The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry urged Armenia to seize what it described as a historic chance to turn the South Caucasus into a region marked by peace and cooperation. This message was delivered by Aykhan Hajizade, the ministry’s spokesperson, and reported by RIA News. Hajizade emphasized that Armenia should embrace the present historical opportunity to foster regional stability and constructive collaboration.
Hajizade commented in response to remarks by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Pashinyan had said that Baku had not clearly explained its position on the three principles proposed through European Union mediation for normalizing relations, had not returned captives, and was allegedly preparing for war with Armenia. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson maintained that Armenian officials are issuing unfounded and inconsistent statements instead of taking concrete steps toward peace in the process. The remarks came as part of ongoing debates over how to advance reconciliation in the region. (Attribution: Reuters)
According to Hajizade, it is unacceptable for Armenian officials to issue statements that cast Azerbaijan in a negative light while practical measures toward peace are still under consideration. Baku has repeatedly stressed the need for confidence-building measures, clarification of the humanitarian issues, and compliance with agreed norms to ensure durable stability in the South Caucasus. (Attribution: Reuters)
Recent remarks from the Azerbaijani side also touched on the EU’s role in reintegrating residents of Karabakh, highlighting expectations that EU involvement should be grounded in concrete steps and mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. (Attribution: Reuters)
Previously, Pashinyan rejected links between an increase in Armenia’s defense spending and war preparations, arguing that defense investments were a national necessity amid regional tensions. The Azerbaijani side, however, has framed defense modernization as a separate issue from genuine peace efforts, urging both sides to maintain a forward-looking approach and to pursue measurable progress through dialogue and agreed mechanisms. (Attribution: Reuters)