The Nagorno-Karabagh conflict, one of the longest-lasting conflicts in the region, seems to have passed into an essential phase of its settlement. On May 30, the Legislature of Louisiana recognized the independence of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic (NKR; also known as the Republic of Artsakh). This action at the U.S. state level has precedents, such as similar resolutions passed by Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island in the recent months. The recognition of NKR’s independence at the state level has gone beyond America’s shores, as the largest Australian state of New South Wales also passed a resolution in 2012.
Although such resolutions by non-subjects of international law do not change the legal status of that de facto state in the international community, its political significance cannot be underestimated. Firstly, it warns Azerbaijan that time works towards the final recognition of the Karabagh. This fact may put pressure on the Azerbaijani side during negotiations to recede from its maximalist position. In fact, it is a response to Baku’s military rhetoric and heavy armament, upon which it clearly relies on the long term. The recognition campaign also raises awareness about the Nagorno-Karabagh issue and the democratic merits of that non-recognized republic; that positive awareness will surely increase the chances of further recognition acts by states and sub-state units.
That recognition campaign, perceived by Azerbaijan as a risk, causes aggressive counter-reaction. In addition to its traditional military rhetoric, Azerbaijan regularly provokes tensions with grave incidents on the frontline and explicitly violates the rules of conventional arms control. Moreover, Baku recently took two steps that escalated the tension around the Karabagh issue and deepened the gap of trust between the Armenian and Azerbaijani societies. The first shock was the extradition to Azerbaijan and the pardon of army officer Ramil Safarov. He had been serving a life sentence in Hungary for axing to death Armenian army officer Gurgen Margaryan in his sleep. It happened in 2004, when both of them were participating in the NATO “Partnership for Peace” program. As the murderer himself proudly said, the reason for his brutal action was the hatred he felt towards all Armenians, a statement widely propagandized by the Azerbaijani authorities. Safarov’s extradition to Azerbaijan in August 2012, organized together with the government of Hungary, and heroization in his homeland shocked the international community, causing worldwide outrage. At the diplomatic level, Armenia’s response to Hungary’s infamous deal with Azerbaijan was its suspension of relations with Budapest.
This scandalous step by the Aliyev clan was likely carried out for the following reasons: First, he aimed to nourish the nationalist sentiments of the Azerbaijani society, which are directed mainly against Armenians, and increase the bellicose mood in the society in preparation for further military actions against Karabagh. Or, using the Nagorno-Karabagh card and, in this case, pardoning the axe-murderer, Aliyev aimed to raise his legitimacy among the considerable nationalist masses of the society. Undoubtedly, that legitimacy is needed prior to the presidential elections of 2013, when this authoritarian leader is elected to an undemocratic third term, in particular since his legitimacy was shaken as a result of continuous violations of human rights and freedoms in Azerbaijan. Thirdly, it was a clear message to Armenia and the international community that Azerbaijan’s position in the negotiations would not become softer; rather, its BATNA (i.e., renewal of the war) would be more probable. It is arguable whether the message has worked or not. What is clear, however, is that it spurred a huge negative reaction by the main great powers involved in south Caucasus affairs.
At the beginning, there was a risk that the Safarov case would freeze talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan; however, that risk has mostly been overcome due to the efforts of the mediators. In parallel to the calming down of the first storm, though, other clouds gathered in the Armenian-Azerbaijani sky. In recent months, especially, the tension over the Stepanakert airport has intensified. The authorities of the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic are planning to run the airport for humanitarian flights, but Baku has threatened to shoot down any civilian planes flying to and from Karabagh.
This is another demonstration of the anti-Armenian hysteria of the Aliyev clan. Who would ever think of attacking civilian aircrafts? Beyond simply creating/maintaining humanitarian obstacles for the Nagorno-Karabagh people, Baku is concerned about the legal consequences of allowing flights over the territory of that non-recognized state. Those fears made the OSCE Minsk Group (the main mediator body of the ongoing talks, with French, Russian, and American co-chairmanship) assert with a statement that the flights cannot affect the legal status of Nagorno-Karabagh. Despite this statement, the Azerbaijani authorities still continue to threaten downing civilian aircraft. This has become the top issue for the mediators in recent meetings, and it seems that Azerbaijan seeks to utilize the airport problem in the bargaining process.
