OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Embraces Armenian Proposals in Landmark Decision

In a significant development, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) has embraced all proposals put forth by the Armenian delegation, marking a pivotal moment in diplomatic discourse. Sargis Khandanyan, the head of the Armenian delegation to the OSCE PA and vice-chairman of the Committee on Democracy, Human Rights, and Humanitarian Issues of the Parliamentary Assembly, shared this momentous news via his Facebook page.

The final document of the 2023 OSCE PA, known as the Vancouver Declaration, garnered widespread support through a series of crucial votes. The provisions endorsed hold profound implications for the ongoing geopolitical landscape.

Notably, the assembly issued the following key calls:

1. Withdrawal of Armed Forces: The assembly formally calls on Azerbaijan to withdraw its armed forces from the sovereign territory of Armenia, underlining the importance of respecting established borders.

2. Lachin Corridor Passage: The assembly emphasizes the need for unhindered passage of people and goods through the Lachin Corridor, aligning with the International Court of Justice's decision on February 22, 2023.

3. Rights and Security of Armenians: The assembly urges Azerbaijan to engage with the international community in fostering a constructive agenda to safeguard the rights and security of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh).

4. Detainees and Cultural Heritage: The assembly emphasizes the release of detained individuals, the clarification of the fate of those who disappeared during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the protection of the region's cultural heritage, and support for demining efforts.

5. Path to Comprehensive Peace: Encouraging both Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue negotiations, the assembly calls for the eventual signing of a comprehensive peace treaty, rooted in mutual recognition of each other's territorial integrity.

6. Diplomatic Efforts Applauded: The assembly warmly welcomes and acknowledges the diplomatic initiatives undertaken by the United States and the European Union, which have played a crucial role in fostering dialogue and building mutual trust between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

This momentous decision underscores the international community's commitment to fostering stability, dialogue, and a lasting peace in the region. The embrace of Armenian proposals by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly serves as a beacon of hope, signaling a renewed commitment to the principles of diplomacy and cooperation.