Yerevan/Mediamax/. Former President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan stated that Armenia needs “fundamental reforms” to solving its current problems, otherwise it “will be sitting on a powder keg”.

“We need fundamental reforms, people should see political competition in the country, the possibility of change through a legitimate voting process and not by attacks on state institutions and hostage taking,” Robert Kocharyan said in the interview to Azatutyun radio station.

Touching upon the situation in Armenia, former president noted, “Unfortunately, I cannot say anything reassuring.”

“Our statistics no longer reflect the real economic situation, the government forms and develops the economic policy no more. Social networks are the most objective indicators of both the people’s attitude and the social and political situation in the country today. For several years now the society has been gaining negative attitudes, which are overflowing today and obviously radicalizing. This naturally affects investments, buying mood, migration, and thus the economy in general,” Robert Kocharyan said.

The main subject of the interview is the NK issue settlement process.

“It is evident that Madrid principles in their original state don’t comply with the new reality anymore and need to be reviewed. The first revision should concern consolidation of security guarantees, clarification of referendum terms with return of territories attached to it. For instance, this is what could be the integral part of an agreement: restoration of military balance, strict and controlled obligations for the parties and the international community to maintain that balance for at least 25 years,” former President stated.

Robert Kocharyan also said, “Judging by the statements of the conflict parties’ officials and multiple publications in authority-controlled media, the parties have asymmetric readiness for a compromise.”

“The Armenian side’s readiness is greatly emphasized, but there isn’t even a hint for a compromise on our principle points in Azerbaijan. This situation worries the public in Armenia and Karabakh, causes negative expectations from the negotiations, and can become a source of defeatist attitude,” Robert Kocharyan said.