YEREVAN, MARCH 29, ARMENPRESS. Armenia won’t make unilateral concessions in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement, however without compromise the solution of the issue is impossible, deputy speaker of Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov told reporters on March 29, commenting on the recent interview of former President of Armenia Levon Ter Petrosyan.

“I think the opinion of the first president over this issue hasn’t changed even after the 90s. For me, the behavior of the political figures who were applauding Ter Petrosyan in 2008 for his stance in the NK conflict settlement and today are criticizing him is at least bizarre. In 2008 Ter Petrosyan was saying the same thing over this issue. Levon Ter Petrosyan has his opinion, we have ours. We won’t make unilateral concessions, however without compromise the solution of this issue is impossible. We find it possible to achieve dignified peace based on three famous principles as result of talks, based on the negotiations documents proposed by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs”, Sharmazanov said.

He added that the view of Armenia’s leadership regarding the NK conflict settlement is clear and hasn’t changed.

“We have talked clearly about the Karabakh settlement in our campaign program. The final status of Artsakh is exclusively the decision of the population of Artsakh. This is very clear, the people of Artsakh will decide their fate, and we will support them in this issue. No step back is possible in this issue. Secondly, we have supported and will support the efforts of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs, which are aimed at the peaceful solution of the conflict, based on the three famous principles. Thirdly, we will strengthen our frontline, we will strengthen our security, but we will take steps in order for Artsakh to return to the negotiations table, because without the participation of Artsakh the solution of the issue is impossible. This is our clear stance”, Sharmazanov said.

Commenting on the Madrid principles, which are basis for the negotiations of the NK conflict settlement, Sharmazanov emphasized the Madrid principles began circulating in 2007, in 2011 the document was modified and became the Kazan document.

He reminded that Armenian was ready to sign it, however Azerbaijan refused. He stressed the side that refuses is the side for which it is beneficial.

“Are the Madrid and Kazan documents the documents of our dreams? Of course not, but are these documents basis for achieving our goals? Yes. Our goal is to reach the realization of the fair trial of 1988 of our people. We remember very well what our Armenians were demanding in Freedom Square at that time, in Yerevan and also the people of Stepanakert. We have made the important step on that path and we will continue this path firmly”, he said.

Sharmazanov said the issue must be settled through compromise; however this can be talked about when Azerbaijan will be ready for compromise.