Armenia Has No Territorial Demands Against Azerbaijan: Sargsyan Khandanian

The Armenian National Assembly delegation participated in the winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) held on February 24. The head of the Armenian National Assembly delegation, Sargsyan Khandanian, a member of the Civil Contract faction, delivered a speech at the assembly.

In his speech, the MP stated: “During yesterday’s debate, when members of this assembly were talking about the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan and the urgent need for its restoration, our Azerbaijani colleagues responded by arguing that since December, several hundred trucks of the Red Cross and the Russian peacekeeping forces have passed through the corridor. My question is: since when have we started counting the number of trucks that deliver food, medicine, and fuel to our settlements? Since when has the right to free movement become a display of generosity, and how much longer can we mock the international community?”

“Dear colleagues, when discussing the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, our goal is not to perpetuate the conflict. On the contrary, we need the support of the international community to overcome the cycle of hate and violence in the South Caucasus. Therefore, I want to clearly state that Armenia believes that only peaceful dialogue can solve the problems and establish stability in our region. Armenia is ready to promote the process of establishing peace with Azerbaijan based on mutual recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty. Armenia has no territorial claims against either Azerbaijan or any of its neighbors.”

“The issue of Nagorno-Karabakh concerns the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and must be resolved through internationally visible dialogue between Baku and Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia is ready to open all transport and economic infrastructures in the region within the framework of agreements reached regarding the sovereignty of countries and the jurisdiction over roads.”

“The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has existed for more than 30 years. I am younger than this conflict, and as a young parliamentarian, as a young decision-maker, I do not want to leave this conflict as a legacy for the next generation. This year’s presidential motto is ‘It’s about people,’ and I believe, I hope—we believe that it also concerns the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, doesn’t it?”