We have never been against negotiations with Azerbaijan; the only issue is the format and topics. David Babayan, advisor to the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) President and former foreign minister of Artsakh, told this to Armenian News-NEWS.am.

He added that these negotiations should proceed with the participation of mediators so that they are not presented as an intra-Azerbaijani dialogue.

"Besides, it is necessary to have people from outside who can dispel any speculations. A meeting without mediators will further complicate the situation, especially now when Azerbaijan senses its impunity," he said.

According to Babayan, in the aforesaid negotiations, emphasis should be placed on the current humanitarian situation in Artsakh, and there is no possibility to discuss political issues because the parties have opposing views in this regard.

"There are no definite dates yet, but the sooner [these negotiations take place], the better. Political issues can be discussed in critical cases when we ourselves decide which of the four scenarios we choose," said Babayan.

The advisor of the Artsakh president reminded that one of these scenarios is the preservation of the status quo, which, according to him, is impossible.

"And if the above-mentioned scenario is possible, then this is different. The second scenario is to be part of Azerbaijan, which is unacceptable to us [i.e. Artsakh]. Therefore, two scenarios remain: a struggle that we do not know how it will end, and a biblical emigration [of the Artsakh Armenians] without accepting humiliating conditions. We must be realistic, preserve our dignity. And it is very important to stay away from demagogues," David Babayan concluded.