The members of the Austrian Parliamen initiating a plenary discussion and adoption of an assessment regarding the conflict escalation around Nagorno-Karabakh and the role of Turkey.
Interview Armlur.am with Member of the Austrian Parliament Reinhold Lopatka.
-Ms. Lopatka, what you think about Karabakh konflikt and what you think, how it can resolved.
-The escalation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict shows how quickly any frozen conflict can flare up again even after many years. I am extremly concerned about the continued fighting in the region which affects primarily the civilian population. It is the largest confrontation since many years. This is why we requested the Federal Government in yesterday’s resolution in the National Council to advocate for an immediate cessation of hostilities, primarily to protect the civilian population and civilian infrastructure. There are reports of targeted attacks on populated areas and civilians, which is totally unacceptable.
-What will give a proposal-mediation.
-I think that conflicts must get resolved, not frozen. There is a need for a longlasting solution. The immediate stop of the military confrontation and the respect of the recently agreed ceasefire is of utmost importance to avoid further escalation. As a next step, both sides must return to the negotiating table and re-engage in meaningful negotations without preconditions, under the auspices which has been established by the international community, the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group. They enjoy the support by the UN, the EU and other key international actors. It is clear that there can be no military solution to the conflict. Austria has a long standing tradition in promoting dialogue and bridge building and has always been a venue for international talks in the last years. This is why I strongly support the idea of Austria offering direct talks between the conflict parties in Vienna in case it deems useful by both parties.
-But the UN, the Minsk Group, the EU have all called for an immediate ceasefire too, but the fighting continues. What we can expect from the international community?
-De-escalation is crucial at this stage. In this regard it is unacceptable that individual regional actors continue to add fuel to the fire by pursuing own interests instead of helping to deescalate the situation. The message is very clear that external parties should stay out because it’s already a very complex situation. It must be clear to all that this conflict has the potential to destabilize the whole region. A solution is needed in a way that will serve the interests of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh equally.
-The Prime minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said that the recognition of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh can be a way out of this situation. Nagorno-Karabakh has been independent for almost 30 years. Why didn’t any country recognize it? And Austria can recognize Artshakh?
-Austria cannot and will not recognize Artsakh as we stick to the principle of international law. However, a good model for the Nagorno Karabakh would be an autonomous solution, which requires pressure from outside and a long-term strategy.
Author Naira Hovhannisyan
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