After some delay, the NKR authorities said that the airport would be launched soon. This decision likely took into account Armenia’s statement that its anti-missile systems would secure the Karabagh flights.
Some experts argue that Russia is seeking to deploy peacekeepers around the Stepanakert airport as a guarantee of its security, thus increasing Moscow’s weight in the region, since the Karabagh conflict is believed to be the most significant stability/instability factor in the South Caucasus. Indisputably, any Russian soldier on that ground would cause trouble among the other influential actors of and in the region, including the EU and the U.S. In order to avoid any possible change in the current balance among the external players around the conflict, as well as to avoid a new devastating war in the region, all interested actors must prevent Azerbaijan from attacking the civilian planes, and instead provide the Armenian side with clear guarantees.
The airport will be launched sooner or later, since it has enormous humanitarian significance for the Karabagh people and no international law forbids its operation. However, the question of whether Azerbaijan will attack the civilian aircrafts is still uncertain. Since any attack to the planes, logically, will trigger the resumption of the war, and the great players are strongly interested in sustaining the peace in the region, they must keep Azerbaijan away from any adventurous and terrorist behavior. How should they ensure the desirable peace in and around the conflict zone? The answer is explicit—that is, to act instead of talking. As the notion of security dilemma assumes, the arms race in the South Caucasus increases the chance of a new war. The abovementioned two shocks, along with the frequent incidents on the frontline, are considerable symptoms of the exhaustion of the security dilemma. To avoid such a scenario with large-scale humanitarian and geopolitical crises, as well as to resolve the Karabagh conflict once and for all, the best option will be for the international community to provide the NKR with preventive recognition.
Undoubtedly, preventive recognition will become the powerful chain that keeps Azerbaijan away from attacking an internationally recognized state, forcing it to abide with reality, like Serbia does in the case of Kosovo. The concept of remedial recognition could also be applicable here. It may work not only as a remedy for the 1990’s war and the ongoing deprivations and threats, but also as a response to the likely effects of possible warfare in the future. Hence, the resolutions recognizing the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic’s independence by sub-state units have already paved the way to preventive and/or remedial recognition by the majority of the subjects of international law. One would hope that the international community will not miss the opportunity of establishing enduring peace in the region.
Artak Beglaryan is Assistant to the Prime Minister of the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic, and is currently studying at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Massachusetts. This is his first article for The Armenian Weekly.
Artak Beglaryan
While Azerbaijan continues with military threats and spreading racist rhetoric, they are doing us a favor by showing the world their true behavior. More importantly, it demonstrates what life had been like for Armenians under Azerbaijan( along with the horrible events of 1988-91 and the outrageous destruction in Nakitchevan) and what it would be like if Artsakh had not defended its fundamental right to self-determination. Aside from the politicizing of the process, the concept of territorial integrity( Azerbaijan’s argument) , is usually used to justify the status quo and as such may ignore historical injustices such as the events that led to Azerbaijani administrative in 1923. Well, there is a new reality call the NKR. While Azerbaijan tried to prevent Armenian rights, our courageous Armenians in Arstakh ae building a nation. May God bless them.
I smell a growing concern from the armenian side. We will see if the concerns are grounded when the second stage of the impending war begins. Maybe in 2014? or 2015?
What you smell is the primal fear emanating from a wandering, sneaking, thieving jackal when it hears the roar of the lion in whose domain it has intruded: wild animals urinate in fear when they face impending dismemberment or death.
I would worry more about the social tensions in turkey and azerbaijan which may topple both regimes. As far as the war goes, when it comes, it will once and for all decide this conflict. Armenia has the upper hand both in geography and the martial spirit/willpower. So bring it!
Ahmet,we are anxiously & patiently waiting for your mafia boss to take a step.We act & not make noise.He’s using your likes to keep on milking the poor Azeri people.However one point should be very clear to all the AXEbeijan:we will never ever live with you again.That forced period is over.
What this article forgot to indicate is that most in the know, agree that the Azeri side would lose the war, and at best case, would not win.
The Armenians , for the first time in hundreds of years, have a potent, well armed and trained army. The days that Turks just kill Armenians at will, with out being stung in return, is over.
