“The new president should have another minister appointed by him in order to be able to work with him freely. I have spoken to the both presidents and I will say to the minister as well that I will be in Yerevan in a phone call distance and if they need my advice I will be happy to assist them. I can share with the information, which I have not on a paper but in my mind, so that the future government can work effectively to pursue our goals” said Vardan Oskanyan to our correspondent and assured that he would work with the new president in the future, but without being involved in the government. “In the soon future I am going to be involved in civic activities. Once I have final information I will inform you,” he said. Concerning the negotiations over the Karabakh conflict issue Vardan Oskanyan said, “There is no need for us to be involved in the negotiations without preconditions. If Azerbaijan wants to change the directions and insist on its policies, we should take certain steps as well. However, if Azerbaijan stays loyal to the principles in the current negotiation document, which I believe is the true way, we should continue with the negotiations.” Vardan Oskanyan did not say who would substitute him, but made some hints. “You know him very well,” he said definitely meaning the Ambassador of Armenia in France, Edward Nalbandyan, who is considered to be the most appropriate candidate for the foreign affairs minister’s position.
