Q: Is Armenia concerned that the Chechens have announced their readiness to fight Nagorno Karabagh on behalf of the Azeris?

A: We note all calls for a resumption of military activities with concern. We believe however that the ceasefire continues to hold because the Armenian side believes that there is no alternative to a peaceful solution to the conflict. With regard to Azerbaijan, despite their militaristic rhetoric, we would like to believe that they, too, are unwilling to return to armed conflict.

Q: What is your reaction to the Lithuanian President’s call for greater EU engagement in the Southern Caucasus?
A: We welcome his willingness to raise this very important issue. President Kocharian and President Paksas of Lithuania discussed this during Mr. Rolandas Paksas‘s visit to Armenia earlier this year. We believe that the Southern Caucasus is an important part of the chain that will make up the greater Europe, and it is important that we know that Europe, too, sees that there is a Europe-Caucasus relationship.