Wednesday, December 20 2023 15:54

ArmInfo. "Azerbaijan may state that it is interested in finalizing peace treaty with Armenia, but unfortunately words are not enough: we need to concentrate on deeds." Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan stated in an interview with BBC World, speaking about the process of normalizing relations between Yerevan and Baku.

"The fact is that Azerbaijan shows reluctance to finalize the peace treaty based on the principles proposed by the international community," the deputy minister said, adding that the Azerbaijani side had previously repeatedly refused to participate in negotiations aimed at resolving relations.

According to Kostanyan, the Armenian side is committed to the establishment of peace, discussions in that direction and the normalization of relations with neighboring Azerbaijan. He emphasized that Azerbaijan should recognize the territorial integrity of Armenia, there should be no uncertainties in this matter.  "It is necessary to have a clear border in accordance with the declaration of Almaty. Besides, it is necessary to reach an agreement on the principles of opening transport communications, which will take into account and respect the sovereignty of the countries," the deputy minister added.

Regarding the statements of the Azerbaijani side that the Armenians forcibly displaced from Nagorno- Karabakh can return to their homes, and that Baku is ready to ensure their safety, Kostanyan noted that None of the Armenians who left their ancestral homeland have returned there, which means it can be stated that that they do not see security guarantees. "I leave the conclusions to you. All this is happening despite the decision of the International Court, by which Azerbaijan undertakes to ensure the right of these people to return," he noted.

Meanwhile, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan - Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmet Hajiyev, in an interview with BBC World, noted that Azerbaijan and Armenia managed to surprise the world with a positive agenda.

"On December 7, the two countries issued a joint statement in which they expressed their intention to promote the peace agenda and implement confidence-building measures," Hajiyev said.

According to the presidential aide, the last three months have become the calmest period in the history of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.  "There is no war, no atrocities, no confrontation... Relative peace has been ensured on the ground. The time has come to transform it into lasting peace, including the signing of a peace treaty," Hajiyev assured.

According to him, negotiations are currently ongoing between Azerbaijan and Armenia at the diplomatic level: "Azerbaijan is ready to conclude a peace treaty with Armenia. For this reason, Azerbaijan also proposed five fundamental principles and the text of a peace treaty. Currently, there are diplomatic obligations between Armenia and Azerbaijan within the framework of direct negotiations."