Staged trials against 23 Armenian individuals \u2013 who are arbitrarily detained, are taking place in Azerbaijan with disregard for human rights standards for due process, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said in an address to the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking about Armenia\u2019s vision for peace and partnerships, the Foreign Minister said: \u201cWe firmly believe peace has no alternative and only agreements reached through dialogue can bring lasting stability and regional progress. Perhaps, this vision could not have been defined better than through Mahatma Gandhi\u2019s famous message: \u201cThere is no way to peace, peace is the way\u201d.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He noted that with this understanding, Armenia has been engaged in good faith in the peace process with Azerbaijan and today, more than ever, we are close to the signing of the peace treaty, a document establishing interstate relations between the two countries, founded on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, inviolability of borders, and refraining from use of force or threat of force. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cImportantly, last year, bilateral negotiations already led to the signing of the Regulation for border delimitation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, recognizing the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration as the delimitation basis: the Alma-Ata Declaration reconfirmed that after the breakup of the Soviet Union, the administrative boundaries of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic and the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic had become international borders between the two independent republics. We have successfully delimited over 12 kilometers of the border and are bilaterally working towards the efficient continuation of the process, which is significantly contributing to regional stability,\u201d Minister Mirzoyan stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Foreign Minister emphasized that within the context of normalization, Armenia has presented concrete, mutually beneficial proposals to Azerbaijan on the unblocking of regional transport infrastructure, as a result of which both Azerbaijan and Armenia can transport goods through each other\u2019s railway infrastructure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAdditionally, for the sake of regional stability and predictability, we have put forward a proposal on mutual arms control and verification mechanism. Unfortunately, we can not state that our constructive approach is fully reciprocated by Azerbaijan. Moreover, we continue hearing high-level public statements and narratives pertaining to territorial claims against the sovereign Republic of Armenia, including through the so-called \u201cWestern Azerbaijan\u201d narrative,\u201d he added. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\u201cAt the same time, there are still humanitarian issues, namely the pending release of the detainees. As we speak, the staged trials against 23 Armenian individuals \u2013 who are arbitrarily detained, are taking place in Azerbaijan with disregard for human rights standards for due process. Achieving complete settlement and durable peace requires preparing societies for reconciliation; unresolved humanitarian issues can only hinder that process,\u201d Minister Mirzoyan noted.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cArmenia has also been engaged in the process of normalization of relations with T\u00fcrkiye. We believe full normalization, particularly at this point establishing diplomatic relations and opening borders, would contribute significantly to regional peace and stability. We continue this dialogue and have taken practical steps,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cArmenia has successfully completed the construction and technical preparation of the Margara crossing checkpoint on the border with T\u00fcrkiye. Additionally, in November 2024, representatives from the relevant ministries of Armenia and T\u00fcrkiye held a meeting to review the technical requirements for border crossing on the Gyumri-Kars railway. Also, we agreed to jointly restore the Ani Bridge, a historic landmark situated on our shared border. This complements the already implemented decisions establishing direct air flights and removing barriers to air cargo transportation. We have also agreed to open the border for holders of diplomatic passports and third-country nationals, though implementation of the latter is pending. Once implemented, these agreements will benefit not only Armenia and T\u00fcrkiye but the broader region, with unblocked transport routes serving as crucial factors for regional peace and stability,\u201d the Foreign Minister said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRecognizing the importance of opening all trade and transport communications, as you could see from the proposals I already mentioned, Armenia\u2019s government has initiated the \u201cCrossroads of Peace\u201d<\/strong> project, aimed at unblocking transport infrastructures based on the principles of sovereignty, national jurisdiction, equality, and reciprocity. The project\u2019s essence involves developing communications between all South Caucasian countries through renovated and new roads, railways, pipelines, cables, and electricity lines. In negotiations on unblocking regional transport infrastructure, Armenia envisions comprehensiveness, inclusiveness, non-discriminatory use of regional routes, and a prosperous future for all interested parties,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Foreign Minister highlighted the friendly and close relations with Georgia and Iran. \u201cIn 2023, we elevated our relationship with Georgia to a strategic partnership, formalizing what has essentially always been a strategic relationship across all areas. With Iran, we experience continuous development of bilateral cooperation based on natural interests,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cArmenia maintains an intensive dialogue and developing relations with the United States and the European Union. The trilateral meeting on April 5, 2024, resulted in a joint Armenia-US-EU statement. Last year also saw another round of our strategic dialogue with the United States, culminating in signing the Strategic Partnership Charter two months ago,\u201d Ararat Mirzoyan stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cArmenia remains strongly committed to enhancing our bilateral agenda with the EU and deepening multilayered cooperation. We are currently negotiating the New Partnership Agenda reflecting the momentum in the Armenia-EU relations. Once completed, these ambitious partnership priorities will mark another milestone bringing Armenia closer to the EU and the broader European community, aligned with the European aspirations of Armenia\u2019s citizens. The European Union Civilian Mission in Armenia, deployed along our border with Azerbaijan, has significantly contributed to stability in border regions over the past two years, dealing with escalation risks,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur engagement with the Eurasian Economic Union has been an important factor for the growth of trade with Russia. We are taking steps to deepen cooperation with partner countries in Central Asia, China, and beyond. Overall, Armenia\u2019s government has adopted a balanced and balancing foreign policy \u2013 an approach, if you wish, akin to India\u2019s strategic autonomy,\u201d the Foreign Minister said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n