Armenian PM emphasizes success of peace talks with Azerbaijan Remains undecided on COP29 participation

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has highlighted the effectiveness of direct negotiations with Azerbaijan, citing positive outcomes from recent bilateral engagements.

Speaking to Armenian media, Pashinyan noted that direct discussions, including those formalized in joint statements from December of last year and April of this year, have yielded significant progress, Caliber.Az reports.

A recent regulation concerning the work of the delimitation commission further underscores the ongoing success of these talks.

Pashinyan confirmed during a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin that Armenia currently prefers to maintain a bilateral dialogue with Baku. He acknowledged the possibility of exploring other formats in the future but emphasized that the current bilateral approach is proving effective.

The Armenian Prime Minister expressed his willingness to meet Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border to continue negotiations. However, he dismissed the idea of facilitating the return of Armenians who voluntarily left Nagorno-Karabakh, labeling such proposals as unrealistic.

In addition, Pashinyan addressed the topic of his potential participation in the upcoming COP29 climate forum, scheduled to take place in Baku. The PM stated that he has yet to make a decision on whether he will attend, adding he will determine his participation based on the circumstances at that time.

Meanwhile, Pashinyan announced readiness to open road communication with Azerbaijan and revealed new peace treaty proposal.

During a press conference on August 31, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced Armenia's readiness to open road communication with Azerbaijan "even tomorrow."

He emphasized that Armenia is prepared to commence communication immediately and has long been working on a project to establish three Armenian checkpoints along the border with Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan further indicated that Yerevan is willing to facilitate traffic between Azerbaijan's western regions and Nakhchivan, underscoring Armenia’s commitment to improving connectivity and cooperation with its neighbor.

In addition, Pashinyan disclosed that Yerevan has submitted a new peace treaty proposal to Baku. According to him, the final draft of the treaty consists of 17 articles, with 13 already agreed upon, including the preface.

The Armenian PM suggested that the agreed-upon articles should be signed and ratified to establish the core principles of the treaty, with further negotiations to resolve the remaining issues.