OSCE Failed to Achieve Its Core Objectives: Early Response and Conflict Prevention - Mirzoyan's Speech

Dear colleagues,

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the Presidency of North Macedonia in the OSCE for leading this organization over the past year. Indeed, it was not an easy task, as the OSCE, still the largest security organization in the world, is experiencing a rapid regression, where timely adopted and well-crafted mandates and commitments are completely ignored.

This process began several years ago when the OSCE failed to implement its core objectives of early response and conflict prevention. Unfortunately, this process will continue as long as there is no common understanding that violations of international law anywhere in the world must be unequivocally condemned and should not be tolerated; otherwise, it creates a sense of impunity, becoming a common phenomenon in other parts of the world. Unfortunately, the OSCE is no exception to this principle.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the South Caucasus, whose primary causes were hatred and intolerance in various forms, and the existential threat to those who wished to live freely and with dignity in their ancestral homeland, reached its culminating phase this year. Following a nine-month inhumane blockade, on September 19, Azerbaijan launched another large-scale military attack against the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, which led to the mass violent displacement of the indigenous population.

At this point, we can state that with the silent approval of the international community, Azerbaijan has achieved its long-standing goal of obtaining the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh devoid of its Armenian population. Nevertheless, even after accomplishing this, Azerbaijan's demands have not ceased; now, the entire sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia has become the target of our neighbor.

Alongside ongoing hatred, military rhetoric, and the use of force and threat of force, the refusal to participate in meetings organized by various international actors, including the USA and the EU, highlights that this country is not genuinely interested in establishing peace and stability in the region.

Dear colleagues,

Despite the humanitarian disaster that has occurred, Armenia remains committed to opening a new era of peace in the South Caucasus and believes that it is still possible. To make this opportunity a reality, we need the sincere engagement of Azerbaijan alongside robust support from international actors for our efforts based on well-crafted and recognized principles. These principles, which have been widely discussed and accepted or at least not rejected by Azerbaijan, include: mutual recognition of territorial integrity based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration and without ambiguities, delimitation of state borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on the most recent and legitimate maps from the Soviet Union's General Staff from 1974-78, and unblocking all transportation and economic communications based on full respect for the sovereign rights and authorities of the countries, as well as principles of equality and reciprocity.

The Armenian side reaffirms its commitment to these principles and, demonstrating its readiness to take effective steps, recently presented a concept for unblocking communications, which we have called the 'Peace Crossroad'. This ambitious project aims to connect the East with the West and the North with the South, creating conditions for strengthening economic and cultural ties through regional cooperation as well as facilitating the resolution of disputes and fostering better interconnectedness and political dialogue among the countries in our region.

In this regard, the opening of the Armenia-Turkey border is also of crucial importance. As you are aware, we have reached an agreement to open the land border for citizens of Armenia and Turkey holding diplomatic passports and from third countries, which was reaffirmed by Minister Fidan during our bilateral meeting on October 23. Specific timelines have even been mentioned, considering the upcoming weeks, and we hope to realize this first, yet quite tangible step in the near future.

Mr. President,

In the process of normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, there are also several humanitarian issues that cannot be ignored. The release of all Armenian prisoners and detained persons, including those arrested after September 19, cooperation in clarifying the fates of the missing, and the protection of Armenian cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh and its surroundings can pave the way towards a lasting, just, and dignified peace.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that Armenia, as a responsible member of the OSCE, has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to regional and global peace and will continue to take steps towards that goal. And I reiterate once again that Armenia remains ready for negotiations, and we need Azerbaijan to stop rejecting proposals from mediators to meet and finalize a peace agreement.

To achieve this goal, we need genuine efforts from all concerned parties and, in general, the international community to turn the page on violence in the South Caucasus and establish a rule based on international laws.

Thank you.