Lavrov: Crossroads of Peace initiative to be possible only with   conclusion of  peace treaty between Yerevan and Baku

ArmInfo.  The Armenian side is working on the Crossroads of Peace initiative, seeking to integrate its territory and its logistical capabilities in major  pan-continental processes. However , the signing of a peace treaty  between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a mandatory condition for its  implementation. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made this  statement during his speech at the embassy conference on May 23.

"And if we talk about this, then we are in favor of  developing all  infrastructure projects, so that as our Chinese partners say,  thousands of roses bloom. But for the practical implementation of the  Crossroads of Peace initiative, it is necessary to sign a peace  treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan," Lavrov noted, adding that  Moscow sincerely desires this.

In this context, the Russian diplomat noted that he discussed this  issue on May 21 in Yerevan with both the Prime Minister  and the  President of Armenia. "I heard that the agreement became possible  thanks to several trilateral Russia-Azerbaijan-Armenia summits and we  are ready to continue  providing assistance if both sides are  interested," the diplomat said.

Lavrov also expressed his conviction that there is a need to  normalize Armenian-Turkish relations.  According to him, overcoming  conflicts and eliminating barriers to transport and economic ties  imposed as a result of these conflicts, of course, will significantly  increase the competitiveness of both this part of the continent and   entire Eurasian continent.

 Lavrov also noted that in Moscow's view, the Greater Eurasian  Partnership,  would become a significant material foundation for the  development of an Eurasian security architecture.