Armenian Ambassador to the UK urges Azerbaijan to accept the olive branch extended by  Armenia

ArmInfo. The South Caucasus region stands at the threshold of an historic transformation: an era of peace that has eluded war-torn region for decades. This is stated in an article by Armenian Ambassador to the UK Varuzhan Nersesyan in The Critic.  According to the ambassador, the finalization of the text of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan could ensure that neither Armenian nor Azerbaijani children will have to live in conflict and suffer the loss of loved ones.

"However, this moment, while filled with hope, also carries grave challenges, as questions remain about Azerbaijan's true commitment to peace. The Government of Armenia has made a courageous and decisive move to advance the peace process. We have agreed to Azerbaijan's proposals on the two outstanding points of the treaty: an agreement to withdraw legal cases against each other in international courts; and the removal of third-party forces from the Armenia-Azerbaijan border," the diplomat noted.  Nersesyan noted that by doing this, the Armenian government has prioritized the greater goal of lasting peace, even in the face of significant cost to itself. "Moreover, Prime Minister Pashinyan has announced that he is willing to sign the agreed draft, and  proposed to Azerbaijani President Aliyev that the process for deciding the date and venue for signing a finalized "Agreement on Peace and Interstate Relations," " the Ambassador continued.

He noted that the international community has welcomed this development, with the UK Foreign Secretary rightly urging both sides to move quickly towards signature.  "Similar endorsements have come from all  permanent members of the UN Security Council, the European Union and other international actors, all of whom recognize the potential of this moment to change the future of the region. The finalization of the peace deal would not be just  a bilateral achievement: it is a matter of global significance, with broader implications for security and economic development beyond the South Caucasus," Nersesyan said.

However, he continued, even as Armenia prepares to turn the page on this long-running conflict, Azerbaijan's actions cast doubt over its true intentions. "A familiar and troubling pattern is emerging, just as the peace process appears to be nearing a conclusion, Azerbaijan introduces fresh demands that delay the finalization of the treaty. Most concerning are its baseless accusations of ceasefire violations. Earlier this month, Azerbaijan made over a dozen such claims, all of which regional experts and the European Union Observer Mission in Armenia have widely dismissed as groundless," the Armenian ambassador noted.

The diplomat commended the numerous proposals of the Armenian side to set up mechanisms joint, which were either rejected or ignored by the Azerbaijani side. "Yerevan suggested establishing a bilateral mechanism to investigate border incidents. Baku has yet to respond. Against this backdrop, the latest accusations look like an alarming pretext, to either manufacture a casus belli or exploit the current power imbalance to extract concessions," Nersesyan said. According to him, the Armenian government has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to peace. "Peace is a two-way street. True reconciliation requires genuine mutual trust, respect, and a desire to move on. It is imperative that Azerbaijan abandon its tactics of delay and coercion and embrace the opportunity to end decades of hostility. Moreover, there remains the critical issue of Armenian prisoners still held in Azerbaijani jails. If Azerbaijan is serious about building a peaceful future free from animosity, it should demonstrate goodwill by releasing all illegally held Armenian detainees," the Armenian diplomat believes.

Drawing attention to the many socio-economic benefits that peace promises for the peoples of Armenia and Azerbaijan, the ambassador expressed his conviction that the choice is clear: peace or  continuation of a tragic history. "Armenia has made its choice. Now Azerbaijan can demonstrate its commitment to regional stability by doing the same. Signing this agreement is a demonstration of strength - the strength to prioritize the well-being of future generations above political ambitions. The time for delaying tactics and inflammatory rhetoric is over. Armenia has extended the olive branch. Now it is up to Azerbaijan to sign the treaty so  we can share a peaceful future," the diplomat concluded.