Aleksandr Simonian Discusses Possible Communications with Azerbaijan on Russian 'RBK' Channel

The President of the National Assembly of Armenia, Aleksandr Simonian, gave an exclusive interview to the Russian television channel 'RBK' during his official visit to Russia. In a comprehensive conversation with Ilya Doronov, Simonian addressed the allied nature of Armenian-Russian relations, agreements reached during meetings with senior officials from Russia, and discussed steps towards establishing peace in the region and overcoming the aftermath of the 44-day war.

The parliamentary leader emphasized that the Armenian side does not support military solutions and that issues should be resolved peacefully.

The Public Relations and Communication Department of the National Assembly of Armenia has presented excerpts from the interview with partial cuts. During the conversation, the show host inquired about overcoming the consequences of the war in our country. 'It is difficult to recover when we learn every day about prisoners of war, when relatives are waiting for their children, brothers, husbands. It is very difficult when Turkey and Azerbaijan conduct military exercises literally a few kilometers away every month in the region,' noted the head of Armenia's parliament.

Addressing regional issues and possible communications with Azerbaijan, the President of the National Assembly stated: 'It is extremely difficult to imagine peaceful coexistence between the two peoples in a situation where, for example, in Baku, so-called “strategist parks” are being constructed, showcasing figures of burning or fallen Armenian soldiers.'

Exchange of views took place on the events surrounding the November 9 declaration and the subsequent period. The Speaker of the National Assembly discussed Azerbaijan’s unconstructive stance and the immediate return of Armenian prisoners of war and those abducted or missing.

'Azerbaijani soldiers are on Armenian territory. We proposed to withdraw mirror-like until we clarify the borders with demarcation, but the Azerbaijani side has not yet done this. These issues are crucial, alongside the return of prisoners,' Simonian stated.

The conversation also touched upon post-war Armenia and the early parliamentary elections aimed at resolving the political crisis.