Armenia’s Pashinyan meets EU ambassadors to discuss Baku-Yerevan peace process

On May 21, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan held a meeting with European Union ambassadors accredited in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to discuss key regional issues, including the ongoing peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

According to the Information and Public Relations Department of the Prime Minister’s Office, the talks saw the sides share views on the regional agenda, with a particular focus on efforts to normalise relations between Yerevan and Baku, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

The ambassadors underscored the importance of the Armenian government's role in promoting stability and peace in the South Caucasus.

The meeting is seen as part of broader diplomatic efforts by the EU to support dialogue and lasting peace in the region, where tensions have remained high following recent developments.

On March 13, the Armenian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Armenia had accepted Azerbaijan's proposals on the two previously unresolved articles and that the peace agreement is now ready for signing. The ministry noted that it had communicated with Azerbaijan through diplomatic channels to inform them of Armenia’s acceptance of the terms. "The Peace Agreement is ready for signing. The Republic of Armenia is ready to begin consultations with the Republic of Azerbaijan on the dates and place of signing the agreement," it stated.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also confirmed that both sides had agreed on the terms of the draft peace treaty, further emphasising Azerbaijan’s readiness to continue dialogue with Armenia on the normalisation process.

In addition, Azerbaijan emphasised the need for the formal dissolution of the Minsk Group and its related structures within the OSCE. "Furthermore, we emphasise the necessity to formally abolish the obsolete and dysfunctional Minsk Group and related structures of the OSCE."

Later, Ararat Mirzoyan, Armenia's Foreign Minister, stated that following the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, there will no longer be a need for the mediation format provided by the OSCE Minsk Group.

Mirzoyan emphasised that once the peace agreement is finalised, it will be possible to officially declare the end of the conflict, thereby rendering the mediation efforts of the OSCE unnecessary. "After the signing of the peace treaty, it will be institutionally feasible to conclude that the conflict has come to an end," Mirzoyan said.

By Khagan Isayev