“Mediators as a rule present a document that might be interpreted either way. Almost all provisions of Madrid Document can be construed differently, therefore, the clarification pending.

While Baku, Stepanakert and Yerevan read the document in their own way, the political circles comment on the document from their viewpoints,” Dr. of Philosophy Alexander Manasyan said on NKR Public TV commenting on Madrid principles.

“The documents that OSCE and CSCE ratified earlier were based on the principle of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. The Madrid document differs in terms of absence of the open mention of the latter. Eventually, the mediators came to the idea that Karabakhi people cannot be deprived of its right for self-determination. There is no such a principle of international law that would ban a nation’s right for self-determination,” Manasyan added.

Dr. Manasyan pointed out: “The result of almost 20-year-old diplomatic efforts of Armenian side is that the Co-Chairs have finally recognized that people of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) can finally determine their state-national status by referendum.”

“This achievement can be questioned. One can assert that the Co-Chairs tried to give us what has already been ours (right for self-determination), and take what was also ours (the liberated territories) in return. However, when comparing the documents of 1991-1992 with Madrid Principles, the latter’s progress is evident. And here emerges the question: whether Madrid document is acceptable for us. Certainly not. Another question arises: as Madrid principles assume various interpretations, the attempt to interpret them in our favor at negotiating table should be made. I am confident that Azerbaijan will attempt to do so as well. And this is where we need to prove our diplomatic mettle,” Dr. Manasyan concluded.