SERZH SARGSYAN: ”WE SHOULDN’T ALLOW THE SOUTHERN ENERGY CORRIDOR TO BECOME A SOURCE FOR FEEDING A NEW WAR.”
November 17, 2011, Yerevan
To the Participants of the
“Regional Security Dynamics in the South Caucasus”
INSS International Conference
Let me greet all the participants and guests of the international conference “Regional Security Dynamics in the South Caucasus”. The importance of the Conference is verified both regarding the security interests of regional states and the authority and influence of the present specialists and experts.
The geopolitical developments occurring in the South Caucasus are complex and often difficult to foresee as the region carries on itself the influence of regional and extra-regional power centers’ interest pooling and competition. This fact creates both additional opportunities and some challenges for the regional states.
Armenia’s foreign policy is based on the logics of both regional and global actors’ interest pooling, mutually advantageous cooperation with them and mutual respect.
We are sure that the open borders and the implementation of common economic programs can become the best incentive for the mutual understanding and trust environment formation consequently for the settlement of political problems. In contrast, the policy aimed at encouraging the separation lines between regional states will inevitably lead to the instability and distrust growth in the whole South Caucasus.
The critical challenges facing the region are the unresolved conflicts which needs a comprehensive and final solution. Many times we reiterated our solid will that the existing conflicts can be settled only by peaceful negotiations on the basis of fundamental principals of international law. I am not vacillating to repeat that the OSCE Minsk group is the only platform for the settlement of conflict which is acceptable for Armenia.
We are deeply convinced that a long lasting peace and stability can be formed only in case if the Nagorno Karabakh population’s physical security and the independent decision of its fate are guaranteed.
The arms race unleashed by Azerbaijan which is being implemented by numerously exceeding the ceilings set by the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) is a cause for concern not only for Armenia and the region but also on a larger scale regarding the regional security perspective. Under these conditions Armenia is forced to focus greater attention on modernizing its military system as a key factor in containing the belligerent ambitions and ensuring stability in the region.
The energy factor also plays an essential role in the geopolitical developments of the South Caucasus. Armenia shows sympathetic understanding of the policy targeted at the diversification of the energy supply sources and routes, meanwhile Armenia considers that the new energy projects should not be used to upset the power equilibrium established in the region. Such a policy is not only a threat to the security of separate states in the region but also may seriously endanger the uninterrupted functioning of the transit routes of energy sources. We shouldn’t allow the Southern Energy Corridor to become a source for feeding a new war. That is not good for the region and for the oil and gas companies.
In our days the interconnection of security and development is already an axiom. In accordance with this position, we initiated the process of Armenian-Turkish rapprochement in 2008 offering as a first step the establishment of diplomatic relations and the opening of the border without preconditions.
Armenia today also adheres to the principles that he had declared before initiating this process. And it should be mentioned that for implementing the international legal obligations today the manifestation of political will from Turkey is needed.
Stressing the importance of professional consulting support in making state-level strategic decisions Armenia necessitates the conferences with participation of international reputable analysts, as they provide an opportunity to discuss the regional issues at an expert level and to propose possible resolutions.
Good luck in the Conference and productive work.
The President of the RA
Serzh Sargsyan
