PM Pashinyan – Armenia Ready to Sign Interim Peace Deal with Azerbaijan Open Communication Links

YEREVAN — Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that 13 articles of the proposed peace agreement with Azerbaijan, along with its preamble, have been fully agreed upon. He clarified that an additional three articles, each containing two clauses, are partially agreed, with one clause settled and the other still under discussion.

“80% of the peace deal is agreed upon, as stated from various platforms. As of now, 13 articles and the preamble of the agreement are fully settled,” Pashinyan stated.

Pashinyan noted that Armenia has suggested signing the already agreed sections of the treaty with Azerbaijan. “Considering that the agreed points largely include internationally accepted and fundamental principles for establishing relations, Armenia proposes to sign the settled portions and obtain a foundational document, while continuing discussions on unresolved issues. Particularly, one of the agreed points establishes a mechanism that will allow both sides to continue negotiations through a joint process,” Pashinyan explained.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the peace deal draft also outlines the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. “I confirm my readiness to sign the agreed document for peace and relations in the near future,” he concluded.

Pashinyan stressed the strategic significance of the Crossroads of Peace project, particularly for establishing a railway link with Iran, on Tuesday.

He also emphasized the importance of relations with Iran for Armenia’s economic and geopolitical landscape.

“The project will enable Armenia to establish rail connections with Turkey, Europe, and Russia. Similarly, Azerbaijan will have the opportunity to connect by rail with Turkey and Iran, while establishing both road and rail links with Nakhchivan will be crucial. Armenia is prepared to facilitate this transportation link,” Pashinyan stated.

The Crossroads of Peace initiative was first presented by Pashinyan at the Silk Road Forum in Tbilisi in October 2023. The project aims to enhance regional connectivity, highlighting open borders and fostering economic, political, and cultural ties as essential elements of a lasting peace agenda.