On September 18, the second session of the Foreign Policy Agenda panel, one of the four panels of Armenia-Diaspora 6th Pan-Armenian Forum, was held in Yerevan. Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, delivered a speech entitled “The settlement process of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue,” during which he presented the approaches of Armenia to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

In his speech, Foreign Minister particularly stressed: "In a couple of months the 30th anniversary of the Karabakh Movement will be marked. Indeed, this remarkable date symbolizes the modern awakening of the Armenian nation, our strive for freedom and justice, for the protection of our rights; it symbolizes our unity and collective will.

The three decades is an essential period that allows to look back and assess elapsed path. Today I would like to present to you approaches of Armenia with regard to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. For years these approaches have served as our main guidelines, and I am confident that in the future will continue to direct our efforts.”

In the context of steps being undertaken towards the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Edward Nalbandian outlined the main approaches of Armenia, to which the joint efforts are anchored. Those are: the determination of the Armenian side to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict exclusively through peaceful negotiations, the international recognition of the implementation of Artsakh’s right to self-determination, the guarantee of the security of people of Nagorno-Karabakh, responsible, constructive steps of Armenia in the negotiation process and the strict adherence to the previously reached agreements, Artsakh`s full participation in the negotiation process, further raising of international awareness on Artsakh and the rights of its people.

Foreign Minister of Armenia attached importance to the fact that approaches of Armenia are in line with the position of the international community and the Co-Chairs. Minister expressed confidence that through joint efforts it will be possible to reach the fair settlement of the conflict and to establish a lasting peace in the region.

“The greatest pledge for such confidence is Artsakh itself that has proved its capability to establish a functioning governing system based on modern society, democratic institutions and rule of law. It is Artsakh with its armed forces, which are capable to give an adequate counterattack to any encroachments. It is Artsakh with its invincible generation, which had enjoyed the whole scent of freedom. It is Artsakh, which, by the definition of the President of the Republic of Armenia, “has not only the necessary fighting capacity, but it is also viable and competitive.“ Both Armenia and the Diaspora stand by Artsakh,” Minister concluded