Question: How would you assess the international reaction to the elections held in Artsakh? Recently, the representative of the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation touched upon the elections and noted that "these elections are necessary to ensure the normal pace of negotiations. Nevertheless the Russian Federation does not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent state.” We have, in fact, seen the reaction of the EU, which states that "the EU reiterates that it does not recognize the constitutional and legal framework within which these elections are being held."

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: The elections in Artsakh pursue three key issues in the context of human rights, security and the peace process. If we fit our approaches within these frames, we will understand that these elections are necessary.

This is the most important process in Nagorno-Karabakh, which ensures the organization of life and government of Nagorno-Karabakh within democratic formats as a political entity which is capable and able to do so. In that sense, we are aware of the reactions, which are of ongoing nature.

For us as well, the normal continuation of the peace process remains extremely important, and we are fully focused on that. In addition, the role and ownership of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) in the peace process are more than emphasized in our positions. You realize very well that the future of Artsakh will not be determined without Artsakh. And for this reason, the authorities of Artsakh must enjoy an appropriate mandate, expressed through elections, and this is a normal process in Artsakh. There must be authorities with their own mandate to best express the results of the peace process.

Question: Mr. Mnatsakanyan, what do these reactions state? Why, in fact, was it necessary for the European Union to make such statements about not recognizing the constitutional and legal framework of those elections?

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: Nothing new has been said, because the negotiation process is about finalizing various issues through negotiations and the peace process: within this framework our highest priorities are status and security of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh). We have stated that on numerous occasions.

Question: Mr. Mnatsakanyan, you had a phone conversation with Foreign Ministers of Iran and Russia. What was the framework of the questions discussed, was it particularly about the coronavirus?

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: During this period, we had many occasions to speak with different partners, and we regularly inform the public on those conversations. You know, I also had occasion to speak with the Foreign Minister of Georgia and with different European partners.

Indeed now everyone is focused on preventing this pandemic and bringing life back to normalcy. Under these circumstances, many issues need to be addressed also with our international partners in order to increase the efficiency of work in confronting and fighting this pandemic, particularly with our neighbors and especially in the directions which are important for us. We have various issues of vital importance. This applies to the movement of our citizens, cargo transportations and combined actions to further strengthen our capacity to confront this pandemic.

Question: Have the factors of oil prices’ deflation and possible impact on Azerbaijan's economy been evaluated or not?

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: Each development of the international agenda is evaluated, and all our strategic and tactical actions, of course, are based on calculations and assessments. Naturally, any development in the world cannot be ignored or underestimated by us.