Which Areas Will Be Demarcated in the Next Phase? Pashinyan Responds

The content of the document signed yesterday between Armenia and Azerbaijan has, in essence, already been revealed in the joint statement of April 19, 2024. It was stated that the Alma-Ata Declaration will be fixed as the basic principle for demarcation, and operational details will be formulated. This was announced today, August 31, during a press conference at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, addressing the signing of the document to establish the regulations for the joint activities of the border demarcation and delimitation commissions of the two countries.

"Essentially, for the first time, Armenia and Azerbaijan are creating a legal basis in their relations—of course, in the separate context of the demarcation process, but I think the situation in this regard is hard to overestimate. The document will also undergo a ratification process and will soon be sent to the Constitutional Court for this purpose. Afterwards, discussions will take place in the National Assembly after checking compliance with the Constitution," he added.

Pashinyan noted that when it comes to the 'peace agenda,' such documents should not raise the question of whether Azerbaijan won and Armenia lost by signing them, or vice versa. "The real implementation of the peace agenda means that we are moving away from the win-lose mode and entering into a consensus mode. The document that has been signed is the result of an agreement, which is very good. Making the Alma-Ata Declaration the basis for demarcation means that Armenia and Azerbaijan essentially recognize each other's territorial integrity according to the borders of the Soviet Union. This is a significant and positive change in the situation," Pashinyan emphasized.

However, Pashinyan did not specify which areas would continue with demarcation and delimitation work, stating that this question has not yet been decided.