If it was up to me i would arm every Armenian in Karabagh.
Ahmet this time no one will be able to stop Karabaghies from enterring Baku! Making a favour by that to a lot of countries too.
Diaspora Armenians should do their part and include NKR in their travel plans. By this, not only they will help the local economy but do themselves an enormous favor. They will visit a country more beautiful then Switzerland, and meet one of the most proud people on the universe. Forget visiting Genocidal Turkey, instead visit liberated Artsakh. Artsakh is real and waiting for us.
The bio says: {“Artak Beglaryan is Assistant to the Prime Minister of the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic”}.
_is_
So I will critique the article in that light.
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Since Mr. Beglaryan is studying Law and Diplomacy, his view of the world is biased towards law and diplomacy : so his emphasis on the latter is understandable.
However, I will present below several examples that positively refute this assertion of his:
{“ Undoubtedly, preventive recognition will become the powerful chain that keeps Azerbaijan away from attacking an internationally recognized state, forcing it to abide with reality, “}
Nothing could be further from truth or the reality of the world we live in.
1.In 1920 Turkey invaded the internationally recognized Democratic Republic of Armenia.
2.In 1974 Turkey invaded the internationally recognized State of Cyprus, with tacit approval of US. It still occupies 40% of it today.
3.In 1980 Iraq invaded internationally recognized State of Iran. Not only there was no condemnation from the International Law abiding World bodies (US, the West), but US provided vital satellite and other intelligence to invader Iraq and helped prolong the war, hoping for invasion victim Iran’s defeat.
4.In 2003 US and GB illegally invaded the sovereign and internationally recognized State of Iraq, on some cooked up excuse. The country was destroyed. The legacy of the invasion is several hundred thousand dead Iraqis and a failed state, where sectarian killing of innocent bystanders is a ‘normal’, daily routine.
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There are numerous additional examples. But those few should disabuse anyone of the notion that international recognition or law can stop tanks columns.
The only thing that prevents Axerbaijan from invading NKR is Artsakh’s tough, combat tested, combat ready 25,000 active-man and 30,000 reserves Military. Plus buildup of two decades worth of deep defensive fortifications. Plus the tough, combat ready RoA Military that has told Sultan Aliyev that any attack on NKR will bring in RoA full force. And finally, the absolute Axeri knowledge that Artsakhtsi are, well different: their indomitable spirit propelled them in their tiny numbers of 150,000 to stand up to the 7 million fascist state and win the right to live as free Christian Armenians on their own land.
Axeri invaders know quite well that Artsakhtsi will stand and fight to the death: every man, woman, and juvenile.
Any invasion will cost them far more than they can possibly gain. Or even possibly lose. Lose more.
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That does not mean of course that the crucial work by Diaspora Armenians to promote recognition by entities and States to recognize NKR should not continue: of course it should, and should be expanded. Those efforts have myriad other tangible and intangible benefits for NKR and RoA.
It’s just that recognition will _not_ prevent invasion.
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Regarding the opening of the airport.
All the reasons and explanations given publicly for its non-opening to date are bogus.
NKR does not need Russian troops to secure the flights.
Military and special flights are going back and forth regularly between RoA and NKR now.
If Azerbaijan cannot shoot down military flights between RoA and NKR now, does anyone believe they would deliberately shoot down a civilian airplane ?
It would be their end.
It is quite obvious RoA+NKR are being told not to open the airport by some powerful actors: US ? France ? Russia ? OCSE ?
I can’t figure out what the reason might be, but clearly RoA&NKR are compelled to hold off on the airport for external reasons.
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{“ After some delay, the NKR authorities said that the airport would be launched soon.”}
Mr. Beglaryan, are you not a part of NKR authorities ?
If you do not know when it will be launched – who does ?
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Nevertheless, a thought provoking article, Sir.
Best of success in your diplomatic career : in addition to many great captains and warriors Artsakh has given the Armenian nation, we need skilled diplomats too.
Avery,Artsakh should have opened the airport at the time of release of the AXEbeijani Safarov.A golden opportunity was lost.President Sargissian said his release was a cause for war…
Armenia should have recognized NKR when Safarov was released. That was the real golden opportunity lost. Our position would be understandable to the international public in light of all the outrage. Instead, Serzh does the “heroic” act of cutting diplomatic ties with Hungary? A landlocked third-rate far-away state that noone cares about? That must have required so much courage on his part.
