Armenian PM expects NATO to help normalize relations with Azerbaijan

YEREVAN. March 19 (Interfax) - Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expects NATO to help normalize relations between Yerevan and Baku.

"We expect strong support from the international community, including NATO, for the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on the known and mutually agreed principles, as well as the unambiguous rejection of a policy of coercion and threats," Pashinyan said at a press briefing with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Yerevan on Tuesday.

Armenia stands ready to normalize relations with Azerbaijan using the three principles agreed at the top level. These are mutual recognition of territorial integrity on the basis of the Almaty Declaration, border demarcation and delimitation premised on this declaration to restore the borders as they were when the Soviet Union disintegrated in 1991, as well as unblocking regional transport routes in line with the sovereignty principle, he said.

"I presented our proposals on symmetrical pullback of troops from the border to the 1991 positions, joint arms control, the signing of a non-aggression agreement to the NATO secretary general. However, these proposals are yet to receive a positive reaction from Baku," Pashinyan said.

Armenia is also committed to normalizing relations with Turkey, he said.

"We believe that the implementation of the agreements reached with Turkey in 2022 could positively impact efforts to bring stability to the South Caucasus," he said.

Stoltenberg, for his part, said at the press briefing that he highly appreciates the Armenian leader's commitment to peace and democratic values. Armenia has long been a partner for NATO, Stoltenberg said, adding that he positively assesses Armenia's contribution to NATO missions and activities.

He called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to reach an agreement to establish a lasting peace, reaffirming NATO's support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Armenia. Stability in the South Caucasus is important for Euro-Atlantic security, he said.

Stoltenberg also expects Armenia and NATO to continue to bolster their partnership, working together for the benefit of peace and stability in the region and beyond. He also welcomed Armenia's solidarity with Ukraine, adding that such assistance should grow rather than decrease.