Baku’s ‘western Azerbaijan’ narrative not conducive to peace process, says Armenian senior lawmaker

A senior Armenian lawmaker representing the ruling party has emphasized that the so-called “Western Azerbaijan” narrative promoted by some Azerbaijani circles is not conducive to the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Member of Parliament Sargis Khandanyan (Civil Contract), who chairs the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs, told reporters that Armenia has consistently conveyed to Azerbaijan the message that this narrative is not conducive.

“We have publicly addressed Azerbaijan’s so-called ‘Western Azerbaijan’ narrative on international platforms as well. At the highest level, the government has stated that this narrative is not conducive to the peace process, especially under the current realities. We have repeatedly conveyed to Azerbaijan the message that this narrative does not contribute to the processes currently taking place between Armenia and Azerbaijan. I must admit that, to some extent, this narrative has softened. Nevertheless, we should strive to align the narrative of peace with the peace process,” Khandanyan said.

He noted that peace is a process, not a one-day event.

It is a process that must be built step by step, including by aligning rhetoric with the realities and processes unfolding in the region, the lawmaker added.

Addressing the question of whether the Armenian authorities are currently discussing the so-called “return of Azerbaijanis,” Khandanyan replied: “This issue will not be considered by the Armenian authorities at any stage, especially with the kind of emphasis Azerbaijan has used for a long time. Such rhetoric does not contribute to an atmosphere of peace.”