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That is what happens as long as Armenia is not democratic. The military achievements on the ground are wasted due to lack of effective diplomacy. In a democratic Armenia, Serzh would have to consider his people’s interests when making high level decisions. Instead, he primarily considers his interests and the interests of the Great Powers. Even if he is a good strategist, he is using his skills to maintain his power by pandering to the wishes of the Great Powers (because he depends on them and not his people). Imagine how successful Armenia would be if a President was forced to consider the nation’s interests first. That’s what we lose when we don’t have a democracy.
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According to the Declaration of Independence of Armenia, which forms part of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, the establishment of RA is based, among other things, on “the December 1, 1989, joint decision of the Armenian SSR Supreme Council and the Artsakh National Council on the ‘Reunification of the Armenian SSR and the Mountainous Region of Karabakh’”, that is, it recognizes the legality of that document. The third clause of that joint decision declared “the reunification of the Armenian SSR and Mountainous Karabakh”. How could the Republic of Armenia, then, recognize part of its own territory as independent?
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On the Question of Recognizing the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic: Hopes and Illusions BY DR. ARA PAPIAN
http://asbarez.com/99644/on-the-question-of-recognizing-the-nagorno-karabakh-republic-hopes-and-illusions/
Reading the whole article is very illuminating.
very good article, VTiger:
Thanks for the link.
Regarding Ara Papian’s article, it’s an interesting one, but full of holes and contradictions. NKR declared independence in the end of 1991, after the 1989 law of reunification, and after the 1990 Armenia’s declaration of independence. If NK was already part of Armenia because of the 1989 and 1990 documents, there would be no need for the NKR “Declaration of Independence.” There would also be no need for a 1991 referendum on independence in NKR. Plus, in the 1991 referendum, Armenians of NKR voted for NKR’s independence, not for reunification with Armenia. So, either the 1991 NKR declaration of independence is invalid (in which case there is no such thing as an NKR, it’s just a territory of RoA), or the 1989 decision is not part of Armenia’s constitution, which makes more sense. A “republic” cannot be part of the Republic of Armenia. RoA is not a federal state, the constitution talks about “marzes” and “communes,” not “republics” as part of the RoA.
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By the way, this idea that NK is already part of Armenia is not even suggested by RoA’s government, probably because it would make Armenia look like an aggressor state. On the other hand, the government keeps talking about the independent NKR (without, of course, officially recognizing it). So, Ara Papian’s views are merely academic musings.
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By the way, RoA’s constitution does not state that Armenia’s Declaration of Independence in 1990 is part of the constitution. It merely says, in the preamble, that it takes, as a basis, the fundamental principles in the 1990 Declaration of Independence. Whether that means that it’s part of the constitution is up to interpretation. Let’s also not forget that the 1990 Armenian declaration independence did not declare Armenia’s independence, but only the start of the process of independence.
Very valid points regarding Artsakh’s independence declaration.Independence primarily from Axebeijan.Non participation of Artsakh in the peace talks/settlement is a question mark.Your mentioned points should be taken/raised with Dr. A. Papian.
Thanks all of you for your valuable comments, I really appreciate them. I’m glad that you think about Artsakh so critical and determined.
Dear Avery, since yours comments were directed to personally me, I’ll try to comment on your key points.
“Since Mr. Beglaryan is studying Law and Diplomacy, his view of the world is biased towards law and diplomacy : so his emphasis on the latter is understandable.”
This article is an attempt to analyze the possibilities and bases of the Artsakh independence recognition not in the light of pure law but on the likely interests of the international community. Even you agreed that law does not matter, power and interests dictate laws and creation of new laws/rules. However, I don’t undermine our arguments from the viewpoint of international law and believe that the more arguments we have, the stronger our position is. For that reason I tried to pose new arguments in favor of the Artsakh independence, which are very raw and still need to be developed.
“The only thing that prevents Azerbaijan from invading NKR is Artsakh’s tough, combat tested, combat ready 25,000 active-man and 30,000 reserves Military. Plus buildup of two decades worth of deep defensive fortifications.”
