By Asbarez | Wednesday, 27 April 2016
STEPANAKERT (ArmRadio)—The future of relations with Azerbaijan is at the core of discussions in Artsakh. Politicians and analysts say the recent military actions come to prove the short-sightedness of the Madrid Principles and the negotiations on that basis.
Politics is never “black and white.” Negotiations are necessary, but what should they be about and what are the implications of every proposal? This is the question.
Arzik Mkhitaryan, Head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the NKR National Assembly, singles out two of the principles – non-use of force and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Leader of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun faction, David Ishkhanyan, excludes the “territories for status” formula. “We have managed to create our history by establishing and developing a state system. This is our status,” he said.
“The status of Nagorno-Karabakh, and the guarantees of the foreigners cannot substitute the Artsakh Armed Forces and cannot guarantee people’s security. The April war is an evidence of this,” David Ishkhanyan said.
He’s assured that surrender of territories will not ensure security. Moreover, he says there is a need to expand the security zones of the cities of Martuni and Martakert, the northern regions of Martakert – Talish, Mataghis and other frontline villages. “This should be in the focus of both the diplomacy and the military.”
MP Armen Sargsyan reminds about the events of 1920-1921. “Our grandfathers won. We managed to keep Zangezur, but lost Artsakh because of defeat on the diplomatic front.”
Arzik Mkhitaryan considers that no one will ever assume the responsibility to solve such issues alone. People must give their consent to ant proposal. “Our political elite considers that any proposal that can be discussed and considered acceptable, should be put on a referendum.”
comments
Several Dozen Artsakh Residents Arrive in Armenia
Appeal to the Armenian Australian Community: We must stand up for Artsakh
Baku Dismisses Legal Expert’s Assertion about Azerbaijan’s ‘Genocide Against Armenians’
Dialysis Patients in Artsakh at Risk With Officials Warning of Other Complications
Azerbaijan Condemns Spain’s Efforts to Send Humanitarian Aid to Artsakh
EU Monitors in Armenia Come Under Azerbaijani Gunfire
40-Year-Old Artsakh Citizen Dies From Starvation Due to Azerbaijan's Genocidal Blockade
With Azerbaijan Kidnapping Another Artsakh Resident, Pressure Mounts for their Release
Pashinyan Warns of Azerbaijani Territorial Claims from Armenia