The essence of Madrid Principles is that they contain both pro-Armenian and pro-Azerbaijani clauses, ACNIS Director Richard Giragosyan told a news conference in Yerevan. “It should be born in mind that the principles were drawn up by mediators dealing with NKR conflict, without Yerevan and Baku’s involvement in the process. What concerns me most of all is that Armenia may have weaker positions during talks,” Armenian expert stressed, accounting for such weakness by country’s internal situation.
It is Moscow rather than Baku that poses a real threat to Armenia at present, Giragosyan noted. “Russia is establishing closer ties with Azerbaijan in an attempt to prove that it will take fairer stance on Karabakh conflict settlement. The principal threat may derive from our friends, and Armenia must be ready for any new challenges,” he said.
With regard to NKR self-determination, the expert finds that OSCE MG is well-aware that any attempt to return Karabakh to Azerbaijan may lead to war. “In short, it is out of the question. Such attempts contain threats, and not only. The issue of NKR’s self-determination and status is partially resolved. The real question at present is whether Karabakh can be independent or it wants to be annexed to Armenia. That’s something to be determined by Stepanakert,” the expert stated.
