Armenia creates obstacles for the implementation of the trilateral agreement, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference following a meeting with his Serbian counterpart Nikola Selakovic,
“Some time has passed since the signing of the first trilateral agreement. Some of its points have been fulfilled, some are still in the process, and some are facing difficulties. Armenia’s position on this issue is a threat to the implementation of all the points of the trilateral agreement and the overall situation in the region. Yerevan creates obstacles to their implementation,” Bayramov said.
The minister stressed the importance of clearing the region from mines and transferring minefield maps by Armenia following the tripartite statement and international humanitarian law.
“For the first six months, Armenia denied having the minefield maps altogether. Six months after the involvement of international mediators, a small part of the minefield maps was handed over to Azerbaijan. What does it mean? Why did it take 7-8 months for the maps to be provided? Why is only part of it transferred? During this time, due to mine explosions, more than 150 people were killed and injured from the Azerbaijani side alone. We are eyewitnesses to the destructive position of Armenia in the matter of normalizing relations, returning life to the region, and in general, building trust,” he said.
The foreign minister noted that the second point concerns the opening of communications, and it was especially pointed out in the trilateral statement signed in January.
“The parties have obligations in this regard. Active work began after the signing of the agreement. In January-February, six meetings of the working group at the level of deputy prime ministers took place, and the results were encouraging. But we do not see a constructive approach. The Armenian side makes statements that undermine the process and harm it. We hope that Armenia will understand that this process is crucial for them,” he added.
Bayramov stressed that the delimitation process has not yet begun and that the country, which has continued the occupation for 30 years, must realize its responsibility.
“There are already state borders. Armenia must realize this. There are obligations, documents have been signed, but Armenia is trying to hold on to some principles of the past, and it undermines the peace process. Armenia will suffer the most from this. We hope that sooner or later, we will see real and constructive steps from the other side,” the minister said.