In recent parliamentary speeches, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed anticipation for the realization of agreements with Turkey regarding the opening of the state border for third-country nationals and the normalization of diplomatic relations. Pashinyan emphasized that such a step would be epoch-making for the region and a significant phase in improving Armenian-Turkish relations.
However, Pashinyan also touched upon the situation in Karabakh. He stated that the former separatist regime in Karabakh refused dialogue with Azerbaijan, leading to missed opportunities for peaceful resolution. Pashinyan expressed regret about the absence of an Armenian population in Karabakh, highlighting it as a result of an inability to accept reality, including the right of Armenians to self-determination within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
Pashinyan also raised the issue of extending the duration of the European Union’s monitoring mission in Armenia, pointing out its importance for maintaining stability in the region. He noted that the decisions made at the quadrilateral meeting in Prague, including the mutual recognition of the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan, are key to peace in the South Caucasus.
In his remarks, Pashinyan also addressed internal challenges, including claims of attempts to seize power in Armenia by a group from Karabakh, and emphasized the need to move away from the concept of “historical Armenia” in favor of recognizing the reality and focusing on the interests of modern Armenia.
The Prime Minister also discussed foreign policy issues, stating that Armenia did not make mistakes in its relations with Moscow despite current difficulties. He underscored the importance of these relations for the sovereignty, security, and economy of Armenia. Moreover, Pashinyan stressed the importance of Armenia solving its problems independently, noting that neither the USA nor the EU would come to resolve the country’s internal issues.
Finally, the Prime Minister expressed readiness to start the border delimitation process with Azerbaijan, beginning with four villages in the Gazakh region, emphasizing the importance of this step for further settlement of relations between the two countries.
