‘[The ARF has] Always Stated Artsakh’s Reunification with Armenia as [its] Final Goal’
YEREVAN—Armenian Revolutionary (ARF) ARF Bureau member and director of its Central Hai Tahd office Giro Manoyan recently discussed the policies and initiatives that the ARF has laid out in their election platform regarding the recognition of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh) and the Artsakh peace process, in an interview with Yerevan-based Tert.am.
Giro Manoyan (Photo: Armenpress)
“In our pre-election platforms, we have always stated Artsakh’s reunification with Armenia as our final goal. Both the proclamation of independence and the activities towards recognition are tactical steps in that direction,” Manoyan said. He added that once Armenia recognizes Artsakh’s independence, the two republics could decide to unite.
The ARF has stated that they are against any concessions or compromises until Azerbaijan recognizes the self-determination of the people of Artsakh, according to Manoyan.
“From our standpoint, statements made by high-ranking officials that [Armenia’s] recognition of Artsakh may lead to a war is wrong,” said Manoyan. “If that really is the case, why do we then ask third parties to recognize Artsakh?”
During the interview, Manoyan reiterated that the ARF and its foreign policy is not pro-Russian, nor is it pro-American or pro-European. “You can call it what you want. We are pro-Armenian,” Manoyan said.
Source: Armenian Weekly
Link: Manoyan Discusses Armenia’s Recognition of Artsakh