STEPANAKERT. - No issue can be solved without the opinion of the people and authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), Karabakh National Assembly (NA) MP from Democracy party, Vardges Baghryan, told Armenian News – NEWS.am, touching on the information disseminated by the Russian media on the so-called “Russian plan” of Karabakh conflict settlement.

In his words, it is unknown what documents and what proposal it is. “What territories or peacekeeping forces do they speak about? I don’t know who can demand us to cede those territories. And even if they demand, why should we cede them? In exchange for what?  What does ceding territories, bringing peacekeeping forces and then thinking of the referendum and status of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic mean? This is merely nonsense. This is definitely unacceptable for me,” Vardges Baghryan.

It will be possible to express an opinion when something specific is put on the negotiation table, the MP said. “We definitely consider unacceptable anything directed against us. If we must hand the territories, where is the guarantee that tomorrow the peacekeeping forces won’t leave Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan won’t attack again? For already 22 years – since 12 May 1994 – the NKR Defense Army is the best guarantee and peacekeeping force for us,” Baghryan said.  

According to the MP, nothing has changed in the NKR position. “The Nagorno-Karabakh must be a party to the negotiation. I strongly believe that nobody can solve the Karabakh conflict without considering the opinion of the Armenian people. I think no leader will go for such a suicidal step,” Baghryan concluded.

According to the diplomatic sources of Russian media outlets, under the Russian plan, part of the territories should be returned to Azerbaijan. Besides, peacekeepers should be brought to the zone of conflict, refugees should be returned and Karabakh should be legitimize (i.e. ensure opening of its borders and restoration of its economic ties). Thereafter, once the dust settles, a referendum should be held on the region’s allegiance