Armenian National Assembly President Alen Simonyan delivered speech during Panel Discussion Together Fore Peace and Democracy.
In particular, Simonyan said:
It is a great honor for me to host high-ranking representatives of the parliaments of Armenia’s friendly countries within the framework of one common format. On this occasion, I would like to express special gratitude to the Speaker of the Estonian Parliament, my good friend Mr. Lauri Hussar, for putting forward the idea of organizing a meeting in Armenia within the framework of the Nordic-Baltic countries format. At the same time, as the coordinating country of the format, I express my gratitude to the Latvian side, led by the Speaker of the Latvian Parliament, Ms. Daiga Mieriņa. We are the thankful to all countries for assuming the preparatory works of the event, and I am glad we have truly succeeded to build a strong political dialogue and partnership. Independence, sovereignty, and democracy are values that bring like-minded countries and peoples closer together.
Armenia greatly appreciates the support of its friends on this path with obstacles in this period of expansionist ambitions. Geopolitical developments, the war in Ukraine and elsewhere are a serious signal that democracy is under greatest threat throughout the world. In this regard, I believe that the united defence of universal human values, as well as active efforts to establish lasting peace and stability throughout the world, are the best means of combating threats and challenges.
Despite all the security threats that Armenia has faced in recent years, we are steadfast in advancing the European integration process and expect that the new Armenia-EU partnership agenda will be signed in the near future.
I would like to especially underscore the importance of the launch of the visa liberalisation process, which is a very clear political message to the Armenian people.
I highly value the Armenia-EU cooperation within the framework of the European Peace Facility, which will certainly contribute to increasing the resilience of Armenia, as well as strengthening the logistical capabilities for protecting civilians in crisis situations.
I am pleased to note that the deployment of the European Union Monitoring Mission is having a positive impact on ensuring security, especially given the hostile rhetorics we are witnessing.
I cannot but mention the significant role of the Eastern Partnership in Armenia-EU relations, which has paved the way for us to a stronger and deeper cooperation with the European Union.
Despite the security challenges, today Armenia seeks ways for normalizing the relations with the neighbours and establishing stable peace in the region.
The vision of Armenia is expressed in the Crossroads of Peace initiative presented by the Government, which is aimed at unblocking all regional transport infrastructures, based on the principles of sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and reciprocity.
A peaceful and democratic South Caucasus is important not only for Armenia and the entire region, but also for the EU and wider Europe. We believe that it can become part of the Global Gateway.
On the path to achieving peace, the resolution of all humanitarian issues is of vital importance, of which the urgent and safe return of Armenian prisoners of war is of vital significance.
The peace treaty has not yet been signed. Most of the articles under discussion have been agreed upon. We have offered the Azerbaijani side mutually acceptable solutions that will allow not only to sign the document and move forward, but also to provide fundamental and complete answers to the existing problems. Unfortunately, the Armenian side has not yet responded.
Summarizing my speech, I would like to document that peace and democracy are the keys to sustainable development and prosperity.
