The RA NA delegation is participating in the autumn session of Dublin’s Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA). Sargis Khandanyan, head of the RA NA delegation and chairman of the NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, made a speech at the assembly.
“Mrs. President,
One of the primary mandates of the OSCE was to provide a viable framework for conflict settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan within the framework of the Minsk Group co-chairmanship. Unfortunately, these efforts have not been enough to bring lasting peace, and our region has gone through 30 years of war and destruction. The forced displacement of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, the destruction of Armenian cultural heritage, and the issue of prisoners of war reflect the harsh reality we face.
This assembly has witnessed all that, serving as a platform for debates and clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan. But today, I am here to turn the page on this long history of conflict. I came with a message of cautious optimism because peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is not just a distant hope. It is possible, and it is available to us.
Recently, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed the regulation on the joint activity of state border demarcation commissions between the two countries, taking the Alma-Ata declaration as the basis of the demarcation process. The Constitutional Court of Armenia has confirmed that this decision is entirely in line with our Constitution, and we expect it to be ratified by Parliament in the coming weeks.
What is required now is the next decisive step, the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The two countries’ leaders confirmed that the draft agreement was primarily agreed upon, and Armenia took the initiative by offering to sign the already agreed articles. As former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said earlier, it will be an essential step towards resolving the remaining contentious issues. “Peace is not an event; it is a process.”
In addition, Armenia continues to adhere to the discussion of the conditions for de-blocking regional transport and economic communications based on each country’s sovereignty, jurisdiction, and territorial integrity. We strive to transform our region from a war theater into a peace crossroads.
Armenia is ready for dialogue, but we see a worrying lack of political will on the part of Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, we continue to see new demands and threats from that country. But we must take advantage of this opportunity.
We count on your and your governments’ continued support, dear partners. By maintaining your focus on the South Caucasus despite the challenges of the global crisis, you can help ensure a solid and lasting peace.
Thank you,” said the head of the RA NA delegation.
