We Are Ready to Start the First Phase of Negotiations: Bayramov

Azerbaijan is ready to start the first phase of negotiations with Armenia. This was stated by Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov at the international conference titled 'South Caucasus: Development and Cooperation,' according to Azerbaijani news outlets.

“Our hopes are optimistic; we expect a good outcome. If we compare the current atmosphere to that of a year ago, we see positive shifts,” said the diplomat.

At the same time, Bayramov added that “the Armenian side is not always consistent in its positions.” However, it should be noted that Azerbaijan's so-called positive notes of willingness to establish peace do not correspond to the reality present in Armenia and Artsakh. Azerbaijan continues to obstruct and disrupt the peace of our compatriots living in Artsakh, firing at the civilian population.

It is unnecessary to remind that for nearly a year, the enemy's forces have invaded the sovereign territory of Armenia and are strengthening their presence on our land instead of withdrawing.

We should also recall that Baku has proposed five principles for a 'peace' agreement. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, addressing Baku’s five-point proposal to Yerevan, reiterated that there is nothing unacceptable for Yerevan in those proposals, “the only thing is that these proposals do not address all the issues of the Armenia-Azerbaijan comprehensive peace agenda. With our response conveyed through the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, we have added to the agenda, and therefore we are ready to begin peace negotiations on that basis.”