We Have Proposed Several Mechanisms for Security Guarantees to Azerbaijan: Nikol Pashinyan

We have proposed several mechanisms for security guarantees to Azerbaijan. This was stated by Nikol Pashinyan during a festive event dedicated to the 32nd anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia.

“Honorable President of the Republic of Armenia, esteemed attendees, I cannot fail to address a number of aggressive statements coming from various sides, especially from Azerbaijan, regarding the reforms of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, and the procurement of weapons and equipment. I have already stated that having a strong and combat-ready army is the sovereign right of every country and no one can question this right. If anyone casts doubt on this right of ours, they are questioning our right to exist. In this case, we will have no choice but to defend our statehood, our independence, and our territorial integrity by all possible means.”

I emphasize again that the Republic of Armenia has no territorial claims to any other territory beyond its sovereign territory, and no one should have territorial claims against any part of the Republic of Armenia. As I have said, we are ready to provide such guarantees, long-term and irreversible guarantees, but we expect the same guarantees from others.

We are willing to go down this path, and in addition, we have proposed several mechanisms for security guarantees to Azerbaijan. For example, the mirrored withdrawal of troops along the administrative border of the Armenian SSR and the Azerbaijan SSR. That border has been transformed into a state border by the Alma-Ata declaration of 1991, and Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed in Prague on October 6, 2022, that they recognize each other's territorial integrity based on that foundation. The mirrored withdrawal of troops will ensure that all territories of the Azerbaijan SSR will be under Azerbaijan's control and all territories of the Armenian SSR will be under Armenia's control.

We have also proposed demilitarization of the border, meaning disarmament to Azerbaijan. Additionally, mutual control mechanisms for armaments, and the signing of a non-aggression pact, if it turns out that signing a peace treaty will take longer than expected.

The Republic of Armenia is committed to the agenda of peace and will not deviate from that agenda. In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to all the servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, who are impeccable, professional, and loyal to their oath given to the Republic of Armenia. Glory to the martyrs and long live the Republic of Armenia!