On January 23, Foreign Minister of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Karen Mirzoyan received students and professors of the Johns Hopkins University, who had arrived in the NKR on a familiarization visit. During the meeting, issues related to the history, current stage and prospects of the Karabakh-Azerbaijani conflict settlement, as well as to the regional processes were touched upon.

Karen Mirzoyan noted, in particular, that in the unequal war imposed by Azerbaijan the people of Karabakh had not only defended its homeland and won a victory, but had also created an independent state based on the principles of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights.

"As for the Karabakh-Azerbaijani conflict settlement, Nagorno-Karabakh stands solely for its peaceful settlement under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen and for the return of Artsakh to the negotiation table as an equal party", said Mr. Mirzoyan.

Noting that Azerbaijan has been trying to distort the essence and format of the negotiations so far, the Minister said, "The key element in the solution of the Karabakh issue is to accept the free will of the Karabakh people. We believe that the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination will be surely taken into account".

The NKR Foreign Minister emphasized that only the recognition of the existing realities by the Azerbaijani party, abandonment of the propaganda of hatred and militaristic sentiments and cessation of the increase in military expenditure could create corresponding conditions for the conflict settlement and for the establishment of peace and stability in the region.