We always consider the signing of the peace treaty likely in the near future, as we are constructively disposed towards it: However, loyalty to the principles should appear, and the document should have the form that it would be possible for Armenia to sign it, and to which Azerbaijan would give its consent. Sargis Khandanyan, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly, said this during the briefing at the Parliament.
"The Republic of Armenia will sign the peace treaty when being sure that it will be in the interest of Armenia and in the interest of regional peace and stability. The principle of territorial integrity is key, and Armenia insists that Azerbaijan should reaffirm its commitment to recognizing territorial integrity," said Sargis Khandanyan.
He noted that yesterday's adoption of the joint statement of Armenia's Prime Minister's Office and the administration of the President of Azerbaijan can positively affect the negotiations. "There is some positive vocabulary in the text of the statement, which can contribute to a smoother process of further negotiations," Khandanyan noted.
Referring to the statement of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, that he is going to go to snap elections, and how it can affect the negotiation process, he said: "I hope that this will not delay the process, will not be another excuse for Azerbaijan not to participate in the negotiations. I cannot answer what domestic political reasons there are, it was unexpected news for me. We have to wait and understand what was the reason for this decision."
