Yesterday, in Stepanakert, there was a gathering of various NGO’s and political experts, during which participants discussed and debated various aspects of the Karabakh settlement process and recent developments to reach an internationally brokered peace accord. Specific attention was paid to the joint statement issued after the meeting in Athens. Vahram Atanesyan, a member of the NKR Parliament and President of the Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that it was high time foe the NKR government to officially declare its position regarding the Madrid Principles. Mr. Atanesyan stated, “This question, whether the Madrid Principles are in the best national interests of the NKR, must be answered by the government.” Gegham Baghdasaryan, also a member of the NKR Parliament and President of the Stepanakert Press Club, stated that the time had come for Karabakh residents to demand answers from their own government rather than seeking clarification from various international organizations regarding the conflict settlement process. MP Baghdasaryan said that the NKR government must issue an ultimatum regarding its participation in future negotiations stating that Stepanakert is not responsible for any agreement reached without its full participation and that the government has not authorized the RoA government to negotiate on its behalf with Baku.