Madrid Principles deemed to be most favorable terms for conflict settlementJuly 21, 2009 - 21:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Updated version of Madrid Principles is the most favorable document proposed so far, Professor Ruben Safrastyan, Director of NAS Oriental Studies Institute, told journalist. "We can't certainly say that they are 100% favorable for Armenia, but there is certain positive progress which is in our interests. Parties should conduct talks over those principles, and our diplomacy should make its best efforts for making principles favorable for Armenia," expert said.Besides, Iranian factor is taken into consideration in Karabakh settlement talks, Safrastyan noted. "Recently, media has been speaking about the possibility of deploying Russian peacekeepers in conflict zone. Azerbaijan in turn advances the idea of deploying Turkish peacekeeping forces. One thing can be said for sure: deployment of NATO forces is out of the question, considering Tehran's interests," Safrastyan stressed. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Atom Egoyan film coming to Golden Apricot Yerevan Festival Canadian-Armenian filmmaker Atom Egoyan’s latest film, Seven Veils, is the opening film at GAIFF 2024. Armenia denies more of Azerbaijan’s ceasefire violations Yerevan has denied statements from Baku accusing the Armenian army of violating the ceasefire on the border with Azerbaijan. Israel warns of “serious consequences” after Armenia recognizes Palestine Dmitry Gendelman said the move will have “serious long-term consequences” for Israel-Armenia relations. French envoy travels to Armenia’s Syunik French ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decottignies visited the town of Goris in the country’s southern Syunik province. |