Pashinyan's Call on the 25th Anniversary of the Ceasefire in Artsakh

On May 12, the 25th anniversary of the ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be marked. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has issued a message on this occasion.

“This crucial document concerning the resolution of the issue was signed by Azerbaijan's Minister of Defense Mamedrafik Mamedov on May 9, 1994, by Armenia's Minister of Defense Serzh Sargsyan on May 10, and by the commander of the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army Samvel Babayan on May 11.

The written agreement on the ceasefire came into effect at midnight on May 12, 1994, and over the years, the Armenian sides have consistently adhered to this vital agreement and will continue to uphold its implementation.

A quarter of a century has passed since that moment, during which the ceasefire, unfortunately, has not turned into peace.

Emphasizing the importance of preparing the peoples of the region for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, I want to reiterate that the scenario for resolving the issue must be acceptable to the peoples of all three parties: Armenia, Artsakh, and Azerbaijan.

Substantive negotiations and results are only possible if Artsakh is involved in the process that will ultimately determine its status and ensure the security guarantees for the people living there.

We are confident that the tripartite agreement is the actual foundation upon which lasting peace and cooperation can be built.

I want to stress that as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, I am ready to guarantee that Armenia will continue to adhere to the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and will make efforts to reach a resolution of the issue and achieve peace in the region, continuing to be the guarantor of the security of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The continuous maintenance of the ceasefire and dialogue are perhaps the most crucial means for resolving the issue. It is necessary to refrain from actions that foster a climate of hatred, intolerance, and tensions.

No people in the world wishes for conflict. And we do not believe there are any parents who do not wish for a cloudless sky for their children at the border.

I am convinced that the Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples deserve peace and progress, and I call on us all to act for these objectives.”