What was discussed during the tripartite meeting?
“At first glance, there is progress in Armenia’s position, but not enough. That is, the main issue was discussed.”
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev voiced this on February 18 in an interview with television channels after meeting with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Munich.
The head of the country said that the situation on the Lachin Corridor was also discussed:
“I once again stated Azerbaijan’s position that there is no question of any kind of blockade. Since December 12, more than 2,500 trucks and Red Cross vehicles have passed through. If there was a blockade, how could these vehicles pass?”
Aliyev affirmed that “this is an unfounded accusation against Azerbaijan”, that country demands that the illegal exploitation of the land is eradicated, and that he is “sure that our social activists will not give up their honorable mission”.
The President also declared that the meeting with Blinken and Pashinyan was constructive, in which “many issues were discussed, including the conditions necessary for signing a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”
“The main issue is that this peace agreement should be drawn up based on international norms and principles. It is unacceptable to have any provisions about Karabakh,” Aliyev added.
According to the press service of the Armenian government, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed Yerevan’s determination to achieve the signing of an agreement that will actually guarantee long-term peace and stability in the region, stating that “Nikol Pashinyan emphasized the humanitarian, environmental, and energy crisis that has arisen in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor.”
US Secretary of State A. Blinken declared before the tripartite meeting that Armenia and Azerbaijan have historical opportunities to ensure lasting peace after more than 30 years of conflict.
“The parties have focused on the peace process, including through direct negotiations, as well as with the EU and us. Washington is determined to do everything in its power to support these efforts. Either with our friends, or in a tripartite format like this, or with other international partners,” added Blinken.
Today, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili, and Secretary General of OSCE Helga Schmidt will also participate in the panel discussion “Security in the South Caucasus”.
