Signing the November 9 Document, Azerbaijani President Acknowledged the Existence of Artsakh: Mirzoyan

Ararat Mirzoyan, Armenia's Foreign Minister, addressed Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's statement claiming that Nagorno-Karabakh does not exist and that the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh has been resolved, with no OSCE Minsk Group in sight.

In response to a question from Armenpress, the Armenian Foreign Minister emphasized that they can present the document signed by the Azerbaijani President that is still in effect, stating that Nagorno-Karabakh does exist, specifically referring to the trilateral statement made on November 9, 2020. Mirzoyan stressed that by signing this document, the Azerbaijani President acknowledged the existence of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is an irreversible fact.

Furthermore, the Foreign Minister commented on Aliyev's statement regarding an agreement reached in Brussels about a corridor through Meghri connecting Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan. Below is a summary of the questions from Armenpress and the responses from the Armenian Foreign Minister.

Question: President Ilham Aliyev stated on May 27 that Nagorno-Karabakh does not exist, that the conflict is resolved, and that the OSCE Minsk Group is no more. What do you say about this?

Response: We can present a document signed by the Azerbaijani President that remains in effect, affirming that Nagorno-Karabakh exists; this is the November 9, 2020 trilateral statement. By signing this document, the President of Azerbaijan acknowledged the existence of Nagorno-Karabakh, and this is an irreversible fact. We can also display official statements from the co-chairing countries of the OSCE Minsk Group, wherein they reaffirm their commitment as co-chairs. Just in the past week, similar statements have been made by the U.S. and France. The OSCE Minsk Group was also highlighted in the joint statement made by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the President of the Russian Federation on April 19 of this year. During the OSCE Foreign Ministers' Council in December 2021, ministers from numerous countries emphasized the unique role of the OSCE Minsk Group in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The OSCE Minsk Group was not created by Azerbaijan, but by the international community, thus Azerbaijan cannot dissolve it or claim its mission is over. The same international community today acknowledges that the OSCE Minsk Group exists. Moreover, as I mentioned, it recognizes that the Nagorno-Karabakh issue must be resolved, as stated in the aforementioned declaration by the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of the Russian Federation. Recently, the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia reiterated the official position of the United States on this issue. Furthermore, it was highlighted in the same statement that the agenda includes the issue of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh and the right to self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh remains valid. Notably, Armenia has never had and does not have territorial claims against Azerbaijan. The Nagorno-Karabakh issue is a matter of law and is thus perceived by the international community. This was evident from the meeting in Brussels. We have recorded that for us, the chapter of war is closed; there is a problem that must be solved through political and diplomatic means.

Question: Ilham Aliyev also stated that there was an agreement in Brussels regarding a corridor through Meghri connecting Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan.

Response: We have consistently recorded Armenia's position. But perhaps we should reiterate: any corridor existing on the territory of Armenia is excluded. This is not even subject to discussion. Our discussions are strictly about the opening of roads and transport and economic communications. Regarding the routes, we have stated that before clarifying the routes, we must reach an agreement on the legal arrangements governing the passage of Azerbaijani citizens and goods through our territory, as well as the passage of Armenian citizens and goods through Azerbaijani territory (including Nakhchivan). However, it is evident that a branch of the railway will pass through Meghri, Ordubad, Julfa, and Yeraskh. There is currently no agreement on the route for automobile roads.