In an interview with Becky Anderson, Armenia's President Armen Sarkissian, tells CNN that the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh is dramatically different to previous clashes. Sarkissian also tells Anderson that Russia, the United States and NATO need to get Turkey to "stop interfering in the region" and states that the conflict threatens to create "another Syria of the Caucasus". Excerpts: Armen Sarkissian: This conflict is dramatically different from the previous clashes where it was happening between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh, supported by Armenia, but it is happening with the support, and the open support of Turkey. Turkey through its military officers, generals, mercenaries, terroristic extremists that were brought in thousands to Azerbaijan to fight in Nagorno-Karabakh, and Turkey with his military might, pretending that they're there in order to protect some international logistic structures. Becky Anderson, CNN: We will get to Turkey in a moment. I just want to just establish what is going on. Have a listen to what Azerbaijan's President had to say. "Azerbaijan will not allow anyone to conquer Nagorno-Karabakh. Nagorno-Karabakh is Azeri territory, we must return, and we will return." He says Azerbaijan will not cease military action until you have set a timetable for withdrawing troops. Are you willing to do that, sir? Sarkissian: Well, I think first of all, first of all. I think addressing it to Republic of Armenia is the wrong appeal. Because they have to appeal to the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh or Artsakh as we call it. Because their dispute is with these people. Now, this is not about Armenia occupying a territory. This is a territory that even under Soviet rule, the absolute majority, I mean, 95% of population were Armenians because they're living there for thousands of years. How can anybody occupy a territory that you are living for thousands of years? Anderson: Sorry sir, can I just interrupt you for a moment? Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense today said, "Radar systems recorded the launch of rockets at Azerbaijan from starting positions Jermuk, Gafan and Berd regions of Armenia. How do you explain this? Sarkissian: This is, this is a fake news, short answer. Anderson: Your prime minister spoke with the US National Security Advisor, Robert O'Brien on Thursday, as I understand it about Turkey's role in the intensifying conflict. What was the outcome of that call, and is the US offering any support? Sarkissian: I've been speaking about this to many President and Prime Ministers of different countries, asking them to interfere and put pressure on Turkey, stop interfering in the region because their interference is taking the conflict an order up in magnitude, in complexity and also creating something that eventually will become another Syria of the Caucasus. But Caucasus, if it becomes a place like Syria, then God help everybody. God help Europe, God help central Asia. It will affect everybody, including Turkey, Iran, and Russia. So my plea is if Turkey will be restrained with the help of Russia, United States and France, then we have a chance of ceasefire, further negotiations, maybe peacekeepers, and then we'll have a chance to go back to the negotiating table. Because there is no military solution to this conflict. There can be only be a peaceful diplomatic solution. Anderson: I wonder given that you are looking for support from the US, and given that call was made on Thursday, just before Donald Trump announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19, I wonder whether you think Washington has its eye off the ball in this conflict. Does that worry you? Sarkissian: I don't believe that Washington has its eye off what is happening in Caucasus, because this is crucial area. It is about not only just an important crossroad of many things, but also supply of energy, humanitarian. It's a vital interest of many states. Anderson: Have a listen to what Turkey's Foreign Minister had to say in a press briefing alongside the NATO Secretary-General: "Everyone, namely NATO should call for the resolution of the problem under international law, UN resolutions, and Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, Armenia immediately withdrawing from this region." Will that happen? And you have accused Turkey of effectively shipping in Syrian fighters to fight on Azerbaijan's side; what evidence do you have of that, sir? Sarkissian: Turkey has to withdraw from Azerbaijan and stop supporting Azerbaijan because it becomes just another side of the conflict. Is NATO ready to accept that a NATO member is at war against Armenia? Anderson: And on the shipping of Syrian fighters by Turkey to support Azerbaijan: what's your evidence? Sarkissian: The evidence is open. It's obvious. It's video recordings, audio recordings, captured people. And of course, they didn't come on their own. Anderson: Just finally, Russia is a close ally. What kind of assistance do you hope Russia can provide at this point? Sarkissian: Well, the Russia has allied relations both with Armenia and with Azerbaijan. We're hoping that Russia as a key member of the Minsk Group co-chairs will exercise their pressure first of all, on Turkey. So, my formula is pretty simple, if we exclude Turkey from this conflict, I mean, militarily, politically. If Russia can put pressure on Turkey. I think it will work. And I hope it will work, and we'll go back to negotiations.
