MEP expects clear commitment from Azerbaijan on signing peace agreement with Armenia

Member of the European Parliament Nathalie Loiseau has voiced support for Armenia’s efforts to achieve peace with Azerbaijan and expressed hope for a similar approach from the Azerbaijani side.

In an interview with Armenpress, Loiseau commented on recent statements by both parties regarding the finalization of the provisions of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement and the need to sign it as soon as possible. She described the finalization of the agreement as an important milestone.

 “I strongly support the Armenian authorities sustained efforts in favor of peace. The agreement reached with Azerbaïjan is a very important milestone. I expect a clear commitment from Baku to finalize the process and to sign the agreed peace treaty,’’ Loiseau said.

Armenia and Azerbaijan announced on March 13 that they had reached an agreement on the text of the peace treaty. Following the announcement, Armenia proposed initiating consultations with Azerbaijan to determine the date and venue for signing the agreement.

Numerous countries have welcomed the agreement and expressed hope that it would be signed as soon as possible.

However, Azerbaijan has introduced new preconditions. Baku continues to falsely claim that the Armenian Constitution contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan and insists on constitutional amendments as a prerequisite. Additionally, Azerbaijan demands the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group prior to signing the peace agreement.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly stated and substantiated that the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia contains no territorial claims against any country. He has proposed that the peace agreement and the application to dissolve the Minsk Group be signed simultaneously.

Loiseau also addressed the deepening of Armenia–European Union relations and the expansion of the dialogue agenda. In this context, she highlighted the  visit of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, to Armenia June 29–30.

“Armenia and the European Union are clearly strengthening their relations. They do it because people from both sides are very supportive of a strong partnership. This is a rare and clear example of a diplomatic move triggered by the will of the peoples. Kaja Kallas’ visit to Yerevan is a natural consequence of this trend,” she said.

During the visit, Armenia and the European Union announced the completion of negotiations on a new Partnership Agenda.