Yerevan Dialogue: Sustainable peace in the South Caucuses very much possible, says Armenian PM Pashinyan
Yerevan:, 10 September 2024: Sustainable peace in the South Caucuses is not only possible but is realistic, said Nikol Pashinyan, the prime ministeer of Armenia, at the Inaugural Yerevan Dialogue, which began today in the Armenian capital. Pashinyan presented Armenia’s position, underscoring that all sides have to make the effort in order to achieve peace.
“80% of the peace treaty has already been agreed upon, including 13 articles and the preamble. Two articles have been partly agreed upon, as each consists of two proposals,’ the prime minister observed.
Armenia’s proposal is that parties sign on to the clauses that are agreed upon and continue negotiations on the remaining points. The prime minister also underscored that the document envisages the establishment of diplomatic ties between Armenia and Azerbaijan.Pashinyan pointed out that there is currently progress on the issue of demilitarization and demarcation of borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He also pointed out that that Alma Ata declaration offers the basis for this process.
As Pashinyan explained, the unblocking and opening of transportation routes and communication in the region is yet another important step for longterm sustainable peace in the region. Therefore, the Armenian proposal and initiative is to make itself the “Crossroads of Peace”.
“This is an important initiative, as this offers us a rail line to Iran, which is strategically important for our country, and in the future also with Turkey and Russia. Azerbaijan would also have the opportunity for railway passage to Turkey and Iran,” Pashinyan said.
He added that a crucial step was also to open up road and rail links between Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan, through the territory of Armenia, which Armenia is ready to offer, even though Nakhichevan is already connected to the outside world through Iran and Turkey.
Armenia has stated earlier that it does not see any necessity currently for trilateral format and wants a direct and bilateral dialogue between Yerevan and Baku.The Yerevan Dialogue is a high profile strategic conference that the Armenian capital is hosting 10-11 September, in collaboration with India ‘s premier thinktank Observer Research Foundation. Many high profile guests are participating from more than 60 countries in the dialogue.
