Secretary of Civil Contract Faction: RA Independence, Sovereignty and Security Should Be Ensured by Peace Agreement

The Secretary of the NA Civil Contract Faction Artur Hovhannisyan and the member of the Faction Arusyak Julhakyan reflected upon the Peace Treaty process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, cooperation with international partners in this matter, further cooperation with the CSTO prospects during parliamentary briefings held on March 23, in response to journalists' questions.

In response to the question why the opposition is not familiar with the versions of the peace document and the ongoing processes, Artur Hovhannisyan opined that the opposition has all the possible tools to be aware of these issues. According to him, both the RA Prime Minister and other officials proposed that the opposition gets acquainted with the nuances of the negotiation process, but no response has been recorded yet, the opposition refused to be informed about the negotiation process. "I have an observation: carrying information also implies responsibility. I consider this to be evasion of responsibility by the opposition," the Secretary of the Faction underlined. Arusyak Julhakyan also reminded her colleagues about the RA Prime Minister's readiness in this matter.

Regarding the journalist's question about a possible new escalation even in the presence of a Peace Treaty, Artur Hovhannisyan emphasized that at the moment, the Azerbaijani military-political leadership continues aggressive, destructive rhetoric, continues to put pressure on the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, illegally keeps the Lachin Corridor closed, and the documents still contain points unacceptable for the RA. "We work efficiently and intensively with all international partners. We thank the partners who are trying to mediate the signing of the Peace Treaty. We will move forward in this way based on the RA state interests," the deputy noted. He stated that the signing of the Peace Treaty is important for Armenia as well, but such a document should be signed that will ensure the RA independence, sovereignty and security.

In response to the question whether there is a dead end situation in the signing of the Peace Treaty, Artur Hovhannisyan did not deny that the region is in a difficult situation. "There are difficulties, but we will move forward, trying to approximate the approaches, also getting the support of our international partners. We are going through a difficult path, but I don't want to say that we are now in a dead end situation. We have a situation where Azerbaijan continues its destructive policy, but we, increasing the international pressure on the military-political leadership of Azerbaijan, should try to move forward through diplomatic channels," the Secretary of the Faction stated.

Arusyak Julhakyan underscored that a bilateral process is going on, Armenia and Azerbaijan are presenting their proposals. According to her, the whole process of negotiations is aimed at the approximation of approaches. The deputy added that Armenia communicates its proposals with international partners. Regarding the cooperation with the CSTO, Artur Hovhannisyan mentioned that there is no clear political assessment by the CSTO security structure regarding the occupation of the sovereign territories of a member state of the CSTO Armenia by Azerbaijan. According to him, until a political assessment is made, there cannot be an action equivalent to it. "That's why the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other departments continue to work with the CSTO, so that this political assessment is made," the Secretary of the Faction concluded.