We are discussing with Azerbaijan and seeking positive solutions: Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson

Yes, we say that peace is established, but that means it will also resolve humanitarian issues. This was stated by Ani Badalyan, spokesperson for the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“There are Armenian prisoners of war in Azerbaijan, and we are discussing this topic primarily with Azerbaijan and seeking positive solutions,” she said.

In an interview with PassBlue during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly, the spokesperson expressed similar views regarding various issues connected to the agreements signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan on August 8 in Washington, the subsequent steps to be taken, and the importance of normalizing relations between Yerevan and Ankara.

During the interview, the spokesperson expressed optimism regarding the peace agreement preliminarily signed by Yerevan and Baku and its final signing, as well as detailed the context of the relevant agreements.

- What are the next steps following the preliminary signing of the August 8 agreement?

- The preliminary signing was a significant milestone for us. We reaffirmed that the borders of the two countries are recognized by the 1991 Almaty Declaration, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. We agreed on fundamental principles of jurisdiction, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and, of course, inviolability of borders. We consider this a very important foundation for future work. We believe that peace is established. This is not only a preliminary signing of the peace treaty, but there were also public statements made during the August tripartite meeting attended by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and US President Trump, after which there were very loud and firm commitments regarding the establishment of peace. We believe this is a mutual understanding on our side, the Azerbaijani side, and at the international level. We will work towards the signing of the peace treaty.

In March, Armenia announced that it is ready to sign it. We immediately said, “Let’s talk, understand the time and place, we are ready to sign.” This has not changed. We hope that the implementation of the TRIPP (Trump's Route for International Peace and Prosperity) project will contribute to the unblocking of regional communications not only in one part but also in general regional communications. Again, we’re not just talking about Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the South Caucasus. Today, countries are looking for more routes, alternative connections. This could be part of a larger project, the Middle Corridor and other projects that aim to connect Asia with Europe and vice versa. Any connectivity project carried out in Armenia remains under Armenia's sovereignty. This is very important to us. We will discuss other technical details, determine who will operate and how, but it will remain under Armenia's sovereignty.

- Will there be negotiations regarding the Armenian detainees in Azerbaijan?

- Yes, we say that peace is established, but that means it will also resolve humanitarian issues. There are Armenian prisoners of war in Azerbaijan, and we discuss this topic first and foremost with Azerbaijan and seek positive solutions. There are issues regarding missing persons. These humanitarian issues are part of a broader picture and can, of course, strengthen the peace we have established.

- Currently, Russian soldiers are patrolling along Armenia's southern border with Iran through the agreement. Does the peace agreement mean those soldiers will leave?

- This is regulated by a bilateral agreement with Russia, so it does not pertain to our signed peace agreement.

- Will the peace agreement restore the railway that was established during the Soviet era, which previously operated along Armenia’s southern border with Iran?

- We are, of course, studying the logistics of the area. It will be a transit route. It is not a corridor in the sense you may have heard. It is a road that remains under the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia.

- Did President Erdoğan say in his speech at the UN General Assembly on September 23 that negotiations on the normalization of relations between Armenia and his country are progressing well? Can you confirm that?

- Yes, there is a high level of political dialogue between Armenia and Turkey. We are implementing projects, for example, the renovation of the bridge on the border. When we talk about connectivity and normalization of relations, stability, and peace in the region, there is a broader picture. However, of course, whatever we do is aimed at the full normalization of relations between the two countries. Our expectation is that the preliminary signing of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will contribute to the normalization of relations with Turkey, which means the opening of the border, as this is very important.

- Some Azerbaijani officials say that in order to finalize the peace agreement, Armenia’s Constitution must be changed. Is this being discussed?

- The peace treaty says nothing about the constitution. From the start, our position has been very clear that there is no issue with Armenia's constitution. The peace treaty stipulates the recognition of territorial integrity between the two countries. For us, this is the legal basis for normalizing relations between the countries. At the same time, you may know that the ruling party in Armenia, which has been in power since 2018, has announced that there will be constitutional changes, so, probably, there will be a new Constitution. But this is an internal matter. The population and citizens of Armenia will vote in favor of the new Constitution.

- How was the new peace agreement created?

- Imagine that this was a very difficult process. After the conflict, it is not easy to go and talk about peace, especially given that there are unresolved issues, there are feelings, and there is a certain mutual understanding. But, there have been intensive negotiations lasting about three and a half to four years. We started exchanging drafts of the agreement and meeting at the level of foreign ministers and heads of state. Each article, each sentence was discussed in great detail. And this year we reached this agreement, declaring that both sides agree on the text. The leadership of the US and the Trump administration was very important, as they managed to hold the summit on August 8. We signed bilateral memorandums with the US that imply cooperation in various areas. Yes, this will involve artificial intelligence, energy—various sectors that are important for Armenia. In Armenian media, many of our officials are asked—what guarantee do we have? Our position is that this creates benefits for everyone—first for Armenia and Azerbaijan, as we are the two main parties, but also for other countries interested in peace in the South Caucasus and the stability of this area to gain economic benefits.

- I read that Azerbaijan was ready to attack southern Armenia before the preliminary signing of the peace agreement in August. Is that correct?

- During those years, we had signs of escalation of tensions. There were shots fired along the border, so you could not rule out the possibility that any moment could see an escalation. Thank God, we did not have tensions.

- Looking at the other peace agreements declared by Trump during his second term: some seem stronger than others, which seem to need more work. Are you confident that this preliminary signing will lead to a comprehensive peace agreement?

- Yes. But it is also about implementation. I would assert it on Armenia’s side, but we also hear from the US that there is a high willingness to immediately explore the implementation. So, this is not just a piece of paper. There is a willingness and political will to bring it to life.

- How do you feel being part of the government that is implementing major, potentially life-changing reforms in your country?

- The youth living in Armenia want to see a prosperous Armenia; they want to see an Armenia that does not live in conflict, but in a position where it can realize its potential. We have enormous potential in the field of innovation, and I believe we need to seize this opportunity to make Armenia as economically developed as possible.