What is the Future of the Region: Ararat Mirzoyan's Interview with Iranian Media

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published an interview with Minister Ararat Mirzoyan for the Iranian news agency 'IRNA'. We present it in full below.

'How does Armenia assess the current situation in the South Caucasus, and how does it envision the future of the region? The aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh and its population last autumn, along with its political, economic, and humanitarian consequences, continues to affect stability and security in the region. Although the military actions were halted by the trilateral statement of Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan on November 9, the situation remains fragile. This is due to Azerbaijan's failure to fulfill certain obligations taken under the aforementioned statement, the distortion of some provisions, the continuing hostage-taking of prisoners of war and civilians, and aggressive rhetoric, aspirations towards Armenia's sovereign territories, and new threats of the use of force. Azerbaijan's provocative behavior affects not only Armenia but also other countries in the region, as we faced, for example, unacceptable actions concerning transit transport.

Unfortunately, the encouragement of this behavior by third countries, as well as anti-Armenian and militaristic rhetoric, creates additional obstacles for regional stability. Nevertheless, Armenia continues to make efforts towards establishing long-lasting stability in the region. Our country's government program clearly states the willingness to contribute to opening a peaceful development era for the region. I am confident that with the relevant political will from other countries and the implementation of constructive steps, all necessary preconditions will be created for that era.

What is your opinion on Iran's role in maintaining stability in the region? Iran's role and potential in reducing tension and establishing stability in the region is evident, and a vivid example of this is Iran's clear position regarding the inviolability of the Republic of Armenia's borders. We are convinced that the expansion of Iran's involvement will have a positive impact not only in the context of the friendship and mutually beneficial partnership between our two countries, but also serve the benefit of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous future for the region. Iran's approach to the South Caucasus is based on the geopolitical and geographical importance of the region, rather than on ethnic and religious issues within the region. How does Armenia assess this approach of Iran?

Armenia highly values its bilateral friendly relations with Iran. Cooperation between Armenia and Iran can serve as a good example for countries guided by the agenda of peace, development, and dialogue between civilizations. It is characteristic of ancient civilizations like Armenia and Iran to embody religious and national tolerance, mutual respect, and trust, as well as shared responsibility for the future.

What is Armenia's stance on the '3+3' initiative? Armenia believes that any format of regional cooperation can be effective if it meets the following conditions: The format must be comprehensive and inclusive. It should be based on developments that indicate positive trends in the relationships between all involved states. Otherwise, it may lead to the transfer of existing bilateral issues into a multilateral format, which can disrupt both that multilateral format and bilateral dialogue.

How does Armenia assess Russia's role in recent developments? Armenia and Russia are connected by allied relations with a broad scope of mutual support and obligations. Russia played a crucial role in halting the 44-day military operations against Nagorno-Karabakh, and currently, Russian peacekeepers are fulfilling their mission in Nagorno-Karabakh, supporting the physical security of the population of Artsakh and the restoration of normal life. It is through Russian mediation that work is underway to reduce tensions in the region, address humanitarian issues, and unlock regional infrastructures. By the way, speaking of infrastructures, it should be noted that neither in any document nor in the context of infrastructure discussions has there ever been mention or may there ever be mention of providing any corridor through the territory of Armenia, and this is explicitly stated not only by Armenia but also by the mediator party, Russia. At the same time, as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia is involved in the comprehensive and lasting resolution process of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.'