Armenian MP: Azerbaijan continues to impose additional demands on  Armenia and obstruct progress in peace process

ArmInfo.The member of the delegation of the National Assembly to Euronest PA, the Chair of the  Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Sargis Khandanyan gave a speech at the Plenary Session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly.

As the press service of the Armenian Parliament reports, in his  speech the parliamentarian noted the following:

"Madam Chair, dear colleagues,

Allow me to extend my congratulations to our Ukrainian and Moldovan  colleagues for the EU's decision to open the accession negotiations,  and to our Georgian counterparts for getting EU member candidate  status. The last decision undoubtedly brings the European Union  closer to our region, presenting a new reality and a wealth of  opportunities.

Over the past two years, the relationship between Armenia and the  European Union has experienced significant improvements in both  quality and pace. I express my gratitude to our colleagues in the  European Parliament for acknowledging the efforts and aspirations of  the Armenian government in this regard, and for their unwavering  support for our democracy and independence.

The deployment of the long-term European civilian monitoring mission  to Armenia not only enhances Armenia's security architecture but also  fosters opportunities for cooperation in the security sector. I am  optimistic that a decision regarding access to the European Peace  Facility will be reached soon too.

We are also eager to start the visa liberalization dialogue at the  earliest opportunity and remain committed to fulfilling our part of  the job under the CEPA, as well as pursuing joint initiatives in  connectivity, the energy sector and more.

Armenia also anticipates continued and stronger engagement from the  European Union in the normalization process between Armenia and  Azerbaijan. In this regard I express my appreciation for the  resolution adopted by this Parliament on March 13, on closer ties  between the EU and Armenia and the need for a peace agreement between  Azerbaijan and Armenia. This resolution accurately reflects the  evolving dynamics and positive developments in the relationship  between Armenia and the European Union, as well as the guiding  principles of the peace process and negotiations between Armenia and  Azerbaijan.

Paragraph 16 of this resolution clearly expresses the principles that  should form the basis of normalization and future peace agreement.

My colleague has already spoken about these principles. I just want  to add that these principles have been agreed and reconfirmed between  the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan during the negotiations of the  past two years. Armenia at the highest level reconfirmed its  commitments to those fundamental principles for the normalization of  relations as soon as possible. Regrettably, Azerbaijan continues to  impose additional demands on Armenia and obstruct progress in the  peace process.

It is imperative to underscore that adherence to the principles  outlined in the Almaty Declaration is not only actual for the context  of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan but also fundamental for  respecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine, Georgia, and  Moldova," Sargis Khandanyan said.