Armenian Prime Minister Highlights Diplomatic Differences in Baku-Yerevan Peace Talks
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian acknowledged that negotiations with Azerbaijan have reached a stalemate even though the two sides have agreed to basic principles for a peace treaty. Pashinian expressed his disappointment in the lack of a public commitment from Azerbaijan to the agreed-upon principles, which he believes is deepening the atmosphere of mistrust and leaving open the possibility for renewed military aggression.
The situation stems from Baku’s refusal to publicly commit to the three principles for peace that had been agreed upon during talks between Pashinian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The principles include the recognition of each other’s territorial integrity, the delimitation of borders based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration, and the opening of regional trade, transport, and communication while respecting sovereign jurisdictions.
Pashinian also accused Azerbaijani officials of using rhetoric that implies a preparation for a new war and military aggression against Armenia. The tensions have led to Azerbaijan refusing to participate in normalization talks at the foreign-minister level with Armenia, as well as withdrawing from planned meetings with the European Union and other European leaders.
Amid these challenges, the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pia Kauma, emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in the peace process and reaching a full settlement. She highlighted the need for peaceful coexistence, mutual security, and economic prosperity for the region, expressing hope that negotiations would yield positive results in the near future.
Armenian parliament speaker Alen Simonian also emphasized the historic opportunity to establish peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, expressing a sincere interest in normalizing relations with Turkey, opening borders and transportation links in the region, and engaging in negotiations without preconditions.
Overall, the comments from Armenian leaders reflect a willingness and hope for progress in the peace process, despite the challenges and tensions in the region.
