-How does Armenia assess the current situation in the South Caucasus? How does it see the future of the region?
- The aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh and its population last autumn, and its political, economic, and humanitarian consequences, continue to have an impact on the stability and security of the region.
Though the November 9 Armenia-Russia-Azerbaijan trilateral declaration put an end to the hostilities, the situation remains fragile. This is due to the non-fulfillment of some of the commitments assumed by Azerbaijan by the mentioned declaration, the distortion of some of its provisions, the ongoing detention of war prisoners and civilian hostages, belligerent and expansionist rhetoric, aspirations to the sovereign territories of Armenia and the new threat of use of force.
The provocative behavior of the Azerbaijani side has an impact not only on Armenia, but also on other countries in the region, which we witnessed, for example, when inadmissible steps were taken towards transit traffic. Unfortunately, the encouragement of this behavior, as well as anti-Armenian and belligerent rhetoric by third countries, creates additional obstacles for the stability of the region.
Nevertheless, Armenia continues its efforts to establish firm regional stability in the region. The program of our Government clearly states the readiness to make efforts for opening an era of peaceful development for the region. I am sure that all the necessary preconditions for that era will be created if other countries display the appropriate political will and take constructive steps.
-What’s your position on the role of Iran for regional stability?
- Iran's role and potential in reducing tensions and establishing stability in the region is obvious, a clear example of which is Iran's clear position on the inviolability of the borders of the Republic of Armenia. We believe that expanding Iran's involvement will have a positive impact not only in the context of the friendship and mutually beneficial partnership between our two countries, but will also serve in the interests of a peaceful, secure and prosperous future for the region.
- Iran's approach to the South Caucasus is based on the geopolitical-geographical importance of the region, not on the ethnic-religious issues of the region. How does Armenia assess this approach of Iran?
- Armenia highly appreciates bilateral friendly relations with Iran. The cooperation between Armenia and Iran can serve as a good example for countries guided by the agenda of peace, de...
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