R.Kocharian: In Key West, Azerbaijan has agreed to Karabakh joining Armenia

In an interview with the Armenian service of Radio "Liberty" the second president of Armenia Robert Kocharian stated that in 2001, in Key West, the issue of settlement of the Karabakh conflict was close to a decision. "For 10 years of my presidency only once, in Key West, we were really close to signing the document, which did not occur due to the failure of Azerbaijan, in fact, already during the signing ceremony. It was a package and a comprehensive settlement, based on the  annexation of Nagorno Karabakh  to Armenia, and it meant the return of the territories, as well as the use of complex security measures," said Kocharian.

The current situation in the negotiations is unfavorable for Armenia, he said. "Today we are witnessing an accumulation of a number of adverse factors that cause serious concern. Violation of the military balance by deliveries of Russian weapons, a few unpleasant resolutions and reports of international organizations on Nagorno-Karabakh, the formation of a new format of regional cooperation on the initiative of Azerbaijan (of course, without Armenia), the creation of transport corridor "North-South" bypass our country. The geopolitical implications of what is happening will have long-term negative impact on our weight in economic, international and regional affairs, and, of course, to our resource of influence in the negotiation process on Nagorno-Karabakh," said Kocharian.

According to him, "Madrid Principles"  is only partially acceptable for the Armenians, because they recognized the right of Karabakh to self-determination. "But this document was not intended to sign it, they were the principles which, according to mediators, were to become the basis for a future agreement. On the basis of these principles, the mediators have tried to create a settlement agreement, but the agreement was never close to signing. "

"Madrid principles" in their original form no longer meet the new realities, and need to be revised: first of all, in the context of strengthening safeguards, clarifying the timing of the referendum, and therefore the return of territories. For example, an integral part of the agreement could be: the restoration of the military balance, solid and controlled by an agreement between the parties and the international community to maintain this balance, at least for 25 years.

"Nagorno Karabakh’s independence and the existence of a common border with Armenia cannot be a subject of bargaining. In this case, the April war must toughen our approach to resolve, not weaken them, because the increased future risks of any concessions.

At the same time  Kocharian negatively assessed the socio-political and economic situation in Armenia, where for several years in a society is an intense accumulation of negative sentiment that more and more radicalized. "Armenia lives as on a powder keg," confessed Kocharian. -02D-