Azerbaijani leader announces readiness to start trust building process with Armenia

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has expressed readiness to take steps “in the direction of building trust” with Armenia.

“Of course, we don’t imagine how we would immediately become friends with Armenia, that would be unrealistic,” Azeri media quoted Aliyev as saying at an international forum in Baku. 

“It is even too early to speak about any economic integration, but we are ready to start some steps in the direction of building trust,” he added.

Aliyev said that Georgia recently conveyed proposals about trust building initiatives between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which Baku has endorsed. “We have given a positive response and we are waiting for the Armenian side’s stance. If everything is successful then some small steps could be made,” the Azerbaijani president said.

Aliyev said there would be no obstacles for cooperation after the peace deal is signed.

But the Azeri leader reiterated his precondition of constitutional amendments in Armenia, a narrative based on false claims, stating that the “ball is in Armenia’s court.”

Earlier in March, Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to the terms of the peace treaty. Armenia announced readiness to sign the peace agreement as soon as possible, but Azerbaijan has been stalling the process ever since. Furthermore, Azerbaijan has been falsely accusing Armenia of border shootings in what Yerevan has described as a disinformation campaign.