Armenian FM declares OSCE Minsk Group's role unnecessary after peace agreement

Ararat Mirzoyan, Armenia's Foreign Minister, has 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.

In his remarks, Mirzoyan emphasized that once the peace agreement is finalized, it will be possible to officially declare the end of the conflict, thereby rendering the mediation efforts of the OSCE unnecessary, Caliber.Az reports citing Armenian media.

"After the signing of the peace treaty, it will be institutionally feasible to conclude that the conflict has come to an end," Mirzoyan said.

"As a result, the mediation framework will no longer be necessary," he added, reflecting Armenia's perspective on the evolving situation.

Earlier, 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 emphasizing Azerbaijan’s readiness to continue dialogue with Armenia on the normalization process.

While expressing satisfaction with the progress made, Azerbaijan reiterated its longstanding and principled stance on the issue. "We also reiterate the long-lasting and principled position of Azerbaijan that the amendment to Armenia’s constitution to eliminate the claims against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is a prerequisite to allow the signing of the negotiated text," the statement continued.

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

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its readiness to move forward with bilateral dialogue on these critical issues, offering an avenue for further cooperation between the two countries. 

By Vafa Guliyeva