STEPANAKERT-Leaders of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Hai-Tahd committees, including the Armenian National Committee of Australia's Varant Meguerditchian headed to Stepanakert over the weekend and met with Nagorno-Karabakh Republic President Bako Sahakian and parliament speaker Ashot Ghoulyan.

During the meeting, Sahakian praised the activities of Hai-Tahd committees around the world, especially efforts for the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, struggle for the aspirations of the Armenian nation and strengthening the Diaspora.

President Sahakian emphasised the need for Hai-Tahd committees to focus on the various aspects of the Karabakh conflict resolution process, especially the international recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and encouraged expanding cooperation with Karabakh authorities in that realm.

The Hai-Tahd representatives, who were headed by ARF Bureau member Hagop Der-Khachadourian, also met with the parliament speaker, who presented the posturing of official Stepanakert and the work ahead in the current phase of the conflict resolution process.

Ghoulyan said that under any circumstances are the veracity of the Armenian Genocide and Karabakh's right to self-determination to become topics of discussion, adding that the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic must become part of the negotiation process.

The two sides also discussed the need to dispel the myth that returning liberated territories would lead to peace. In fact, it was concluded, making concessions increases the chance for resumption of war.

The Hai-Tahd delegation also met with Artsakh Primate Archbishop Parkev Martirosian, who briefed his guests on the activities of the Karabakh Diocese.

Participants of the Hai-Tahd conference also took part in celebrations marking the 18th anniversary of the liberation of Shoushi and the 65th anniversary of Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.