Azerbaijani FM: Next round of negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be held in coming weeks

"Despite devastating consequences and unhealed wounds of war and occupation, Azerbaijan offered Armenia peace based on mutual recognition and respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within their state borders," Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, said at the regular ministerial meeting within the Eastern Partnership program on December 12, Report informs, citing the Azerbaijani MFA.

He noted that during the current year, the mediation of the President of the EU Council, Charles Michel, provided momentum for the post-conflict normalization: "The trilateral meetings in Brussels proved to be productive. Azerbaijan continues to support this format and remains ready for further engagement.

"Impartiality and neutrality, strict respect for international law, and consent of the parties lie at the heart of any mediation or facilitation efforts, and these principles must be respected in all circumstances.

"As one of the tangible outcomes of the Brussels meeting of 31 August, bilateral negotiations on the text of future peace treaty have started. Following the meeting with my Armenian counterpart in Washington on November 7, Azerbaijan has submitted the revised proposals to Armenia. The next round of negotiations is expected to be held in the coming weeks.

"Azerbaijan’s approach is clear, consistent, and based on international law. This document shall guarantee their rights as two equal sovereign states and provide a basis for addressing all issues of common interest or concern falling into the realm of inter-state relations.

"Despite increased dynamism in bilateral negotiations, the progress remains rather limited as Armenia sticks to the past practice of imitation. Armenia tries to avoid implementing the undertaken obligations in all three major tracks of inter-state normalization, namely, signing a peace treaty, delimitation of borders, and opening regional communications.

"Armenia has yet to fully withdraw its illegal armed formations from the territories of Azerbaijan. In a similar vein, Armenia artificially delays the restoration of transport links, including by rejecting to provide unimpeded access between mainland Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

"Instead, following reckless provocation along the undelimited state border in mid-September, Armenia has embarked on a smear campaign against Azerbaijan to hijack the normalization agenda.

"The role of certain third parties to embolden Armenia’s revanchist behavior is also cause for serious concern, as it tempts Armenia to resort to increased military provocations and bellicose rhetoric.