We aim to contribute to the establishment of long-term peace and stability in the South Caucasus - Germany lawmaker

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS. The relations between Germany, the EU and Armenia have consistently developed, which is evidenced by the fact that the Armenian government and the ruling political force had the courage to work in that direction,  Michael Roth, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Bundestag—the German parliament said during a press conference organized at the German Embassy in Armenia.

"Exactly one year ago, I visited Armenia during a dark period in the country’s history, when the forced deportation of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh began and ethnic cleansing was carried out. I condemned these actions and repeatedly called for the return of Armenian prisoners as soon as possible. It was a dark time that caused pain and suffering to the people of both Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. We have not forgotten those terrible events, and in Germany, as friends of Armenia, we will strive to contribute to the establishment of long-term peace and stability in the challenging region of the South Caucasus," Roth said.

The German lawmaker added that he is in Armenia to support the local government and the National Assembly and to emphasize the importance of the reform path leading to freedom, democracy, and the protection of fundamental rights.

"People in Armenia aspire to live with the same values as those in the European Union, particularly with regard to freedom, dignity, independent decision-making, and especially democracy. During my visit, I met with the President and the Vice Speaker of the National Assembly, as well as with my friends in Parliament. I will also meet with the Prime Minister. I value meetings not only with officials but also with representatives of civil society. I am pleased to have already met with young people at Yerevan State University," the German lawmaker noted.

According to him, the EU is committed to supporting its partner states, particularly Armenia, in bringing them closer to the European Union, and progress has already been made in that process.

"Last year, I carefully considered all the proposals that could improve bilateral relations, and the most promising one is the liberalization of visas. I hope this will become a reality very soon, allowing especially young people to fully benefit from this opportunity. Armenia faces very challenging conditions. Azerbaijan is the most complex and aggressive of its neighbors. We understand that after such an affront to dignity, it is very difficult for a country to return to the negotiating table with Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, we will continue to support Armenia with great commitment, emphasizing its role in the South Caucasus, where lasting peace could only be achieved through a peace treaty established by international law. With such an agreement, territorial integrity can be assured," Roth said.

According to him, the goal of the German side is for Armenia to become an anchor for peace, stability, democracy, and freedom in the South Caucasus.

“There is a widespread misconception that Europe is pressuring countries to align themselves with it by opposing Russia. This is cheap propaganda. I would be very pleased if Armenia moved closer to the European family, but that is your independent and sovereign decision.

From a security policy perspective, the EU supports deepening and strengthening our relations,”  Roth said.

According to him, the prevailing approach within the EU is to create opportunities for Eastern European countries, including Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia. Roth stated that the process of visa liberalization is quite complex and is managed not by the EU countries, but by the European Commission, which is currently undergoing restructuring following the pan-European elections.

Speaking about the widely discussed so-called “Zangezur Corridor,” he emphasized that the German side fully supports the position of the Armenian government on this issue.

“The territory through which, according to some, the so-called ‘Zangezur Corridor’ is supposed to pass is Armenian territory, and that’s it. The Armenian side has stated that it can independently ensure safe and uninterrupted traffic on that road. Armenia’s sovereignty and jurisdiction definitely extend to that territory,” the German lawmaker said.

Regarding the potential return of forcibly displaced Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Bundestag emphasized that making promises that may not come to fruition is not advisable.