President of Switzerland Guy Parmelen responded in writing Three questions from “Aravot”.
– How do you imagine the concrete implementation of the initiatives adopted by the Swiss Parliament, which refer to the safe and collective return of Armenians to Nagorno Karabakh? Taking into account the above, the Swiss Parliament called for the creation of an international peace forum on the Nagorno Karabakh issue. What role can Bern play in this process?
– Switzerland conducts a continuous dialogue with the authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Within these frameworks, the issue of implementing the resolution adopted by the parliament was discussed several times. But at the current stage, the authorities of both countries have indicated that they do not want to hold such an international forum. Therefore, the necessary conditions for its organization are not met. However, this does not call into question Switzerland’s commitment to dialogue and the search for peaceful solutions.
– Is Switzerland ready to more actively defend the right of return of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians and the protection of their cultural heritage in the international arena?
– Even in 2023, Switzerland called for people who fled from the Nagorno Karabakh region to be able to return to their region of origin if they wish, and for their rights to be guaranteed in accordance with international law. We continue to defend this position within our international communications.
At the same time, we remain attentive to the situation and needs of refugees in Armenia. Therefore, Switzerland supports the efforts of the Armenian government to improve their social and economic situation, first through immediate humanitarian aid and later within the framework of the Swiss cooperation program for the South Caucasus.
-Switzerland is traditionally perceived as a neutral intermediary state. Can Bern become a platform for direct dialogue between the representatives of Azerbaijan and the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh?
– Switzerland is ready to provide its good services and experience to the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, if both parties wish. It remains ready to support any initiative that can promote dialogue and contribute to lasting peace in the region.
Anna AZNAUR
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