Azerbaijan condemns Armenia's refusal to meet in London, calls it setback to peace efforts

Hikmet Hajiyev, Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, has expressed disappointment over Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's refusal to meet with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in London.

This meeting, proposed by the host of the European Political Community (EPC), Great Britain, was intended to advance the peace agenda between the two nations.

In response to a question from Report, Hajiyev elaborated on the situation:

"Great Britain, which hosts the European Political Community, made a proposal to hold such a meeting, and it was proposed to be in the format of a meeting between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia at the Munich Security Conference. Thus, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz participated in the Munich Security Conference at the beginning of the meeting, and after that, the meeting continued in a bilateral format between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The same format was offered by Great Britain as host."

Hajiyev further detailed the proposed format, emphasizing the role of the British Prime Minister in facilitating the initial stage of the meeting. However, he noted with regret that "the Armenian side refused. Thus, at the beginning of the meeting, the participation of the British Prime Minister, and then the continuation of the meeting between Azerbaijan and Armenia, should have taken place."

He criticized Armenia's refusal, interpreting it as a step back from the peace dialogue: "We consider Armenia's rejection of this meeting as a manifestation of its intention to withdraw from the dialogue and the advancement of the peace agenda."

Hajiyev expressed confusion over Armenia's stance, given its public statements advocating for peace: "While Armenia talks about peace on various platforms, it is incomprehensible that it would refuse a meeting designed to advance the peace agenda. The international community should recognize that Armenia, rather than seizing opportunities for dialogue, is actively rejecting them."

In closing, Hajiyev commended the British peace initiative, underscoring Azerbaijan's appreciation for such efforts: "We highly appreciate such a peace initiative of Great Britain."