“Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan”, “Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Region”, “liberated territories” Theses are the ungrounded notions imposed upon the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, former NKR Deputy Defense Minister, lieutenant general Vitaliy Balasanyan stated in an interview with Karabakh-online. In his words, the issue is being purposefully politicized though it should be considered within the legal field. “What does the expression security belt mean? I don’t know such notion in the world practice when the territories belonging by right are kept but even trees are not planted there. This notion should be removed from the lexicon, recognize the NKR integrity within its present borders and not follow the tastes of those who politicize the issue artificially,” he underscored.
When touching upon the relations with the neighbor states, first of all with Iran, Vitaliy Balasanyan noted that NKR is an independent state bordering with Armenia and Iran. “During the pre-soviet period Iran was Armenia’s age-old neighbor. Moreover Armenians made significant contribution to the formation of the Persian State. We had common interests including culture. We could jointly reconstruct and preserve the monuments of Persian culture – mosques in Shushi and Aghdam. I think we should use the border with Iran,” Balasanyan said.
He also reminded that the Karabakh problem is of pan-Armenian and even global importance. “Some third states really attempt to cause contradictions between the Armenian and Karabakh authorities. “I do not notice any tension. Anyway the Nagorno Karabakh issue should be over any personal ambitions,” the lieutenant general stated.
