Armenian PM orders strict adherence to ceasefire, signals commitment to peace

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has issued a firm directive to the country’s Defence Ministry, urging it to adhere strictly to the ceasefire regime with Azerbaijan.

In a statement posted on social media, Pashinyan emphasized Armenia’s commitment to peace and underlined that the draft peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been finalized and is awaiting signature, Caliber.Az reports citing Armenian media.

Pashinyan’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region, signaling a strong intention to de-escalate the situation. “The draft peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been agreed and is waiting to be signed. My clear instruction to the Ministry of Defence is not to violate the ceasefire. Armenia is moving towards peace, not war,” Pashinyan wrote.

Notably, the long-standing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia is inching toward resolution, drawing praise from world leaders and international organizations. The recent announcement that both nations have finalized negotiations on a draft peace agreement has been hailed as a historic breakthrough, raising hopes for long-term stability in the South Caucasus.

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

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."

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.

By Vafa Guliyeva