Pharmacy related questions are not discussed by the Republic of Armenia, nor will they be in the future. Pashinyan

Under the leadership of Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, a consultation was held today regarding the macroeconomic and budgeting framework for the draft medium-term expenditure program for the years 2022-2024.

Before starting the discussion, Nikol Pashinyan addressed the border situation in Syunik and Gegharkunik provinces and noted, “The Ministry of Defense provides daily information to the public regarding the situation. The situation is stable, but tense, and on the other hand, I must emphasize that it is unacceptable for us. Because our position is clear and unequivocal: the armed forces of Azerbaijan must leave the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia. Of course, our Armed Forces are carrying out tactical operations, but our position is that this situation must be resolved through diplomatic means, peacefully. This is our primary approach and goal.”

You are aware that we have applied to the Collective Security Treaty Organization to carry out certain functions in accordance with its procedures. Specifically, you know that there is a regulation of the Collective Security Treaty Organization on responding to crisis situations, and we will carry out actions in accordance with that regulation. Overall, we continue consultations within the CSTO framework. Perhaps the process is not proceeding at the desired speed, but the collective security mechanisms exist, and we continue our consistent work towards activating them. We will also continue to exert diplomatic efforts to provide comprehensive information to the international community about the situation and increase international pressure on Azerbaijan.

We will, of course, continue to work with our strategic partner, the Russian Federation. You are also aware that I have requested support from the President of Russia, and consultations in this regard will also continue. Overall, I consider Azerbaijan's actions to be unconstructive. They are taking steps aimed at increasing tension in the region. Our assessment is that they are trying to derail the implementation of the statements made on November 9, 2020, and January 11, 2021.

Let me remind you that the January 11 statement was regarding the opening of regional communications and the regulation of transit freight transport issues. I want to emphasize that the Republic of Armenia is not only interested in opening regional communications but also considers this one of our important economic priorities. However, I also want to reiterate that Armenia has never discussed and will never discuss any “corridor” logic. We are talking about the opening of regional communications.

Overall, our impression was, and remains, that the trilateral commission headed by the deputy prime ministers of Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan has carried out quite effective and constructive work, and the focus should now be on implementing the results of that work. It is strange that this provocation occurred at that stage.

I want to emphasize again, because it is very important, to distinguish the wet from the dry: the opening of regional communications is not only acceptable to the Republic of Armenia but is also an important priority for us. Because according to the agreements we have, Armenia obtains railway communication with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation. Of course, Azerbaijan also obtains railway communication with Nakhchivan. We are talking about freight transport, of course. In the future, following the overall resolution of the situation, the issue of passenger transport in those directions can also be discussed.

Why do I say we need to differentiate? Because the opening of roads is indeed important for us. We signed the January 11 statement because that statement reflects our interests. We will work consistently toward the opening of regional communications. But why do I mention this? Because I feel that there is an attempt in public discourse to equate this with some discussions about “corridors.”

The Republic of Armenia has not discussed, is not discussing, and will not discuss any issues based on “corridor” logic. I want to emphasize the following: the essence of the issue is just this, and we will be guided by this logic.

Regarding the border situation, I again say that our position is unequivocal: the armed forces of Azerbaijan must leave the sovereign territory of Armenia. I want to emphasize that in this case, discussions about demarcation and delimitation are not relevant, and I want to emphasize again that Armenia continues its diplomatic efforts to resolve this issue. Of course, this does not mean that our Armed Forces are idle; the Armed Forces are also carrying out tactical operations. But our priority and objective is to prevent the situation from getting out of control in any way.