London expresses support for peace efforts in South Caucasus

The United Kingdom has strongly supported the completion of peace agreement negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and urged both countries to sign the deal without delay.

In a statement, published on the website of the British government, Deputy Ambassador to the OSCE, Deirdre Brown, congratulated the two countries on the historic achievement, per Caliber.Az.

"The United Kingdom warmly congratulates Armenia and Azerbaijan on the conclusion of their negotiations on a peace agreement. This is a historic moment, and we urge both sides to sign the agreement as soon as possible," Brown said.

She emphasized that the finalization of the peace treaty would be the best path toward achieving lasting peace, security, and stability in the South Caucasus region. "It will open the way to increased trade and prosperity, not only for Armenia and Azerbaijan, but their neighbours also," she added.

Brown also called on both parties to avoid rhetoric that could undermine the peace process. "We urge both sides to refrain from rhetoric that undermines the prospects for peace. A return to conflict would be a tragedy and set back progress on peace in the region by years," she warned. The UK reiterated its continued support for all efforts to secure a durable and lasting peace in the South Caucasus, working alongside international partners.

On March 13, the Armenian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Armenia had accepted Azerbaijan’s proposals on two remaining unresolved issues, effectively concluding the negotiations. "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," the ministry stated. The Armenian government emphasized that formal communication of this acceptance had been made through diplomatic channels to Baku.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also confirmed the conclusion of the peace agreement negotiations. He reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to continuing the dialogue with Armenia as part of the broader normalization process between the two nations.

In addition to the peace treaty, Azerbaijan has emphasized the need to formally dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group and its associated structures. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also addressed the future of the Minsk Group, noting that once the peace treaty is signed, the mediation format provided by the group would no longer be necessary.

By Tamilla Hasanova