Recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh by Armenia to change plane of conflict – Alexander Margarov

Recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence by Armenia will bring about radical changes in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, political scientist Alexander Margarov told reporters on Wednesday.

“I do not think such a step would bring anything new into the negotiating process. Recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh by Armenia or Nagorno-Karabakh becoming part of Armenia would open entirely new door before Azerbaijan,” Mr Margarov said.

Armenia could only make use of the Nagorno-Karabakh factor when it does not see any alternatives.

“In such a case, Azerbaijan would have a legal right to pull out of the negotiations. The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs will lose their mandate, and the question of further format will emerge. Recognition would mean Nagorno-Karabakh acquiring an entirely new status – a partly recognized state, with a certain status of legal personality to be apparently restricted by Armenia. In any case, this would mean Armenia did not see any opportunities for further process,” Mr Margarov said.

Armenia viewed negotiations as the only solution.

Asked whether it means war is the only option, Mr Margarov said that such a step would not avert war.

“Does Azerbaijan plan to resume hostilities on May 9? It hardly does. It is a matter of calculation:

Azerbaijan hardly plans to resume hostilities only to suffer defeat on May 9. They must be sure of their own success. But no one can guarantee it, and the four-day war has proved it.”