Armenian PM proposes Non-Aggression Pact to Azerbaijan

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan proposes a non-aggression pact to Azerbaijan to promote stability amid ongoing peace talks over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

In a bid to foster stability between the long-standing rivals, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on Sunday the proposal of a non-aggression pact to Azerbaijan. This initiative comes as both nations navigate discussions for a comprehensive peace treaty following the recent conflict over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Addressing attendees during an Armenian Army Day celebration event, Prime Minister Pashinyan outlined the proposal, stating, “We have presented Azerbaijan with a proposal for a mutual arms control mechanism and the signing of a non-aggression pact if the signature of a peace treaty encounters delays.”

Armenia and Azerbaijan have a history of conflict, with two wars erupting in the 1990s and 2020 over Nagorno-Karabakh. The region was recaptured by Azerbaijan in a swift offensive in the previous year. The proposed pact aims to mitigate tensions and establish a foundation for peaceful coexistence while the peace treaty negotiations continue.

Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev had initially expressed optimism about signing a peace agreement by the end of the preceding year. Despite international mediation efforts, a breakthrough has not been achieved in the peace talks.

Source: AFP