Armenia No Longer Insists on Referencing Artsakh, Removing Major Obstacle: Aliyev

Negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan are becoming more open and constructive, as evidenced by the current situation at the border between the two countries, said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

"In the matter of demarcation, Azerbaijan and Armenia are behaving very constructively. What is visible is only part of the work. This is a result, but this result is based on regular communication and positive dynamics. Therefore, we need to unite on this matter and move forward; there are good opportunities for significant progress on the path to peace," said Aliyev.

According to him, "what is currently happening at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border shows that when we communicate alone, and no one wishes to use the situation for their political ambitions, sooner or later we can reach a common agreement on what the peace treaty should look like."

"We only need to study the details, but of course, it will take time for both sides, as this will be a historic agreement for both countries if signed. Thus, every word, every comma, every paragraph is important, but what is essential is that both of us have the political will to do it," he added.

Aliyev stated that the only obstacle in the Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement process was Nagorno-Karabakh, as the Armenian side constantly insisted that the issue of NK be included in the negotiation process.

"This was completely unacceptable for us, and we saw that it was impossible to reach an agreement. This continued until September of last year, when we fully restored our 'sovereignty.' But after that, another problem arose—the Armenian side took a break and did not respond to our comments for at least two months. Because we have a practice of exchanging comments. The two foreign ministers regularly exchange comments. I believe we have already exchanged comments regarding this agreement about eight or seven times. Now, Armenia no longer insists that Nagorno-Karabakh be referenced in any way. In fact, this removes the most significant obstacle," noted Aliyev.

Aliyev also mentioned that if Armenia agrees, the next meeting of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan will take place in Kazakhstan, emphasizing that it is about providing a platform for negotiations, not mediation.

On April 15 in Yerevan, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that they welcome the aspiration of Armenia and Azerbaijan to sign a peace agreement. Tokayev also said that Kazakhstan is ready to provide its platform for negotiations, emphasizing that the main goal is to bring the two friendly countries closer together.

Yerevan has not yet responded to this statement.

Regarding the Zangezur corridor, Aliyev mentioned that it is clearly reflected in the trilateral statement signed on November 10, 2020. At the same time, the Azerbaijani president admitted: "Yes, the term 'Zangezur corridor' was not mentioned, but it was stated that transport communication will be ensured between the eastern part of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which should be ensured by Russian border forces. This was signed by President Putin, Prime Minister Pashinyan, and myself. For more than three years, Armenia has been effectively violating this provision. This is very disappointing."

Official Yerevan has repeatedly stated that the 'Zangezur corridor' is a red line for the Armenian side. Official Yerevan views the term 'Zangezur corridor' as a territorial claim against Armenia.