Absolutely agreed, but let’s say that it is the most powerful and crucial factor of Artsakh’s security, but not the only one. Though weak, but some external interests, laws and international recognition have some impact on the decisions/actions of in particular small and not strong states, like Azerbaijan is. The cases you brought are not rare in the world, but they are done by more powerful countries, sometimes by the super powers. So, the main guarantee of Artsakh’s security, yes, is “Artsakh’s tough, combat tested, combat ready active-men” “Plus buildup of two decades worth of deep defensive fortifications.” Therefore, I argued that preventive recognition is only an additional guarantee, based on the security interests of the international community in the region. I see that in general you are posing the same point, since you agreed that Diaspora shouldn’t stop promoting recognition of the Artsakh’s independence.
Regarding the airport, I totally agree that our army is able to secure our flights without any presence of Russian or other soldiers. If you read that part of the article more carefully, you would see that I don’t speak in favor of that presence, instead I only say that some experts speak about the possibility of creating Russian umbrella. Again, I’m looking at the issue from the perspective of the geopolitical interests of the powerful players in the region.
“Mr. Beglaryan, are you not a part of NKR authorities ? If you do not know when it will be launched – who does ?”
Of course, I’m a part of the Artsakh authorities, and probably I know some other details on the issue, but it does not mean that I would necessarily speak publically about them. I’m sure, you are aware of the differences between public and nonpublic official information. Moreover, I have not written this article as an official, rather than as an analyst. That’s why I used only such information and arguments which are open to you.
Thanks for your wishes, I’ll try to be as skilled diplomat as possible, if I decide to go on that way.
P.S. again, take into account the fact that I wrote this paper as an analyst, not as an official, which will change the prism you are reading the article through.
Mr Beglaryan:
Thank you for expounding on your views.
I understand one cannot discuss most things one knows in public.
Best Regards.
P.S. if any of you live in the Boston area, you may visit the event at Armenian Cultural & Education Center on 20 of June, where I’ll talk about the program of supporting Syrian Armenians making Artsakh their new home, its problems and opportunities. Some other questions on Artsakh may be discussed, if the audience wish. We can discuss the ideas of this article too. Find the details on the facebook page of the event
https://www.facebook.com/events/173224246172759/?context=create
Intelligent comments, such as the ones above, make good reading material. I would ignore Ahmet’s intermittent bellicose declarations. Thanks for most of the comments.
I am looking forward to the day when all hell breaks loose in Daglik Karabag. The only thing the armenians will be able to do then is to rush to their congressmen’s offices in Glendale for them to push Azerbaijan to stop the war.
Gross. Licking your lips at the prospect of violence is utterly disgusting. Are you cheering Erdogan on as well?
I would worry more about the so called friend of armenians secretary JOHN KERRY WHO KNOW WANTS TO CHANGE THE MEDIATORS STRUCTURE TO INCLUDE TURKEY !
Keep looking Turkoglu Ahmet.
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What you will see over the horizon as you look, will be NKR tank columns and helicopter gunships bearing down on Baku.
That would be right after the hail of Iskander missiles which will level every military target in Axerbaijan.
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Last time when your savage nomadic AxeriTatarTurk cousins invaded the sacred Armenian lands of Artsakh, Artsakh’s mountain warriors did not write to no US Senators, or US Congressmen, or UN, or EU, or Santa Claus.
They stood and fought with everything they had at hand, while Armenians worldwide mobilized to help.
They captured brand new weapons, ammunition, artillery, tanks from your incompetent Axeri riff-raff askyar and used it to sweep the sacred Armenian lands off the vile invading foreign hordes.
By the time they were done, about 35,000 invaders were resting in peace, fertilizing the beautiful meadows of majestic Artsakh.
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In early 1994, after having thrown out the nomadic Asiatic invaders, and having destroyed the Axeri criminal army, rested and well equipped NKR tank columns were poised to race to Baku, awaiting orders.
Head jackal Sultan Alivey Sr, hiding under his desk in a yellow puddle was on the phone every day to his KGB buddies in Moscow, begging them to tell Armenians to stop, which they did. (..our respected Russian big brothers and all that).
The murderous psychopath begged for a ceasefire, before those crazy Astrakh mountaineers would devastate Baku.
Yeah, keep looking for that day, Ahmet.
