YEREVAN. – The people of Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] have already resolved the issue of an independent state of Artsakh, we already have an independent state of Artsakh for 30 years; [now] there should only be international recognition. Artsakh's independence matter, which is not being discussed, should be at the heart of the negotiations [to resolve the conflict with Azerbaijan]. Only after that one can negotiate on other territories, other issues. Parliamentary opposition Prosperous Armenia Party leader and tycoon MP Gagik Tsarukyan told this to reporters in the National Assembly.

Asked how he assesses the incumbent Armenian authorities’ policy on the Artsakh issue, Tsarukyan said: “Most importantly, they want to do it. But a man must have full practice, experience, or advisory events should be organized with those who have that experience.”

As for Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev's statement that most of Armenia is Azerbaijani territory, Tsarukyan laughed and said: “Aliyev's advisers did not give him accurate information. They should have read world history that Armenians have a millennial history, whereas Azerbaijan has a 100-year history. We are celebrating the 2800th anniversary of Yerevan, whereas they have a 100-year history and consider Yerevan as Azerbaijani [territory].”