Iran's Influence on Azeri Authorities for the Release of Armenian Prisoners is Desirable, Says Armenia's Ambassador to Iran

The direct and extensive involvement of Turkey in military operations against Artsakh aimed at realizing its expansionist policy in the region. This was noted by Armenia’s Ambassador to Iran, Artashes Tumanyan, in an interview with the ISNA news agency.

“After all this, one thing is certain: attempts to 'resolve' conflicts through the use of force should serve as a serious alarm for the international community and, first and foremost, for the countries in the region,” said the ambassador, adding that a ceasefire halted the military aggression conducted by Azerbaijan with the support of Turkey, including the involvement of mercenary terrorists, which caused significant losses to Armenia and the Armenian people, leaving thousands of martyrs.

Speaking about overcoming the crisis, the ambassador emphasized that according to the Armenian side, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries exclusively possess an international mandate for the final and comprehensive resolution of the conflict, having put forward proposals regarding the principles of conflict resolution within the framework of the negotiation process. Regarding the role of regional countries, Artashes Tumanyan stated that their balanced stance can create a favorable environment for conflict resolution.

Can Iran, as a significant regional country, play a positive role in conflict resolution? In response to this question, the ambassador indicated that the Armenia-Iran border has always been a 'bridge' of peace and cooperation, and any encroachment upon it contradicts the national security of both countries. “I would like to specifically highlight Iran's crucial role during the war and the principled position it demonstrated against phenomena threatening regional peace and stability in the aftermath. This pertains to the steps taken regarding the inviolability of the common border and sovereignty of the two countries (preventive statements, the deployment of Iranian troops along the border). The Armenia-Iran border has always been a 'bridge' of peace and cooperation, and any encroachment upon it contradicts our two countries' national security. After the last war, there has been a greater awareness of common threats and interests in Yerevan and Tehran than ever before. Therefore, comprehensive strategic dialogue is necessary, the agenda of which will include not only the full range of issues surrounding mutually beneficial cooperation but also a broad spectrum of regional security and stability concerns,” emphasized the ambassador.

According to Artashes Tumanyan, Iran’s active participation in resolving many complex and problematic issues would be highly beneficial even today. In particular, it would be desirable to see Iran's effective influence on the Azerbaijani authorities regarding the issue of releasing Armenian prisoners of war. The ambassador stated that simultaneously, it is crucial to significantly enhance all components of Armenia-Iran relations that ensure the security and economic development of both countries. It is especially necessary to 'strengthen' the North-South transport and energy corridor, deepen cooperation in the gas and electricity sectors, and notably boost trade growth and the implementation of joint investment projects.