I would not like to make such a prediction, but in general, the lack of progress in the negotiations as recently as the second half of 2023 raises the constant fear that tensions may increase, but I am glad that at this point, in fact, the negotiations have begun. We saw it at the level of heads of state in Munich, and are now continuing at the level of foreign ministers. Sargis Khandanyan, Chairman of the NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, said this during the briefing, answering the question: is there a possibility of a new provocation at this stage of the Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations?
When asked whether the resumption of negotiations is a guarantee that the risk of escalation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border has been neutralized, Khandanyan emphasized that he would not want to predict how the negotiations could affect the possibility of an increase in tension on the border, but the logic is that if there are negotiations, the tension should decrease.
As for the possibility of taking Azerbaijan to Western rather than Russian platforms for the purpose of negotiations, the deputy said that time and the continuation of negotiations would show.
“The problem is to bring Azerbaijan not to the western platform, but to a constructive field. If our partners manage to bring Azerbaijan to a constructive field and reach the moment when the peace treaty will be signed, we can consider it a good sign,” he said.
To the question: a few days ago, Aliyev announced that if Armenia wants to sign the treaty, all the demands of Azerbaijan must be fulfilled, Khandanyan emphasized that these statements are unacceptable.
“Azerbaijan's attempts to interfere in Armenia's domestic affairs are unacceptable, as well as attempts to put forward additional demands, because one thing is clear and it is also clear to our international partners that the framework of principles for the regulation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the signing of a peace treaty has been agreed upon. Within those principles, relations must be regulated and agreements reached. Additional demands beyond them are unacceptable, and it does not indicate constructiveness,” he said.
