Military Exercises Do Not Indicate That Turkish-Azerbaijani Leadership Has Peaceful Intentions Towards Armenia: Naghdalyan

The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Anna Naghdalyan, commented on the statement made by Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who said, "If peace is to be long-lasting, Turkey and Azerbaijan are ready to take steps to normalize relations with Armenia." Naghdalyan addressed Cavusoglu's statement in response to a question from PanARMENIAN.Net.

Question: Recently, Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu stated that if peace is long-lasting, Turkey and Azerbaijan are prepared to take steps towards normalizing relations with Armenia. Can you comment on whether the Armenian side is ready to 'normalize relations'? What should be understood under this statement, and has there been any initiative noted in this regard, particularly from the Turkish side?

Response: I would not like to comment on the statements of the Turkish-Azerbaijani leadership, which are not backed by any actions in any form. Moreover, they contradict each other. The military exercises conducted by Turkey and Azerbaijan near the borders of Armenia, in violation of the commitments to the OSCE, do not indicate that the Turkish-Azerbaijani leadership has peaceful intentions towards Armenia. The cessation of hostile actions against Armenia could create conditions for building trust in the region.