Hopefully, you will join your invading nomadic buddies: you too can make your contribution to the flora of Artsakh.
You dont want to see it guys! It is not 1994 when armenia had the support of the Russian army It is 2013! America is not what it used to be in 1994. It all goes down to Iran today. Iran has never been weaker after the embargo. Azerbaijan spends more money on high tech weapons then the entire budget of armenia. If you believe your dry bravery rhetoric can stand up against the Azeri weaponry, go ahead and do it. More importantly, I can assure you that the mujaheddeen from all over the world will turn armenia into a hell. Like I said, it is a matter of time, the right time. Like I said, I am so looking forward for the hell break loose in Karabag!
Whatever AXEbeijan spends on weapons, 75% of it is milked & goes into the pockets of your mafia boss or else how could they afford the palaces in London,US & Dubai?The sultan’s yearly salary is not even $200,000.Where did, him & his daughters get all those millions?
OH, could the US,UK & the rest of the West with their very well advanced technology & weaponry do anything against the Afghans?
Do not pin your hopes on the mujaheddin.We dealt with them during our survival war whether if they were grey wolves,Chechens or Afghans.The mujaheddin are more of a threat to your mafia boss than to us & after AXEbeijan’s defeat the first thing they did is to expel them from AXEbeijan.
On the other hand & other than Afghanistan,could the mujaheddin succeed anywhere else & even presently in Syria where it is a civil war, street fights?
Note that we don not have Azeri population in Artsakh & the war is in the open spaces.We live on its territory & we know our territory very well.You are only looking forward to your downfall.
Ahmet The Inimitable,
If they teach grammar in Turkish schools, any grammar at all, then you should know, unless you’re a complete idiot, that geographic toponyms, such as “Armenia”, begin with a capital letter.
Second, Armenia proper didn’t receive “support of the Russian army in 1994”, but, guess what, AXErBEYjan did in the Russian-backed Operation Kol’tso (“Ring”) that emptied dozens of Armenian villages in the Armenian-populated Shahumian district outside of Nagorno-Karabakh.
And, guess what, in 1994 AXErBEYjan received mercenaries from Afghanistan and Chechnya, military aid from Middle Eastern countries, and military advisers and non-combat ammunition from its next of kin Turks. But even with this remarkable help, AXErBEYjan lost miserably to the Armenians having a population several times bigger than that of Nagorno-Karabakh.
And it will lose again. Why? Because Armenians know they fight for THEIR land, while the AXErBEYjanis know that the land never in history belonged to their newly-formed “nation”.
It’s 2013, indeed. Wake up and smell the coffee!
“If you believe your dry bravery rhetoric can stand up against the Azeri weaponry, go ahead and do it.”
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Uh….. they already have…?
Ahmed, your corrupted Sultan is barking, for over 10 years now!!
People like you, and your oily boss, will never know Armenia’s weaponry and might, until coward demoralized Axeri Tatar Turks, put their foot over Artsakhi land!!
“I am so looking forward for the hell break loose in Karabag”. You’re a sick puppy, Ahmet.
Time to crawl back into your grey wolf cave or get back to your job gassing women and tourists at Gezi Park.
Dont expect a lot from the Gezi Park for yourself. it is the last resistance of the Kemalists agaist the new generation Neo-Ottomans. The Ottoman Empire is coming back…
Ahmet, I am a nationalist on Turkish and Turkic issues and I am going to say, F***K ErDOGan, period!
Well, there we have it. Ahmet hates Turkey.
Rifat, you must be one of those Teflon-cus, who uses his frying pan to topple a government. That is why you are panicking and going crazy, burning buses and damaging the public property. F***k all you want. Your time is over.The Neo-Ottomans are coming.
And what will these neo-Ottomans do? Re-establish the Ottoman Empire? Let’s break this down by looking only at our neighbors. Greece and Bulgaria- NATO allies and EU members. NATO and the west would turn on us in a second. Less than a second. They’d turn on us if they even thought we were gonna try and pull something that dumb. Syria? Erdogan has proven to be a coward with regard to Syria. Iraq? Who are we gonna defeat- the the Kurdish north? We’ve been getting hit day in and day out for nearly 30 years by a few thousand PKK terrorists. Iran? If Suleiman couldn’t defeat the Safavids, what makes you think Erdogan can defeat Iran? I’m not saying we’d lose that hypothetical war, but we wouldn’t win. Azerbaijan? That would be pointless. Armenia? If we put aside potential Russian interference Armenia would be war we would win. HOWEVER, if you think adding a mere 11 thousand square miles to Turkey re-makes it the “Ottoman Empire”…. I have some bad news for you.
