Sargis Khandanyan: After three decades of conflict, we need to build trust

The Head of the RA NA delegation to OSCE PA Sargis Khandanyan gave a speech at the General Committee on Political Affairs and Security of the 32^nd OSCE PA Annual Session.

“Mr. Chair, I would like to express my gratitude to you, Mr. Tobias Winkler, for your excellent work, for preparing the report and drafting the resolution. It quite objectively reflects the current geopolitical and security situation in the OSCE region.

In your presentation, you mentioned the progress that Armenia and Azerbaijan made through the peace negotiations, and indeed, our two countries, earlier this year announced that the draft text of the peace agreement is ready, and Armenia proposed to start the discussions on the day and venue for signing it.

I agree with the assessment that we need to use the window of opportunity to sign and ratify that agreement as it is reflected in your resolution and as my colleague from Azerbaijan just said.

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Armenia expressed in multiple times that it stands ready to sign the peace agreement and establish interstate relations between our two countries as soon as possible. Armenia is ready to sign it today. Armenia was ready to sign it yesterday. There are no remaining obstacles towards it. I repeat, there are no remaining obstacles. and we do not need to overwhelm the peace agenda with new items, with new preconditions. The text of the agreement can serve as a solid basis for normalizing relations and continuing the dialogue.

Obviously, there is a number of outstanding issues that we need to address. Obviously, after three decades of conflict, we need to build trust, and I believe that the institutionalization of our relations by signing and ratifying that agreement is the most important prerequisite for establishing the dialog and trust.

At the times of current geopolitical turmoil and crisis, and as we commemorate 50 Years of Helsinki Final Act, we have a thirst for good news and success stories. The peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan can be such a success story. Thank you,” the deputy noted in his speech.

RA NA