Pashinyan reaffirms willingness to resume peace negotiations

Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday reaffirmed the Armenian government’s willingness to resume the peace negotiations over Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), admitting at the same time the continuing tense politico-military situation in the region.

“Azerbaijan’s provocative steps and maximalist ambitions create increasing threats to our region, to Armenia and to Artsakh,” he told the cabinet meeting, highlighting also Russia’s pivotal role in ensuring stability and security.

Pashinyan also emphasized the cornerstone significance of the Russian-Armenian joint military contingent and the Russian peacekeeping forces in Nagorno-Karabakh. “At the same time, I hold on to the belief that Azerbaijan is seeking to torpedo the implementation of the November 9 and January 11 trilateral statements, particularly with respect to the opening of regional communications and lifting the blockade around Armenia,” he said, stressing Armenia’s priority focus on the specified tasks.

Pashinyan expressed his willingness to continue the efforts towards that end, highlighting the expectations for specific outcomes.

Meantime he expressed hope that Azerbaijan will eventually demonstrate commitment to its written obligation for returning the Armenian captives, hostages and other detained persons. The acting premier also highlighted the unacceptability of the recently reported Azerbaijani incursions into Armenia's sovereign territory (at the Sotk-Khoznavar section of the interstate border).

“We are reaffirming also the previously expressed willingness to resume the peace negotiations. The Government of the Republic of Armenia is committed to inaugurating an era of peaceful development for the region, realizing the mandate received from the Armenian people,” he added.