We Proposed to Sign Two Documents on the Same Day: Mirzoyan

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, gave an interview to Turkish NTV television during the Antalya diplomatic forum.

“Question: I will talk about the peace agreement that both sides have already come to an agreement on. However, I would first like to touch upon the panel discussion that has already taken place with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. We understand that both sides have tried to present their positions. How would you assess that discussion? Was it somewhat tense, or did the parties simply present their viewpoints? What do you say about that?”

Ararat Mirzoyan: “I will say that it was a constructive discussion. You know, we have had numerous opportunities to exchange thoughts with my colleague, Mr. Bayramov, both behind closed doors during negotiations and in open public discussions. This was yet another opportunity for exchanging opinions. Of course, there are differences in perceptions, and most likely we will talk about that a bit more now. However, at the same time, it is an opportunity to try to bring positions closer. In this regard, any discussion is always beneficial.”

“Question: Yes, that is certainly the right approach. I would like to touch upon the peace agreement. As you know, both sides have already agreed on the document. In your opinion, considering the current positions of the parties, when might the signing take place?”

Ararat Mirzoyan: “Indeed, first and foremost, we must appreciate what has already taken place. This is an unprecedented, historical event. Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed on the text of the draft Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty. A text in which Armenia and Azerbaijan mutually recognize each other’s territorial integrity within the borders that existed during the collapse of the Soviet Union as socialist republics. The parties have agreed to not interfere in each other’s internal affairs and have also agreed on several other important provisions. Furthermore, upon ratification and entry into force of the aforementioned document, it is planned to create a bilateral commission that will oversee the implementation of the treaty and serve as a platform for resolving any misunderstandings or specific situations that may arise on the ground. All of this is, indeed, a historical event. Now we believe that it is possible to immediately start consultations to determine the location, time, and exact date for the signing of the treaty.”

“Question: Is it possible for the signing of the treaty to take place in a third country? How would you assess this issue, and what is your opinion regarding this possibility?”

Ararat Mirzoyan: “It could be at the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan or in any third country that would be acceptable to both Yerevan and Baku. All this can become a subject of discussion. However, it should be noted that immediately after the publication of the fact of reaching an agreement on the text, the Azerbaijani side put forward a number of preconditions relating specifically to the Minsk Group and the Constitution. There may also be other thoughts, as far as I understand.”

“Question: Mr. Bayramov also mentioned this during the discussion.”

Ararat Mirzoyan: “Our approach is as follows: we can start the process by laying one brick, then another, and after a certain period of time, we may see that together we have built, for example, a strong bridge. Or we can sit and wait a few hundred more years trying to understand whether previous approaches are no longer applicable, whether the conflict is truly over, or whether there are still obstacles. However, our position is that we need to focus on the constructive side of the issue, focus on opportunities and the future, rather than continue to delve into the past and see only obstacles.”

“Regarding certain ideas voiced by the Azerbaijani side, particularly the topic of the Minsk Group, I would like to note that our position is clearly known. If we accept that the conflict is over and this fact is solidified by a peace treaty, then neither the Minsk Group nor its subordinate structures are no longer relevant. Based on that logic, we have proposed to sign two documents on the same day: the peace treaty and a joint appeal to the OSCE or its member states, which would initiate the process of dissolution of the Minsk Group.”