Yerevan is ready to resume negotiations with Baku on the Karabakh settlement on the basis of equality and non-use of force, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
“The Republic of Armenia has repeatedly stated at the highest level that it is ready to resume the peace process on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the basis of well-known principles, that is, non-use of force or threat of force, equality and self-determination of peoples and territorial integrity. After signing the trilateral statement of November 9 (on a truce in Karabakh – ed.), the co-chairs made a number of statements. The Armenian side welcomed these statements, considering that they are a roadmap for peace in the region”, the minister said.
At the same time, Mirzoyan noted that Azerbaijan allegedly does not fulfill the ceasefire agreement, which is expressed “primarily regarding the immediate return of all prisoners of war and other detained persons.” The minister also accused Baku of “invading” the territory of Armenia and “false territorial claims”.
“The Armenian side will consistently promote the realization of the right of the people of Artsakh (self-name Karabakh – ed.) to self-determination, the right to live freely and with dignity in their homeland”, Mirzoyan stressed.
At the end of September 2020, hostilities resumed in Nagorno-Karabakh, which became a continuation of the long-term conflict and led to casualties among the civilian population. The parties made several attempts to conclude a truce, but the tripartite agreement reached on the night of November 10 turned out to be successful. With the mediation of Moscow, Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed to completely cease fire and exchange prisoners and bodies of the dead. Yerevan also handed over Kelbajar, Lachin and Aghdam districts to Baku. In addition, Russian peacekeepers are stationed in the region.