Armenia’s prime minister has stated that a formal peace agreement between Yerevan and Baku will not be on the agenda at the European Political Community summit scheduled for Granada this October. The announcement was relayed by RIA News. In addressing reporters, the prime minister answered a direct question with a clear answer: there will be no signing in Granada. He clarified that Armenia’s priority remains advancing the peace agenda, with hopes for a framework agreement either by late 2023 or in early 2024. The official stressed that the path toward lasting settlement involves sustained, intensive talks with Azerbaijan, underscoring that both sides must remain engaged in negotiations despite current hurdles. (RIA News)
On the Azerbaijani side, former Deputy Secretary of Azerbaijan Hikmet Hajiyev conveyed a firm stance against any “gray zones” in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Responding to inquiries about the present stage of the peace process with Armenia, he attributed delays to what he described as an unconstructive and insincere posture from Armenian leadership. The remarks highlight a continued gap between the two capitals as discussions proceed, with each side insisting on different conditions for progress. (RIA News)
Analysts note that both nations have, in previous rounds, acknowledged the aim of mutual recognition of each other’s territorial integrity as part of a broader settlement. The current discourse indicates that while both sides reiterate a commitment to peace, practical steps and confidence-building measures remain essential to bridging divergent positions. Observers warn that the timeline for concrete agreements is contingent on stabilizing disputes and fostering credible negotiations at the highest political levels. (RIA News)