Armenian Foreign Minister on negotiations with Azerbaijan

Baku/03.11.23/Turan: Armenia and Azerbaijan are exchanging proposals on a peace treaty for the sixth time, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said in the Armenian parliament on Friday. Despite the recent events in Karabakh, Yerevan's course "towards the implementation of the peace agenda continues," Mirzoyan said.

According to him, Armenia hoped that in Granada it would be able to take a big step towards the implementation of the peace agenda. "But, unfortunately, the President of Azerbaijan did not consider it necessary or expedient to take part in this summit. Despite this, a declaration was signed in Granada, which, in fact, is the basis for concluding a future peace treaty with Azerbaijan," Mirzoyan said.

He recalled that the first principle of this agreement concerns mutual recognition of territorial integrity by the parties. Armenia wants to ensure maximum concreteness on this issue.

The second principle of the treaty is related to the delimitation and demarcation of the border of the two countries. The process should be carried out on the basis of the most recent and legitimate maps of the Soviet period. These maps were compiled in 1974-1978. The delimitation should be based on the borders that existed at the time of the collapse of the USSR, he continued.

According to the Minister, this approach enjoys the understanding of the international community. "And I dare to assume that the Azerbaijani side has a similar understanding, in general," he said.

The third principle concerns unblocking regional communications. Mirzoyan reiterated that Armenia is not against unblocking, and considers itself one of the main beneficiaries of the opening of these communications.

All communications should operate under the jurisdiction of the countries through which they pass, on the basis of equality and reciprocity," the Minister stressed. He further expressed optimism about the settlement of Armenia-Turkey relations. "The process of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations is underway. A decision on crossing the Armenian-Turkish border is expected in the near future for Armenia and Turkey with diplomatic passports, as well as citizens of third countries. ---0---