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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reaffirmed on Thursday political will to ensure unhindered connectivity between the main territory of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through Armenia within the agreed framework.
He made the comments at the Cabinet meeting while speaking about the TRIPP Implementation Framework.
“I want to emphasize and reaffirm our political will: within the agreed framework, we are ready, determined, and unequivocally moving in this direction, including in ensuring unhindered communication between the main territory of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, based on the principles we have repeatedly outlined. Our approach is that here as well, we must move away from the logic of conflict and transition to a normal environment and mindset appropriate to peace,” Pashinyan said.
The Prime Minister noted that the process will not be quick in either Armenia or Azerbaijan, as narratives shaped by many years of conflict still persist within both societies. He cited as an example the statements circulating around fuel imports, where mutual accusations are voiced on both sides, claiming that the fuel would allegedly be used for military purposes.
“We must acknowledge that, in both Armenia and Azerbaijan, the prevailing discourse no longer corresponds to today’s realities, and this is exactly what I mean. At the same time, it is also not right to blame the people, because the logic that has been circulating for around 35 years or more cannot be stopped by a single action, tool, or brake. Therefore, we need to adopt a more practical approach and focus on work, as the tangible benefits of peace can be far more effective than endless debates over various narratives, doubts, or challenges,” Pashinyan said.
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to members of the Cabinet, as well as representatives of the government, legislative, and judicial branches and all state institutions, for the support and work demonstrated during this period, which, according to him, made it possible to reach the current stage.