Armenia’s Ambassador General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Edmon Marukyan, stated that Baku should formally recognize Armenia’s territorial integrity. The remark was conveyed to the press by TASS, and it highlights a central point in the ongoing dialogue about borders and legitimacy in the South Caucasus. Marukyan’s position underscores a demand for clear, publicly stated acknowledgement of Armenia’s borders as they are internationally recognized, a step he views as essential to advancing trust between the two nations and moving toward a durable peace framework. The comment frames recognition not as a one-off demand but as a foundational principle that could shape future negotiations and practical cooperation in various sectors of bilateral relations.
Marukyan also relayed what Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has reportedly asserted: Yerevan acknowledges Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. This line indicates a degree of mutual recognition at the state level, which, in Marukyan’s view, should be matched by reciprocal steps from Baku. He noted that while such statements exist in discussions, the actual policy moves required to move beyond rhetoric must be pursued with clear, concrete actions. According to him, statements about moving forward on the basis of mutual recognition remain largely at the level of explanation rather than implementation. The emphasis is on ensuring that Azerbaijan takes deliberate steps and does not undermine the delicate delimitation process that underpins any lasting settlement. In this framing, recognition becomes tied to a sequence of verifiable actions that build confidence and reduce mistrust between the sides.
In outlining what needs to be done to secure sustainable peace with Azerbaijan, Marukyan stressed a practical, stepwise approach. The emphasis is on creating verifiable conditions that can serve as a foundation for broader normalization. This includes measures that reduce tensions in the near term while laying the groundwork for longer-term cooperation across political, economic, and humanitarian domains. The approach is not merely aspirational; it is meant to translate into tangible steps that can be monitored by both sides and by international observers who support the peace process. The aim is to replace rhetoric with reliable actions that demonstrate commitment to a stable regional order and to the welfare of civilians affected by the conflict.
Among the concrete steps he highlighted, Marukyan pointed to the critical issue of humanitarian gestures. He argued that releasing prisoners of war and redeploying forces to established boundaries would be a decisive confidence-building measure. Releasing prisoners of war would address immediate humanitarian concerns and reduce hostilities, while withdrawing forces to lines that existed before the most recent rounds of clashes could ease military pressure and create a safer environment for negotiations. These actions, he contends, would help restore trust between the two capitals and demonstrate a serious commitment to the rules that govern humanitarian treatment and border management. The practical effect would be a clearer, more predictable security environment that supports dialogue rather than fear and misperception.
Looking back on the diplomatic arc, Marukyan noted that Armenia and Azerbaijan have repeatedly engaged in discussions aimed at recognizing each other’s territorial integrity as a basis for broader understanding. He emphasized that such alignment is not simply a symbolic gesture but a prerequisite for reducing risk and fostering stability across the region. While both sides have expressed openness to recognizing the other’s borders, the path to a comprehensive settlement requires more than declarations. It demands a sustained process in which concrete steps, measurable outcomes, and mutual assurances are agreed upon and implemented. In this context, the two states are urged to move from general commitments to a sequence of verifiable actions that can be observed by the international community, thereby enhancing accountability and trust on both sides of the border.