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So Ahmet, by all means, I hope the neo-Ottomans try and re-establish the Ottoman empire. I’d rather see Turkey burn to the ground than be left in the hand of neo-Ottoman Islamists any longer.
Neo_Ottomans are coming and soon will be going. Where? To Hell for ever!!! We saw one Ottoman bully empire that toppled down itself earlier, the second new(???) one will share the same fate. Padisah Erdogan has a paranoia that keeps himself from sleeping at nights, just like the padisahs of the ottoman empire. Those dreaming about neo-ottoman state will likely to wake up to a nightmare.
Ahmet Bey still does not know, that Afghan Mujaheddin became Al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorist fighters, who are raping and killing innocent women and children of their own country. those suicide lovers will be blown up before reaching to “Gharehbagh” border line!! The war is over Ahmet Bay and you have lost the Sultan’s dream…It is time to overthrow his dictatorial regime and leave little Armenia and Artsakh alone. Remember it was our RIGHTS to get some portion of our lost land back, where Lenin Bey and Uncle joe, taken away from little Armenia as a gift for oil.
http://karabakhfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Ioannis-Charalampidis-Sponsored-to-Kill-ENG.pdf
Please cut bullshit, and seeking of fantasy compromises.
Now, does Yerevan government support Artsakh?…If yes, then the government should make it clear that any Azeri agitation or attack will be met with force.
You see, Azerbaijan is in a very delicate position right now, compromised by relations with Israelis, Western oil companies, London banks and even NATO, all of which will use the Azeris like a pawn for the oil & gas.
Armenia & Russia have a long relationship, and if some Russian special forces wish to come to Stepanakert, Armenia should seriously consider this.
Don’t be like Turkey and always seek to ‘make a good impression’ in Europe…Turkey will NEVER, EVER be admitted to the EU, because they are Turks…Armenia should maintain close ties with Russia,as Russians need an ally in the Caucasus.
More importantly, Armenia needs to dramatically increase it’s voice on the Internet, and Western media (if possible) because 95% of Americans and Westerners have no idea of the threats to the oldest Christian nation in the world.
Also, Iranians are being back stabbed by Azerbaijanis currently, meaning Azeri-Israeli co-operation as it relates to a possible air attack on Iran…Iran will remain neutral in any diplomatic/military conflicts.
I think everyone in this forum is leaving out the big elephant in the room. Why doesn’t anyone mention the obvious? The Russian-Georgian war in 2008 showed how much Russia is determined to keep a foothold in the southern Caucasus. Armenia is Russia’s most important strategic base in the region. Russian high command has clearly stated that they will use strategic nuclear missiles against Turkey in the event of their invasion of Armenia. The loss of Artsakh will severely weaken Armenia strategically and Moscow will not allow it. Russia will literally lay waste to the entire region before it loses any territory to the NATO-Israel alliance, and so will Iran. The tens of billions of British investments in Baku will be destroyed easily in a new war so even the Brits won’t allow it. Forget a war in the near future. As oil runs out in Azerbaijan then expect trouble then, but Armenia will be in an even better position by then. Poor Azerbaijani fools being tricked by their government year after year promising them war and giving them wasted and looted billions instead.
Just as an aside, those of us born and brought up in the Boston area know the Tufts Fletcher School as pro-US State Department, pro-NATO entity. I have always been suspicious of Tufts. It prevented an Armenian genocide scholar from being appointed to the Armenian chair. I wish Armenians who go to Tufts from abroad would seek the advice of skeptical Armenian locals. I could say more but I won’t.
As for the airport in Stepanakert: I think Russia is playing footsie with Azerbaijan. One of Baku’s fears is that if the airport opens, tourists will flood in, since it’s a long, hard drive from Yerevan that most tourists avoid. Indeed, tourists will flood in. Artsakh is beautiful.