The aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) had serious consequences for the Armenian people, as well as created new security and stability challenges in the region, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan stated at the interview with Nouvelles d'Arménie.
“Although the military operations ended on November 9 by the trilateral declaration of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan, the situation remains fragile. This is due to the non-fulfillment of some of the commitments assumed by Azerbaijan in the above-mentioned declaration, in particular, the distortion of certain provisions, the ongoing hostage-keeping of prisoners of war and civilian detainees, as well as belligerent and expansionist rhetoric, aspirations to the sovereign territory of Armenia and renewed threats of use of force.
The provocative behavior of the Azerbaijani side has an impact not only on Armenia but also on other countries in the region, which we saw, for example, when inadmissible steps towards transit cargo were taken,” Mirzoyan said, expressing regret that the encouragement of this behavior, as well as anti-Armenian, belligerent rhetoric by third countries creates additional obstacles for the stability of the region.
The Foreign Minister stressed that Armenia continues its efforts to establish lasting stability in the region.
“The Action Plan of our Government clearly states the readiness to have a contribution to the opening of an era of peaceful development for the region. I am confident that in case of expression of relevant political will by other countries and implementation of constructive steps, all the necessary preconditions will be created to start active discussions on the above-mentioned agenda,” he said.
Referring to the question if Nagorno-Karabakh peace process has resumed, Mirzoyan said that despite the claims of the Azerbaijani leadership that there is no Nagorno-Karabakh or Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, as well as many other states, share the position of the Armenian side that the conflict remains unresolved and a comprehensive settlement is necessary in the sidelines of the Minsk Group Co-chairs’ format through peaceful negotiations.
Mirzoyan said that Armenia is ready to normalize relations with Turkey without preconditions, which is enshrined in the Government's Action Plan, commenting on the position of the Armenian side on relations with Turkey and possible developments in the future.
“The lack of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey, the closed borders, as well as Turkey's open involvement in the 44-day war, the recent statements from Turkey about the so-called ‘Zangezur Corridor’ have a negative impact on regional stability.
Nevertheless, in his public speeches, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed the view of the Armenian side that in case of Turkey's readiness to normalize relations, and adequate measures in that direction, Armenia is ready to discuss the possibilities of building bilateral relations,” Mirzoyan said.
He also added that “at the moment, there is no negotiation process with Turkey.”
According to Mirzoyan, Armenian has allied relations with Russian Federation and cooperation in military-political, security, and also economic, energy, infrastructure, humanitarian and cultural fields is an important component of the Armenian-Russian multi-layered cooperation.
“At the same time Armenia highlights the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with EU and EU Member States in different dimensions based on common democratic values.
In this regard, I would like to emphasize the importance of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. This comprehensive document creates a strong legal basis for the Armenia-EU partnership, as well as for cooperation with EU Member States. The effective implementation of the agreement will strengthen the cooperation in different fields such as justice, security, economy, agriculture and infrastructure, environment and climate, education and science, culture, healthcare, etc.” said Mirzoyan.
He named the Eastern Partnership an important platform, mentioning that Armenia continues active involvement and work in the direction of strengthening the inclusiveness of the format and deepening the cooperation.
Talking about Armenia-Iran relations Armenian Foreign Minister said that there are historical friendly relations based on mutual trust between the two countries. “There is readiness of both sides to further develop and deepen the Armenian-Iranian relations based on friendship and mutual respect, cooperation in trade and economy, politics as well as in mutually beneficiary other fields”, Mirzoyan emphasized.
He added that Armenia is full of hope, that the nuclear talks will restart, will have a successful course, and will create an opportunity to raise the sanctions from Iran, which can be an important stimulus for the development of economic cooperation between Armenia and Iran.
