YEREVAN. - The talks on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are held on the basis of the Madrid principles.

Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian stated the aforementioned at a press-conference on the results of the year 2016 on Tuesday.

“It has been repeatedly noted that it is presented as one whole. That is, the principles are one whole, a package.   But the package supposes a step-by-step resolution,” Nalbandian noted.

Responding to the question on the role of Russia in the settlement, the FM noted that Russia, U.S. and France all have a great role in the resolution. “The three co-chairing countries work together. It is necessary to blame not the mediators but Baku. The absence of a constructive approach from Baku hinders the advancement of the process,” Nalbandian said, adding that Azerbaijan sees only one of the three principles, at the same time continuing to threaten by the use of force.

Referring to the position of Armenia in case Azerbaijan insists on the non-fulfillments of the Vienna agreements, the FM recalled that it is not the first time such a situation emerges.  At the same time, he stressed that there is no alternative to the talks. “Armenia and the co-chairs continue exerting efforts towards the option, which will ensure the rights and security of the Nagorno-Karabakh people,” he noted.