Iran has reiterated support for the Armenian government’s Crossroads of Peace project, emphasizing that the unblocking of regional transport links must be implemented with adherance to internationally recognized borders and without violating national sovereignty or territorial integrity of any state in the region.
In an interview with Armenpress, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei commented on the ongoing discussions around the unblocking of economic and transport links in the region, the Armenian proposals in this regard, as well as the Azerbaijani narratives about an extraterritorial corridor, something Yerevan has categorically rejected citing international law.
Baghaei also spoke about Iran’s position regarding Armenia’s deepening ties with the West, the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace process, as well as the recent Pezeshkian-Aliyev call when the Iranian president called on the Azerbaijani leader to investigate reports alleging that Israel used Azerbaijani airspace for its attacks on Iran.
Below is the full text of the interview:
Armenpress: In the context of unblocking transport and economic communications in the South Caucasus, Armenia has proposed the “Crossroads of Peace” project, taking into account the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, jurisdiction, and reciprocity, while Azerbaijan continues to make extraterritorial demands from Armenia to connect with Nakhchivan. What is Iran’s position on this issue?
Baghaei: Let me put it this way. First, we value our bilateral relations with both Republic of Azerbaijan and Republic of Armenia.
They are our neighbors and we are determined to continue our good neighborliness policy with both states. We have bonds of friendship with both states, with both Republic of Azerbaijan and Republic of Armenia.
As far as Armenia is concerned, we have a very dynamic and important Armenian community in Iran. We are proud of them. It is very important for us to ensure peace and stability in South Caucasus because we regard peace and security in that region as part of peace and security for ourselves, for Iran. We will make every effort to make sure that there is peace between the two nations.
As far as the transportation routes are concerned, we have always supported that because we think connectivity is needed for economic development and welfare of Armenians and Azerbaijanis as well as Iranians. We do hope really that these initiatives will yield fruit. We have supported Armenia’s initiative of “Сrossroads of peace” and we think it’s good for the whole region.
At the same time, we have clarified that any transportation routes must be implemented or must be devised while respecting internationally recognized borders and without violating national sovereignty or territorial integrity of any state in the region. So while we support expansion of transportation routes and connectivity between the nations of the South Caucasus and Iran, we have to be careful really. First, not to change internationally recognized borders, not to in any way make any transgressions against national sovereignty or territorial integrity of any member states.
At the same time, one particular thing is very important for us and I think should also be appreciated by all countries of the region and that’s the importance of not allowing third parties, non-regional actors to intervene in the affairs of South Caucasus because I guess it would simply complicate the issues. It would not be in the interest of the states of the region. So that’s a principle position that we have always declared and we are determined to continue that.
Armenpress: Armenia and Azerbaijan have announced that they have reached an agreement on a peace treaty. The Armenian side has stated that it is ready to sign the agreement at any time; however, Azerbaijan continues to present new preconditions. What do you think — is peace possible in the near future under these circumstances?
Baghaei: Sure it is. If there is will, there is way and not only one way to do that. So they say when there is a will, there is a way to do that. And as far as Armenia and Republic of Azerbaijan is concerned, we understand the background, we understand that they were in conflict.
So we understand the complicities and complications that may prolong the peace process, the negotiations. But I think we should see the positive side and be optimistic. The positive side is that they have managed to craft a peace agreement.
I know that still there needs to be some time to finalize it. But the fact that you have done it, the bulk of the agreement is done and both states, it is our understanding that both states are keen to go along with that peace plan. We have encouraged both Armenia and Republic of Azerbaijan to finalize the agreement, the peace agreement and to sign it.
I was with Minister Araghchi when he traveled to Yerevan and I also was present when he met with his Azeri counterpart. On both occasions, he really encouraged both ministers to please accelerate the process and finalize the deal because that would be a guarantee for lasting peace in South Caucasus.
Armenpress: Armenia has adopted a balanced and balancing foreign policy course, and in this context, is strengthening its relations with the EU and the US. Some have groundlessly claimed that Armenia’s policy is directed against Iran and is unacceptable to Tehran. Could you please clarify what Iran’s position is on this issue?
Baghaei: Armenia wants to diversify their policies with respect to their relations with other states. So Armenia wants to follow diversification of its relations or to have good relations with other states. That’s fine of course. We have good relations with Armenia. We are good friends.
We have a history of trust-based relations with Armenia and I think both Iran and Armenia should appreciate that basis. Because I’m sure both Armenia and Iran want to preserve their friendly relations because it’s in the interest of our nations. What is a matter of importance for us is that any neighbor’s relations with other states would not be used or abused against Iran.
And I think this is coming from a rule of international law that prohibits the use of any state’s territory or capabilities for making trouble for another member state. And I think Armenia very well understands this important principle. So the important thing for Iran as a neighbor is that its neighbor’s relations with other actors would not be in any way or any form whatsoever be abused against our interests.
Armenpress: One more question in this context. A month ago, the President of Iran had a phone conversation with the President of Azerbaijan and urged him to investigate the publications claiming that Israel used Azerbaijani airspace to carry out an attack on Iran. Does Iran have any evidence that Israel used Azerbaijani airspace, and do you have any information on whether the Azerbaijani side has investigated these reports?
Baghaei: As I said we have the same expectation from Azerbaijan as we have from Armenia or any other neighboring state. That call was not specifically aimed at raising that issue. It was a telephone call between the two presidents. They discussed a range of issues, bilateral and regional. And in the meantime, of course, President Pezeshkian raised that issue. And as I told you, it was not to suggest that Azerbaijan has been involved in Israeli attack against Iran. It was simply a reminder that we, as member states, we have certain obligations under international law not to let our territories be abused by any third party against each other. And again, this is coming from the fact that Israel has a long history of abusing other states territories.
We may raise the same concern with other member states, with other neighbors, because we know that Israel has also used other territories in their attack against Iran. So it was not to suggest that the Republic of Azerbaijan was involved in that unlawful attack. Simply, as I told you, it was a reminder.
And that’s, of course, a general reminder to each and every member states, our neighbors, that please be careful because we are facing an enemy that has no regard for international law, that has no regard for rule of law. And it requires us all to be careful not to let them spoil our relations.
