Video: Debate Between Pashinyan and Aliyev at EAEU Supreme Council Meeting

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has responded to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during the expanded meeting of the EAEU Supreme Council. Pashinyan stated, “Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev used a phrase in his speech that has served as a basis for territorial claims against Armenia in recent years. I want to emphasize that this is utilized within the context of the implementation of the November 9, 2020 declaration; I want to stress that this declaration speaks only of one corridor, which is the Lachin corridor, that should have been under the control of the Russian peacekeepers, but unfortunately, it is illegally blocked by Azerbaijan.

On the other hand, I want to note that Armenia is ready to unblock all communications in the region that pass through the territory of the Republic of Armenia. We are ready for the opening of those communications within the framework of the sovereignty and legal parameters of the Republic of Armenia.”

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev continued the debate by saying, “We have no territorial ambitions against Armenia. What kind of imagination do you need to see such a thing in my speech?” According to Aliyev, the term “corridor,” which he used, is also related to the “North-South” road: “The term corridor is an international term and does not imply any territorial ambitions against anyone.” He also stated, “We do not violate anyone's territorial integrity, especially since Armenia has officially recognized Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan.”

In response, Nikol Pashinyan said, “All people who are aware of the November 9 declaration know that the word corridor is used only once, and that is for the Lachin corridor, which I repeat should be under Russian control but is illegally blocked by Azerbaijan. On the other hand, I want to note that the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh have agreed to recognize each other's territorial integrity, and on that basis, we are progressing fairly successfully towards the resolution of our relations.”

Pashinyan emphasized the importance of the rights and security of the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh in this context, saying, “And I hope that a normal, constructive dialogue will soon begin between Baku and Stepanakert.”