We Are Not Ready to Give Up a Single Centimeter of Land: Arayik Harutyunyan

The discussed documents, the Madrid Principles, are unacceptable to us, which we have vocalized. This was stated by Arayik Harutyunyan, the presidential candidate of Artsakh and the leader of the "Free Homeland" party, in response to Tert.am's question regarding whether his current position on the Artsakh issue differs from that of Armenia's government. He noted, "I am not saying that the previous authorities definitively accepted the Madrid Principles, as there has not been a final dialogue with the public, but this has been discussed, and I have said that this is not a document for us to discuss; we have made it clear that it is pointless to talk about this, it will not happen."

Harutyunyan emphasized that if the previous authorities accepted the Madrid Principles as a basis, it is not sufficient grounds for us to engage in discussions. "At this stage, the authorities of Armenia continue their meetings with the Minsk Group and the adversary; there are no negotiations. If there is a core around which it is possible to negotiate, I believe that during the first phase, negotiations will be conducted by the Armenian authorities, and later, Artsakh will definitely join. Without Artsakh, there can be no negotiations for a resolution; however, as many meetings as needed can take place," he stated.

He pointed out that a precondition for them is the right to self-determination of Artsakh. If this is not discussed or is called into question, then they have nothing to negotiate. Regarding compromise, he remarked, "What compromise? There is no such thing. When our right to self-determination is recognized, we will sit down to negotiate and see what can be given or not given. Today, there is no logic in announcing anything. Of course, we are not ready to give up a single centimeter of land; however, after recognizing the right to self-determination, we are willing to negotiate for the sake of long-term peace and stability."