The Karabakh conflict can be resolved only based on compromise, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said in an interview with the Moscow News newspaper.

The sides have been in search of compromise so far but the key point is people of Karabakh should decide their own destiny, he said.

President mentioned the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group recalling the mediators have proposed the document called Minsk Principles which provides for resolution of the conflict based on three principles: non-use or threat of force, territorial integrity and people’s right to self-determination.

He stressed the Azerbaijani side has its own perception of these principles.

“Azerbaijani leadership has been threatening to resume hostilities so far. It is violation of the first principle. We, as well as Azerbaijan, understand the principle of territorial integrity. However, there is an impression they accept it as dogma outside the context of international law. Meanwhile, Baku accepts right to self-determination as self-determination within Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. It will be difficult to resolve the conflict until Azerbaijan understands the meaning of this principle,” he said.

President Sargsyan noted it is naïve to believe that Karabakh people can abandon something they have achieved.

As to resumption of hostilities, President Sargsyan said it is likely to happen as it is unclear why Azerbaijan is protraction the peace process.

The Armenian President said two scenarios are likely if war resumes.

“The first is war and occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh which is possible only in case of total destruction of Karabakhi people. The second is defeat of Azerbaijan and loss of their territories. In this case, Azerbaijan will start complaining about losing five, six or more regions. What’s next? Again truce, violations of ceasefire, a new war ... All these scenarios are unpromising,” he resumed.