Armenia and Artsakh Have Sufficient Power to Ensure Peace, Says Zohrab Mnatsakanyan

Armenia is advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict but cannot accept threats of open or covert use of force from Azerbaijan, stated Armenia’s Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan during a gathering of heads of diplomatic missions in Armenia.

“Azerbaijan's attempts to disrupt the military-political balance, which have been manifested through the use of force, pose a threat to regional security and peace. Armenia advocates for a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict but cannot accept threats of open or covert use of force from Azerbaijan, nor can it consider any intention to disrupt the ceasefire regime,” the minister emphasized.

Mnatsakanyan noted that Azerbaijan's efforts to negotiate under conditions of tension hinder the formation of a peaceful environment and do not contribute to a lasting and comprehensive resolution of the issue. “Azerbaijan, with its unchanged anti-Armenian policy, continues to pose a threat to the existence of the people of Artsakh. Peace has no alternative, and Armenia and Artsakh have sufficient power to ensure peace,” the minister reiterated.

“If Azerbaijan is genuinely interested in a peaceful resolution of the conflict, it must also be equally interested in negotiating with the elected representatives of the people of Artsakh,” he concluded.

The minister addressed Armenia’s foreign policy priorities, stating that the comprehensive security and development agenda for Armenia is defined by its foreign policy priorities. Russia and Armenia continue to be reliable strategic allies. He added that within the framework of Armenia’s foreign policy priorities, the development of relations with its two immediate neighbors, Georgia and Iran, is particularly emphasized. “The development of cooperation with these two countries contributes to the expansion and diversification of energy and transport connectivity,” the minister stated.