“Let’s imagine that the compromises outlined in the Madrid Principles take place: 5+2 regions are given up in favor of free will. Will that truly bring us closer to peace, and will it bring peace to the region? I don’t think so. It will instead make Azerbaijan tempted to show force once again. We do not need to compromise anything in present conditions,” political analyst Ara Papian told reporters.
Regarding the “We Will Not Give Up Land” march, which took place on February 26th, Papian said that people are free to express their views through protests and speeches. He shares their view that Armenia should not give up territory.
“The current authorities have clearly denied and rejected one thing- land in exchange for peace. Nikol Pashinyan said that we will never give up land for peace, but no one said that the authorities are preparing to exchange land for peace. This was not even discussed during the previous administration. What was discussed was land in exchange for the situation. This is what the current authorities have not denied. So, there is no clear position that this will not take place,” Ara Papian said.
He also noted that we have a clear position from Nikol Pashinyan this is not based on the overall content of negotiations, but instead a negotiations formula that Artsakh needs to participate as well. The red line that we are not prepared to compromise anything does not exist, according to Ara Papian. “Azerbaijan has had a clear line from 1988 until now. Artsakh will not have any sort of status outside of Azerbaijan. This means that even the negotiations process is predetermined for them.”
Roza Hakobyan