All matters related to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) are first of all discussed with the Artsakh authorities, and when making a decision, preference is given to the opinion of the elected authorities of Artsakh. Speaker Alen Simonyan of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia stated about this to reporters in the NA Tuesday.

When asked if by recognizing the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in the peace treaty to be signed, Artsakh might be deprived of the right to self-determination, Simonyan said. "We [i.e., Armenia and Azerbaijan] have recognized each other's territorial integrity back in 1991, and, also, there are documents signed later where we have recognized each other's territorial integrity. I repeat, the Republic of Armenia has never had a territorial claim since its independence [in 1991]; it was about the right of self-determination of the people of Artsakh. These are issues of rights, and I don't think that, in general, the word ‘Artsakh’ should and can be included in the peace treaty to be signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan. That is my personal opinion; I believe my colleagues share [that view]."

And to the question on what the red lines of the Armenian authorities will be in the matter, the NA speaker responded: "Now there is no document, shall I talk about some red lines? We are ready to sign a peace treaty based on international norms."