VIDEO: "Armenia Remains Committed to Peace Process with Azerbaijan" - Pashinyan

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the online Second Summit for Democracy, initiated by U.S. President Joe Biden.

In his speech, he particularly noted:

“Esteemed President Biden, honorable leaders of states, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor and a pleasure for me to speak on behalf of the Republic of Armenia at the Second Summit for Democracy. Despite global and regional challenges, Armenia is consistently implementing a democratic reform agenda. As a result, our country has improved its position in various global rankings. Freedom House has classified Armenia as a 'free' country in its annual report on 'Internet Freedom.' Armenia has also made unprecedented progress in the 2022 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, improving its position by 12 points. Last year, Armenia improved its ranking by 7 points in the democracy index published by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The Armenian government continues to fight against climate change by constructing a low-emission energy sector and building a viable green economy. We have made progress in the Energy Trilemma Index 2021, ranking 53rd out of 127 countries.

Alongside strengthening democratic institutions in our country, in September 2022, we faced aggression against the internationally recognized territory of the Republic of Armenia, which led to the occupation of part of our sovereign territory by Azerbaijan. In September, we felt the unity of democratic countries and their clear condemnation of the aggression against Armenia. I want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the United States and other partners who diplomatically helped us halt further invasion.

Armenia strongly condemns human rights violations worldwide, and we have much work to do together to prevent genocides, ethnic cleansings, and atrocities. What is happening today to Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, the blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan, and the resulting humanitarian crisis is undoubtedly an attempt at ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. And we cannot turn a blind eye to this.

At the same time, I reiterate that Armenia remains committed to the peace process with Azerbaijan. We are convinced that the peaceful development of the region has no alternative, and that adherence to democratic values will help us find a way to peace.

Ladies and gentlemen, democracy is a continuous effort, and we will continue to undertake new commitments, setting a new benchmark for Armenia in the global democratic ranking. I believe in the power of democracy—for the sake of peace, for the sake of freedom, for the sake of happiness. Thank you.”