Armenia and Azerbaijan Discuss Possible Exchange of Enclaves, Simonyan Says

YEREVAN — Armenian Security Council Secretary Alen Simonyan said Armenia and Azerbaijan are discussing the possibility of exchanging enclaves and exclaves as part of the ongoing border delimitation and peace process.

Speaking to reporters on October 16 on the sidelines of COP17, Simonyan said the discussions include a possible arrangement under which Karki, known in Armenia as Tigranashen, would remain under Armenian control, while Artsvashen would remain under Azerbaijani control.

“I have said that we are discussing an exchange. That is what an exchange would mean: Karki would effectively become Tigranashen, while Artsvashen would remain with them,” Simonyan stated.

He emphasized that such an arrangement remains under discussion and would require adjustments to account for differences in the territories involved.

“This is being discussed, and it is possible. I repeat, however, that the areas involved must be balanced in terms of square kilometers. As far as I know, there is a slight difference between the three enclaves and Artsvashen, with Artsvashen being somewhat smaller than the other three combined,” he explained.

According to Simonyan, the discussions aim to preserve the existing situation while ensuring that Armenia’s internationally recognized territory of 29,743 square kilometers remains unchanged.

He said the possibility of exchanging enclaves and exclaves demonstrates a mutual understanding between Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding the continuation of border delimitation and the broader peace process.

“This should indicate that there is mutual understanding and cooperation regarding the continuation of border delimitation and the peace process,” Simonyan said.

“No territory belonging to Armenia has been ceded, and none will be ceded,” he added.

8. UN Secretary-General Guterres Calls for Resolution of Armenian Detainees’ Issue in Azerbaijan

YEREVAN — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on all parties to implement the provisions of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement as quickly as possible, including those concerning detained individuals.

Speaking at a press conference in Yerevan during his visit for the COP17 biodiversity summit, Guterres was asked why the United Nations had not exerted greater pressure on Azerbaijan to secure the release of Armenian detainees held in Baku.

“We call on all parties to implement all provisions of the peace agreement as quickly as possible, which naturally also includes detained persons,” Guterres responded.

According to the report, 19 Armenian detainees are currently being held in Azerbaijani prisons, with sentences ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment.

Their trials have been conducted behind closed doors, without access for international observers or the media, raising concerns about transparency and due process.

Guterres also expressed hope that the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan would be formally signed and implemented without delay.

“I am a strong supporter of the peace agreement. I hope it will quickly be put into effect and that all outstanding issues, which are truly painful, will be resolved,” he stated.

Earlier in the day, during a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Guterres emphasized the importance of establishing lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

He also praised Armenia’s diplomatic efforts and leadership in international cooperation.

“Armenia has demonstrated extraordinary diplomatic capabilities, working miracles by bringing together different opinions and perspectives,” Guterres said.

He highlighted Armenia’s contributions to international environmental initiatives, particularly in biodiversity and climate-related issues.

“In all the areas where the COP process operates, including biodiversity and climate, the quality of Armenian leadership and diplomacy is truly remarkable,” the UN Secretary-General stated.