Armenia–U.S. TRIPP Talks Ongoing Without Delay, Says FM Mirzoyan

YEREVAN — Negotiations between Armenia and the United States regarding the TRIPP initiative are proceeding without delay and remain on track, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated during a parliamentary briefing.

“Today, developments are becoming possible that even the most serious experts previously viewed with great skepticism. I will not take responsibility for predicting how likely a confrontation between Azerbaijan and Iran may be,” Mirzoyan said, commenting on the regional situation.

He emphasized that Armenia is strongly committed to maintaining peace in the region.

“As Armenia’s Foreign Minister, I can say that we are deeply interested in preserving complete peace around our country. We also sympathize with the losses suffered by the people of our brotherly Iran, including civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. The neighboring Arab nations are also friendly peoples to us. We support the swift establishment of peace. Our interest in maintaining peace around us is tenfold and more,” he noted.

Addressing questions about whether progress on TRIPP has stalled—particularly in light of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s statement that the initiative is not currently a top U.S. priority—Mirzoyan affirmed that negotiations are continuing as planned.

“I assure you that Armenia–United States negotiations on TRIPP have not slowed and are proceeding normally. The first step was announced on August 8. The second step involved negotiations, culminating on January 14 with the agreement of a comprehensive document and the publication of the implementation framework. The next step is the signing of an intergovernmental agreement, which will outline the legal mechanisms. At this stage, work is focused on the document itself. When possible, we will move to implementation on the ground,” the minister concluded.

Release of Armenians Held in Baku Would Strengthen Peace

Armenian authorities are confident that the prompt release of Armenians held in Azerbaijan would further strengthen peace between the two countries, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated.

Speaking to reporters in parliament, Mirzoyan reiterated that Armenia’s position regarding detainees and prisoners remains unchanged.

“I prefer not to speak loudly and publicly about this issue, but rather to work on it. When there are results, the public will be informed. We welcome the recent release of four detainees and are confident that the prompt release of all remaining individuals will further reinforce peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” he said.

Mirzoyan added that efforts are ongoing through dialogue with Azerbaijan and its partners.

“At this moment, there are no new results. This is an issue where either there is a result or there isn’t. We continue to work, and this matter will not disappear from our agenda. When there is progress, you will be informed,” the foreign minister stated.