Armen Grigoryan: Azerbaijani Forces Must Leave Armenia's Sovereign Territory Before Delimitation Work Begins

In response to Russia's proposal to begin delimitation and demarcation work, the Republic of Armenia has emphasized the necessity of the withdrawal of Azerbaijani armed forces from Armenia’s sovereign territory before such activities can commence. Only after this, conditions will be created for such discussions. This was stated by the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, Armen Grigoryan, during an interview with Armenpress regarding Armenia's stance on the Russian proposal for delimitation and demarcation work between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“On May 18, a proposal was received from the Russian side to commence delimitation and demarcation work between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. In response, the Armenian side has underscored the necessity of the withdrawal of Azerbaijani armed forces from the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia before initiating such works, after which conditions will be created for such discussions. We appreciate the efforts of the Russian side to facilitate a resolution to the current situation and express our willingness to continue close cooperation, while emphasizing that the full preservation of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia cannot be a subject of discussion,” noted Grigoryan.

Grigoryan further remarked that recent actions by the Azerbaijani side are evidently aimed at evading the obligations assumed by the leaders of Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan based on the statements made on November 9, 2020, and January 11, 2021.

Some groups of Azerbaijani armed forces crossed the Armenian state border on May 12, 2021, and conducted operations aimed at enclosing Lake Sevan in Syunik. The Armenian armed forces have carried out tactical counteractions. As a result of the tactical counteractions of the Armenian forces, the Azerbaijanis positioned in certain adjacent areas have retreated from their occupied positions. However, groups of Azerbaijani armed forces continue to remain within the state borders of Armenia in certain areas of Syunik and Gegharkunik provinces. Negotiations are underway to resolve the situation.