The preparation of the negotiation process for the settlement of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan was discussed during the trilateral meeting

The trilateral meeting of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev took place in Brussels. As a result of the discussion, agreements were reached on the further course of work on the opening of regional communications, on the launch of the work of the Commission on Border Demarcation and Security.

Issues related to the preparations for the negotiation process on normalization of relations between the two countries, humanitarian issues, as well as the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict were also discussed. An agreement was reached to continue the trilateral meetings, scheduling another meeting for July or August.

European Council President Charles Michel released a statement after hosting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for trilateral talks in Brussels.

“The discussion was frank and productive. We reviewed the entire set of issues. We had a detailed discussion on humanitarian issues, including demining, and efforts to free detainees and address the fate of missing persons.

We reached the following outcomes:

Border issues

The first joint meeting of the Border Commissions will take place on the inter-state border in the coming days. It will address all questions related to the delimitation of the border and how best to ensure a stable situation.

Connectivity

The leaders agreed on the need to proceed with unblocking the transport links. They agreed on the principles governing transit between western Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan, and between different parts of Armenia via Azerbaijan, as well as international transport through communications infrastructure of both countries. Notably they agreed on principles of border administration, security, land fees but also customs in the context of international transport. The Deputy Prime Ministers will take this work forward in the coming days.

Peace Agreement

The leaders agreed to advance discussions on the future peace treaty governing inter-state relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Teams led by the Foreign Ministers will take forward this process in the coming weeks. In addition to this track, I also stressed to both leaders that it was necessary that the rights and security of the ethnic Armenian population in Karabakh be addressed.”

The Polish Chairmanship of the OSCE has welcomed the meeting between Armenia and Azerbaijan facilitated by the European Union.

“Direct dialogue is a prerequisite to normalizing relations and preparing a comprehensive peace agreement. We remain ready to assist efforts to guarantee a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future for the South Caucasus,” the Polish Chairmanship said in a Twitter post.

The Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan referred to the problems of opening the communication channels between Armenia and Azerbaijan, answering the questions of Armenpress.

“For example, it will be possible for Armenian citizens and cargo to reach Meghri from Yeraskh through the territory of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic and vice versa, within the same principles as Azerbaijani citizens and cargo can reach Nakhichevan from Horadiz through Armenia,” Grigoryan said.

Referring to the question why should the territory of Nakhichevan be used for going from one part of Armenia to another, Grigoryan answered: “This may be due to the fact that the railway connecting the north of Armenia to the south passes through Nakhichevan. Besides, the topic under discussion is about the opening of all communications in the region, and the issue of the principles of opening and operating of all existing communications must be resolved. Discussions follow this logic. Let me remind you that in the same context, the issue of transport connection from the Republic of Armenia through the territory of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic to the Islamic Republic of Iran and through the eastern parts of Azerbaijan to the Russian Federation and vice versa is also being discussed.”

Any status within Azerbaijan is unacceptable. Spox of the President of Artsakh

The attitude of the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh to the statements voiced in various formats about the fate of the Republic of Artsakh and the people of Artsakh during negotiations and discussions has been unequivocally expressed several times by the President and the National Assembly.

The spokesperson of the President of the Republic of Artsakh Lusine Avanesyan told Artsakhpress, adding that she wants to recall some of the provisions published by President Harutyunyan in December 2021.

Full recognition of the right of the Artsakh Armenians to self-determination is not subject to any concession. The exclusive owner of this issue is the people of Artsakh.

The international recognition of the independence of the Republic of Artsakh remains the guideline of the authorities. Any status within Azerbaijan is unacceptable.

Going back to the past is unacceptable not only in terms of status, but also in demographic terms. The Republic of Artsakh has a problem of restoring its territorial integrity.

Other News

• Phone conversation of the Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan with the Foreign Minister of Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov

• Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan receives Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk