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Kocharian's comments on March 2 came a day after Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called for liberating the enclave from ethnic Armenian forces "no matter what it takes."

Nagorno-Karabakh is in Azerbaijan but populated mainly by ethnic Armenians. A 1994 cease-fire ended six years of fighting that left more than 30,000 people dead, but efforts to reach a political settlement have so far failed.

Kocharian and Aliyev met last month in France, but the talks ended without any breakthrough.

(AP)

President Says Armenia 'Will Defend' Nagorno-Karabakh

Robert Kocharian (file photo) (AFP)
March 3, 2006 -- Armenian President Robert Kocharian has vowed to defend the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh and recognize its independence if Azerbaijan resorts to force.

President Says Armenia 'Will Defend' Nagorno-Karabakh

Robert Kocharian (file photo) (AFP)March 3, 2006 -- Armenian President Robert Kocharian has vowed to defend the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh and recognize its independence if Azerbaijan resorts to force.

Robert Kocharian (file photo) (AFP)
March 3, 2006 -- Armenian President Robert Kocharian has vowed to defend the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh and recognize its independence if Azerbaijan resorts to force.