Hikmet Hajiyev: Format of Negotiations Remains Unchanged

Baku / 01.10.18 / Turan: The conversation between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took place in the framework of the CIS summit in Dushanbe on the initiative of the head of the Armenian government. This is stated in the commentary by the deputy head of the Foreign Relations Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev.

Aliyev and Pashinyan met in the same form in New York on September 26 and in Brussels in July.

"We positively perceive this and the Azerbaijani side is always ready for constructive negotiations and contacts that contribute to the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. This once again demonstrates Azerbaijan's commitment to the negotiation process on the basis of the existing format," Hajiyev said.

As for the issue of strengthening the ceasefire regime on the contact line between the troops and the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, the main reason for the shootings is the illegal presence of the Armenian Armed Forces in the occupied territories and the continuation of the military occupation, he said.

"Withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan will eliminate the factor of military risk, so there will be no need for a cease-fire, and there will be comprehensive opportunities for a political settlement of the conflict. This will provide sustainable peace, stability and security in the region," Hajiyev said.

Recall that after the change of power in Armenia, the head of the new government Pashinyan demanded the Karabakh separatists should be accepted as a party as a condition for the resumption of the talks. -03D-