“All the three scenarios are advantageous to the U.S.,” he said, noting that all states will recognize Artsakh’s independence sooner or later.

In his words, Artsakh’s independence started with the slogan ‘Unification” that continues to live in the hearts and minds of all citizens of Artsakh.

“It is wrong to have two Armenian states when everyone wants unification. This will cause several serious problems. As regards Russia, it is in favor of tension – Russia needs tension,” the political scientist noted.

Speaking about Artsakh’s recognition by Armenia, L. Melik-Shahnazaryan said that legal consequences depend on the recognition by Armenia, but is not worth taking that step now. According to him, by recognizing Artsakh, Armenia will find itself in the position of Northern Cyprus, which is to Azerbaijan’s advantage. In other words, the problem is not between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but between Artsakh and Azerbaijan.

“Artsakh took a decision to become independent and as long as Armenians live in Artsakh, Armenia will be the guarantor of its security. We can take up a sword and say that we recognize it and there’s an end of it, but the problem will not be solved and no state will later recognize Artsakh,” he said.

Asked by Aysor.am whether it is possible that Azerbaijan will again become aggressive now that a new meeting of the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan is expected soon, this time at the initiative of the United States, Melik-Shahnazaryan replied:

“I don’t think there will be military aggressiveness prior to the presidents’ meeting, nor do I think that the meeting will take place. Snipers do not shoot, the situation is peaceful so I believe there will not be such developments this time, and if a meeting is held, it will take place in peaceful conditions”.