Armenian Prime Minister Laments Missed Opportunity in Granada Meeting

Bakı/05.10.23/Turan: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed disappointment and regret over the cancellation of the scheduled meeting in Granada, Spain, which Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev refused to attend. Pashinyan suggested that an important document could have been signed during the meeting, emphasizing his willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.

Speaking at a government meeting on October 4, Pashinyan touched on the opposition protests and provided insights into the missed opportunity for diplomatic progress. "We confirmed our visit to Granada, and we were very constructive and optimistic because we believed there was a chance to sign an important document. However, it turned out that the planned meeting would not take place, and it is our fault," Pashinyan stated.

Pashinyan further criticized the opposition for characterizing the document as destructive, asserting that no one had the authority to block the road to the airport. He expressed frustration that the meeting would not proceed as planned, despite Armenia's initial commitment to it.

He expressed his regret that the meeting with President Aliyev would not occur but expressed hope that the concept document on the table could still be signed at a later, more opportune time.

The  Armenian delegation, composed of himself, the Foreign Minister, and the Secretary of the Security Council, had already departed for Granada.

It should be noted that Azerbaijan declined to participate in the five-sided meeting scheduled for October 5 in Granada, citing concerns related to France's stance and differences between Paris and Berlin regarding Turkey's participation. This decision by Azerbaijan has stirred speculation and debate among political commentators.

Arastun Orujlu, a political commentator, shared his insights on the situation during a segment of the "Difficult Question" program. Orujlu questioned the justifications provided for Azerbaijan's refusal, suggesting that they appeared to be pretexts. He noted that France's position had remained consistent for several months, and Turkey had never participated in this particular five-sided format. Thus, he posited that other underlying reasons for Azerbaijan's decision should be explored.

The cancellation of the Granada meeting underscores the complexities and challenges surrounding diplomatic efforts in the region, as both Armenia and Azerbaijan continue to navigate a delicate path towards peace and stability.