The Karabakh Conflict in the Context of Political Processes in Armenia and Azerbaijan - 2018: Page 3 of 11

power by the mission to resolve this problem. Even Serzh Sargsyan who was trying to run for the third term justified his step by the necessity of resolving the Karabakh problem. The situation has changed now: Nikol Pashinyan did not give any promises to the revolutionary-minded society in this regard. This is a very important circumstance. So, his statement about himself speaking only on behalf of Armenia must be taken seriously. Time will show how this will be put into practice.

Sergey Markedonov – Manvel Sargsyan's idea about "Karabakh factor" being the cause for three former Presidents of Armenia to stay in power is interesting. Literally, immediately after the voting in the Parliament he left for Karabakh to “double up his celebrations of victory", a discussion was held on the topics of new possible changes. On May 19, the new Foreign Minister Mnatsakanyan left for Stepanakert and held talks with Masis Mailyan (minister of foreign affairs NKR - editor). It is obvious that Pashinyan is ready to play in this field and play actively. I do not think that any distancing from the topic is possible. It is a different matter how long the search for the new ways will take. I do not think it will take long. By the way, despite his dislike for Kocharyan and Sargsyan, Pashinyan with his visit to Karabakh on May 9th continued a certain symbolic line.  Thus, getting above internal political controversies.

Manvel Sargsyan - I think that there is an imperative to specify the rights and responsibilities of the parties to the conflict - who is responsible for what in this conflict? In particular: are the Madrid principles applicable to Armenia? I am convinced thatit is the core of the issue. Bringing complete clarity to this matter can change a lot.

Sergey Markedonov - Defining the responsibilities of the two Armenian republics is important. But it is important to do it within societies in Armenia and NKR, it is important to do it among politicians. How much will it be of interest to the mediators? From an analytical perspective, it will most likely be of interest to them. They will study and take note of it. Will they change anything? Probably not.

Manvel Sargsyan - The Madrid principles, in their essence, are the program of differentiating the rights and responsibilities of the two conflicting parties - the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Artsakh as actual successors of the former Azerbaijan SSR. This concerns both the problems of territorial division and status determination. Armenia, in fact, is responsible for its role as guarantor of the security of the people of Artsakh. Armenia does not need to discuss the Madrid principles program: it is more useful to discuss security issues with Azerbaijan. This simple situation is difficult to reject.

Gela Vasadze - It depends for who is the one to reject, because for Azerbaijan that is now fully preparing for the use-of-force scenario it is very simple and easy to do so. From a practical point of view, the Madrid principles in this situation