Armenian vice-speaker says war unlikely to restart soon

According AssA-Irada, citing Regnum news agency, Ovanesian described as erroneous the conclusions being drawn by certain media following President Robert Kocharian's recent interview that the president is the supporter of war. The speaker said that the president’s tone was actually rather calm and reserved.

"I think the president meant that Azerbaijan has not given up the idea of war yet. In other words, we are still at war and have to be prepared to fight," Ovanesian said.

At the same time, the speaker ruled out the possible resumption of hostilities in the foreseeable future. He said if Azerbaijan was ready to do that, it would have done it long ago.

"If Azerbaijan is not resorting to the military option, it means that it is either unable to do so or too aware of the possible consequences. Baku understands that the country initiating war will be punished not only by us but also by the international community," he said.

As for the prospect for resolving the Karabakh conflict, Ovanesian said he did not believe it was possible to reach a settlement in 2006. To back up his opinion, he pointed to the statements of the Azerbaijani side.

/AzerNEWS/