The Basis of the Proposals Are Those Two Principles: Khandanyan

Regarding the issue of unblocking, we have submitted proposals to Baku and are waiting for a response, stated the Chairman of the Armenian National Assembly's Foreign Relations Committee, Sargis Khandanyan, during a briefing with journalists in Parliament.

“I cannot provide details, but generally, the spirit of the proposals stems from the 'Peace Corridor' project and the concepts that the Armenian government has presented in recent years. The basis of the proposals are those two principles: sovereignty and legality,” Khandanyan noted.

He also mentioned that, to his knowledge, there has not yet been a written response from Baku. When asked how the Prime Minister can state that mutually acceptable solutions are possible, despite a lack of response from Baku, Khandanyan replied, “From the conversation that took place in Kazan, I assume that certain details were discussed. You are correct to point out that after that, a mutually acceptable solution could emerge. When we receive a response, that 'possibility' will become more tangible.”

Khandanyan emphasized that this proposal has been sent separately and is not included in the 'Peace Treaty': “As you know, the issue of unblocking has been set apart in the 'Peace Treaty'.”

Speaking about Nikol Pashinyan's announcement regarding a strategic agreement with Azerbaijan, Khandanyan remarked that these are the same principles being discussed, which are the foundation of the negotiations on the 'Peace Treaty', discussions on unblocking, and demarcation negotiations. “In this context, the unblocking component is very important, as it will lead to movements—communication, logistics—that will benefit both Armenia and Azerbaijan,” he stated.

Journalists inquired about the sense of entering a strategic agreement if everything is already included in the 'Peace Treaty.' The MP responded, “When we talk about a strategic agreement, we are not speaking about signing a document, but rather about giving a certain spirit to all those negotiations and discussed realities that will be mutually beneficial.”

When asked whether it can be concluded that Baku has abandoned the idea of demanding a corridor if the Prime Minister is talking about a mutually beneficial solution, Khandanyan replied, “I believe we should wait for Azerbaijan's response before drawing conclusions. As you know, such solutions are unacceptable for Armenia. When we speak of a mutually beneficial or mutually acceptable solution, it rules out any corridor logic.”