Armenian PM Pashinian says peace with Azerbaijan possible and within reach

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian said that peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is now possible and within reach, marking a significant regarding ongoing peace negotiations between the two nations.

Speaking at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Pashinian acknowledged the progress made in recent talks, contrasting his earlier remarks in which he described the peace process as deadlocked.

“I want to say that today, peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is not only possible but also within reach,” Pashinian told the assembly, signaling optimism about the future of the negotiations.

Milestone agreement on border demarcation

The Armenian prime minister highlighted a significant step forward with the signing of a joint regulation between Armenian and Azerbaijani commissions on Aug. 30, establishing the framework for border demarcation. Pashinian described the document as the “first legal agreement” between the two countries.

He emphasized that this agreement indicates both countries’ mutual recognition of territorial integrity and lack of territorial claims against one another. “This demonstrates that Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to respect each other’s territorial integrity, with no territorial claims remaining,” he said.

Peace agreement in final stages

Pashinian noted that the only remaining step is the formal signing of a peace agreement. According to the prime minister, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev had confirmed that 80% of the peace agreement draft had been mutually agreed upon, with the Armenian side ready to sign the agreement based on the agreed clauses and continue discussions on unresolved issues.

“The peace agreement’s clauses include significant points, such as the mutual recognition of territorial integrity and an agreement that neither country will make territorial claims now or in the future,” Pashinian said.

He further added that the agreement also provides for the establishment of diplomatic relations and a joint commission to oversee the implementation of the clauses, with both nations pledging non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and renouncing the use of force or the threat of force.

Step toward regional cooperation

Pashinian also addressed the “Peace Crossroads” project, which aims to open transportation routes, railways, and other links between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The project seeks to enhance regional connectivity, facilitating transportation, pipelines, and energy transmission lines between Armenia, Azerbaijan, Türkiye and the broader region.

Pashinian made it clear that there are no constitutional barriers within Armenia that would prevent the signing of a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, reaffirming that Armenia has no territorial claims against its neighbor.