(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Azerbaijan has
determined the staff of its delegation for the development of a
peace treaty and a national commission for the delimitation and
demarcation of borders with Armenia, the Azerbaijani Prime Minister
Ali Asadov said, Trend reports.
Asadov made the remark while speaking at the meeting of the
Council of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Independent
States (CIS) via videoconference on May 20.
At the meeting, an exchange of views took place on the agenda
items.
During his speech, Asadov expressed confidence that the close
contacts at various levels which have developed over many years, as
well as the positive experience of joint work, will further promote
effective cooperation within the CIS.
Noting that the current epidemiological situation in the world
makes it possible to predict the imminent start of the
post-pandemic period, the prime minister positively assessed the
situation with COVID-19 in Azerbaijan.
Emphasizing the key role of the vaccination process in
overcoming the pandemic, he noted that Azerbaijan was one of the
first countries to start vaccination since the beginning of
2021.
The official pointed out that there are clear signs of economic
recovery in the country, and the economy has begun to recover. The
economic growth in the first quarter of this year amounted to 6.8
percent.
Asadov also informed the Council members about the post-conflict
situation in the region [following the 2020 second Karabakh war].
Noting that the conflict was left in the past, the prime minister
reiterated Azerbaijan's commitment to peace, stability and
predictability.
'Our policy is very open and clear. We are open to a
constructive dialogue, joint work to turn the South Caucasus into a
region of peace, cooperation and interaction,' he said.
The prime minister pointed out that Armenia has accepted the
five basic principles put forward by the Azerbaijani side in
connection with the peace agreement.
'These five principles are the basic principles of international
law and are consistent with the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final
Act,' Asadov explained.
He noted that, showing maximum constructivism and goodwill,
Azerbaijan is ready to normalize relations with Armenia, sign a
peace agreement and carry out delimitation of borders.
At the same time, Asadov noted that Azerbaijan expects full
fulfillment by Armenia of the obligations undertaken within the
framework of the Trilateral Statement of the leaders of Azerbaijan,
Russia and Armenia [signed by them on November 10, 2020 to end the
second Karabakh war].
He expressed concern of the Azerbaijani side that paragraph 4 of
the trilateral statement, which envisages the withdrawal of
Armenian armed formations from the territory of Azerbaijan, has
remained unfulfilled.
Besides, the prime minister noted that despite the ongoing
meetings within the trilateral working group, no progress has been
achieved in opening economic and transport communications in the
region in accordance with paragraph 9 of the trilateral
statement.
Asadov added that official Baku expects serious progress on both
issues in the near future and considers it crucial to take the
necessary steps in this direction.
The minister emphasized that the opening of transport
communications and the creation of an extensive network of
transport arteries, including the Zangazur corridor, meet the
interests of the peoples of all countries in the region.
He also informed the meeting participants about the large-scale
work to restore the lands liberated from the Armenian occupation,
including the building of roads and railways, the construction of
international airports, and the supply of electricity to the
territories.
Asadov once again assured the participants of the meeting that
Azerbaijan would continue to contribute to strengthening peace and
prosperity in the region.
Tags:
- Armenia and Azerbaijan
- online video conferences
- CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States)
- Ali Asadov
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