Armenia’s refusal to accept the updated Madrid Principles on Karabakh conflict settlement makes Azerbaijan reconsider its participation in the negotiations, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated in Istanbul, Interfax reports.  

Armenia has not yet responded to the updated Madrid Principles presented by the OSCE Minsk Group. Under these conditions the mediator countries should make a statement, Azerbaijan agreed the principles, Aliyev said.

“Some points do not suit us, but they are of technical and editorial nature. The principles reflect the issue of restoring Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and return of the displaced people. Armenia has not given its answer, and I think the mediators should voice their attitude. How long do Azerbaijan and the OSCE MG Co-Chairs have to wait?” Aliyev asked.

According to him, the updated Madrid Principles were presented by three Co-Chairs. He expressed hope the mediators will respect their own proposals. “Serious signals must be sent to Armenia, which has over the recent months been engaged in undermining activities. If we are all interested in further negotiations, certain steps have to be made,” Aliyev said.  

“If Armenia continues to delay time or refuses to accept the principle, Azerbaijan has to think over the prospects of its participation in the peace process. We are considering different options. We will seek to restore Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity in any way,” the Azeri leader said.