Are the Madrid Principles unacceptable for RA authorities?
Serzh Sargsyan and Edward Nalbandyan announce that the main issue in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is Karabakh's status and that the return of refugees is possible only after the status is determined. Does this mean that the Armenian government is renouncing the Madrid Principles? We asked press speaker for the Republican Party, NA Deputy Edward Sharmazanov.
Edward Sharmazanov: The Madrid Principles are not the final document. They are simply proposals, principles, but the negotiations are in progress. Even before and after the Madrid Principles were revealed, Serzh Sargsyan said that the main issue of concern was the status of Nagorno-Karabakh and that Karabakh could not be part of Azerbaijan. In fact, in his latest meetings, the President clearly stated that there are points in the Madrid Principles that are far from what we envision.
"A1+": Nevertheless, the issue of the status is secondary in the document that has apparently been agreed to serve as a basis for negotiations.
E. Sh.: But unlike the Lisbon Principles, the Madrid Principles accept Nagorno-Karabakh as a subject and its de facto independence and there is an opportunity for Karabakh to have a de yure independence through a referendum. But I must say once again that this is not a document that has been agreed on. The Armenian side has stated its opinion and there are points that we agree with and points that we don't agree with.
"A1+": Edward Nalbandyan announced at the National Assembly that it is impossible to change the pre-signed protocols on Turkish-Armenian relations and it must be finally signed in the form that was agreed on. Is this possible for the Madrid Principles as well? Will the Armenian authorities possibly go against the new principles and not resolve the conflict?
E. Sh.: The Republican Party has released the three points and if there are principles that don't correspond to those three points, the Armenian authorities will obviously disagree. Our objective is to find a pro-Armenian resolution of the Karabakh conflict and not resolve it at any price.
"A1+": Don't you see the possibility of Turkey's interference in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh if the protocols are signed and ratified?
E. Sh.: There is not one precondition in the protocols.
"A1+": Is there anything between the lines?
E. Sh.: There is no need to read between the lines. We must look at what is written. Turkey and Armenia must obviously go after their interests and we must work for our benefit.
