President of Armenia: Recognition of Karabakh Independence Is Possible

Armenia can recognize the Nagorny Karabakh independence and provide "direct assistance" to the self-proclaimed republic in connection with the latest Azerbaijan actions and statements. Armenian President Armen Sarkissian stated about. As to him, Yerevan is striving for Turkey to "move away" from the Karabakh problem; only after that it is possible resuming negotiations on its status in the previous format. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in turn said that Turkey, as Baku’s ally, should take part in a peaceful settlement. On October 5, authorities of the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic addressed the OSCE stating the need to recognize its independence. "Under the current conditions, international recognition is the only effective mechanism for restoring peace and security in the region," the statement says. The leaders of the self-proclaimed republic called on the civilian population to leave the cities of Azerbaijan, where military facilities are located. They claim that these cities may be targeted in response to shelling Stepanakert and other settlements in Nagorny Karabakh. Azerbaijani city of Ganja was subjected to rocket fire the day before. The Azerbaijani authorities declare other cities being under shelling as well, the Armenian side denies shelling. The situation on the contact line in Nagorny Karabakh and Azerbaijan adjacent regions sharply escalated on September 27. Azerbaijani forces went into the offensive, allegedly to regain control over territories lost in the early 1990s. Baku reported capturing a number of settlements. Both sides report civilian losses and casualties. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday called for a ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, saying the conflict "has no military solution." Stoltenberg visited Turkey on Monday, which claims support for Azerbaijan in the conflict and has previously criticized calls for an armistice by Russia, the United States and France. The Il-96 plane landed in Yerevan on Monday; it is subordinated to the administration of the Russian Federation President. This aircraft usually provides flights for high-ranking Russian officials. The Armenian government confirmed the plane arriving but found it difficult to say who there was to fly in. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not answer this question as well.