Armenia, Azerbaijan continue delimitation talks amid positive shifts in negotiations

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia has provided new insights into the ongoing border delimitation discussions with Azerbaijan, signaling progress in efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace between the two nations.

In an interview with Armenia's Public Television, Pashinyan confirmed that the Armenian and Azerbaijani state border commissions will select a new section of the border for further delimitation at their upcoming meeting, Caliber.Az reports.

The Prime Minister explained that during their last meeting in October, both sides had presented their proposals on where the delimitation process should continue. "At the next meeting, it will be decided where the process will be continued," Pashinyan stated, adding that the expectation is for the negotiations to resume after COP29, which is underway in Azerbaijan.

This meeting is anticipated to be an important step in the broader efforts toward stabilizing relations between the two countries.

In addition to discussions on border delimitation, Pashinyan emphasized Armenia's commitment to peace, revealing that the country is prepared to give up its international lawsuits against Azerbaijan under the principle of reciprocity, should a peace treaty be signed. He noted that this proposal would mean both nations would refrain from filing legal claims over past events, laying the groundwork for a more cooperative and peaceful future.

Further contributing to the dialogue, Armenia has also made a proposal to Azerbaijan regarding the presence of the European Union (EU) civilian mission along the border. Pashinyan suggested that the EU mission should be removed from areas where the delimitation process has been completed. "There is no need to keep observers where delimitation has been carried out," he explained, signaling a practical step towards reducing external oversight once certain border sections are formally agreed upon.

Despite the challenges, Pashinyan highlighted positive shifts in the negotiation process, expressing optimism that a peace agreement with Azerbaijan could be reached by the end of the year. "I will do everything in my power to ensure that a peace agreement is signed before the year’s end," the Prime Minister asserted, reinforcing Armenia's commitment to achieving lasting peace with its neighbor.

By Vafa Guliyeva