Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Speaks on Border Delimitation Agreement with Azerbaijan, Expresses Confidence in a Resolution
Armenia's Deputy Prime Minister, Mher Grigoryan, said he is confident that Azerbaijan will ratify the agreement on border delimitation between the two countries. Speaking to reporters at Armenia’s National Assembly, Grigoryan spoke about the progress that is in process and emphasized that the ratification is expected to proceed smoothly and in a synchronized manner between both Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The issue at hand is the ratification of a regulation governing the joint activities of the border delimitation commissions of Armenia and Azerbaijan. These commissions are tasked with resolving the exact placement of the state borders between the two nations, which have been disputed since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Grigoryan confirmed that Armenia has already approved the regulation, and the country’s Constitutional Court has ruled it consistent with Armenia’s constitution. This regulatory framework was signed in late August and is currently under review in Armenia's National Assembly. Once the Armenian Parliament approves it, both countries are expected to finalize the process by exchanging original documents.
Addressing concerns about potential delays from Azerbaijan, Grigoryan said he has no doubt that Azerbaijan would also ratify the agreement in due time. "I have no concerns that they [Azerbaijan] will delay the ratification," he stated. He further explained that if Azerbaijan were unwilling to ratify, they would not have signed the regulation in the first place. Grigoryan believes that both countries are on the same page regarding the importance of this agreement.
However, he did acknowledge that if either party failed to complete the ratification process or introduced reservations, the exchange of notifications—which would bring the agreement into effect—could be delayed, potentially halting the process.
Another critical issue discussed by the Armenian Deputy Prime Minister was the ongoing efforts to unblock regional transport links, a matter of high importance for both nations. Grigoryan noted that while meetings on this issue have been stalled, the key roadblock is the lack of consensus on fundamental matters. He clarified that it makes little sense to continue detailed discussions until there is a broader agreement on these basic points.
The unblocking of transport routes is seen as a crucial step toward normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but progress has been slow. Without a shared understanding on these fundamental issues, negotiations have not advanced.
Once the current border delimitation regulation is ratified, the next step will involve signing an international agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding the state border. According to Grigoryan, this agreement will not only define the legal boundaries between the two countries but also serve as a guarantee of Armenia’s territorial integrity and security.
The regulation also establishes mechanisms to enhance security for residents living near the borders, a critical issue for both sides. Grigoryan stressed that this process is being conducted in a calm and measured manner, with the goal of ensuring long-term stability and peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The delimitation process has not yet covered all sections of the border. Grigoryan said that no decision has been made regarding which part of the border will be addressed next. He explained that border sections would be selected through consensus, adding that some areas, such as Tavush Province in Armenia, pose more complicated challenges.
One of the complexities in the border talks is related to the use of Soviet-era maps. Grigoryan explained that while maps from the 1970s serve as a general reference, they are not the only sources that will be used. Each section of the border requires specific documentation and the precise maps relevant to that area.
Grigoryan also addressed concerns raised by some that Armenia has ceded territory to Azerbaijan as part of this process. He dismissed these claims, saying that no territory has been exchanged. Instead, the focus is on restoring and defining the borders based on historical agreements.
When asked about the possibility of renewed military conflict with Azerbaijan, Grigoryan refrained from providing detailed comments. He acknowledged that Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had previously warned that failure to reach a border agreement in certain regions could lead to hostilities. However, Grigoryan downplayed these concerns, stating that meetings with Azerbaijan on border delimitation have taken place in a working atmosphere without any pressure or threats.
In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister remains optimistic that both Armenia and Azerbaijan are committed to completing the ratification of the border delimitation regulation. Once finalized, it will pave the way for a formal international agreement, securing peace and stability for the region. Grigoryan reaffirmed that while the process may take time, the current pace and logic are sufficient to ensure progress without rushing into premature decisions.
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