In the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process there can’t be a return to the past and the mediators should accept the reality in this context.
In the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process there can’t be a return to the past: Ambassador Hans Jochen Schmidt
STEPANAKERT, SEPTEMBER 12, ARTSAKHPRESS: The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany in Armenia Hans Jochen Schmidt told the aforementioned in an interview with Artsakhpress. On the 25th anniversary of the Artsakh Republic Proclamation, Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan awarded Hans Jochen Schmidt with the "Gratitude" medal.
The ambassador said that the conflict settlement is possible only when mediators focus on the new reality and the negotiations will be conducted with vision of the future. He also expressed his displeasure with the fact that Azerbaijan creates artificial obstacles for European diplomats to visit Nagorno Karabakh, threatening to include them in the "black list”.
Referring to his close and friendly relations with Artsakh, Hans Jochen Schmidt said that it is impossible to have a right opinion about a country without visiting and establishing relations with the country on the spot. "Being ambassador in Armenia, I have been asked to make comments on political developments in Nagorno Karabakh. However, I always thought that it is impossible to be informed about Karabakh without visiting it. Therefore, when I have retired, I decided to visit Nagorno Karabakh and to be familiarized with the situation on the spot immediately, "said Schmidt.
Hans Jochen Schmidt said that during meetings with the Artsakh politicians and representatives of society he has been convinced that it is high time for his European partners to establish direct links with Karabakh.
"If we are interested in the development of the Nagorno-Karabakh society in the EU, we should carry out works in Artsakh,” he said.
"We should have direct relations with the local authorities and civil society representatives, to follow political developments, to establish relations with universities, as well as enable Artsakh students to study at Western universities and to get various scholarships, "said the German diplomat, adding that instead of putting black dots in some places of the world map, they should try to assist them.
Schmidt said that his mission in Artsakh is to support and bring to life his proposed projects.
