The Unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Remains a Key Regional Challenge, Minister Says

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Ara Ayvazyan is in the National Assembly, participating in a closed discussion with members of the Permanent Commission on Eurasian Integration. In the opening segment of the meeting, the minister announced that the situation remains complex, and Turkey's aspirations in the region have evidently increased.

"Ensuring the comprehensive security of the Armenian people in the region has been and remains a key direction of our foreign policy. The unresolved nature of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict continues to be one of the key regional challenges. The use of force by Azerbaijan against Artsakh, with Turkey's support and direct involvement, cannot be considered a resolution to the conflict," Ayvazyan stated.

He emphasized that the conflict will be resolved only through a politically negotiated settlement, which will determine the final status of Artsakh and respect everyone's rights. "We are committed to resuming the resolution process; however, it is essential first to create an environment conducive to peace, which has yet to be evident from the Azerbaijani side. This is evidenced by Azerbaijan's failure to implement the humanitarian points of the November 9 trilateral statement, particularly through the artificial obstacles created in terms of the repatriation of prisoners," Ayvazyan added.

He also mentioned that the co-chairmanship of the Minsk Group is the only internationally recognized format for resolving the conflict. Therefore, a strong co-chairmanship is expected in the region, which will primarily be able to ensure the content of its mandate, specifically promoting the peace process.

The minister further noted that after the 44-day war, there is a reconfiguration of powers and influences among both regional and major players in the South Caucasus. "It is still early to provide a comprehensive assessment of this process, but it can be noted that the Russian Federation has assumed a key role in maintaining a ceasefire, ensuring security, and addressing humanitarian issues in the region," Ayvazyan stated.