Bayramov's Ultimatum: Armenia Must Change Constitution to Sign Peace Treaty

At a session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov delivered an extensive speech presenting Baku's vision on regional security, the normalization of relations with Armenia, and the deepening of integration within the Turkic world. He reiterated the preconditions that Azerbaijan is putting forward to Armenia for signing a peace treaty, giving a key role to the launch of transport corridors, particularly the so-called "Zangezur Corridor."

At the beginning of his speech, Bayramov emphasized that the Organization of Turkic States has transformed into a "dynamic regional center." He stressed that this structure, based on a common language, history, and traditions, founded by the Nakhchivan Agreement, now covers more than 35 areas of cooperation in the political, economic, and cultural spheres. According to Bayramov, in conditions where trust in international organizations is eroding, the cooperation built on brotherhood and mutual trust between OTS member states is not only a source of pride but also a solid foundation for looking to the future with hope.

Addressing the process of normalizing relations with Armenia, Bayramov called the summit held in the US on August 8 and the signed documents "historic." However, speaking about a final peace treaty, Bayramov clearly articulated Baku's main demand: "To properly assess this historic opportunity and sign a peace treaty, it is necessary for Armenia to eliminate its territorial claims against Azerbaijan, which are enshrined at the constitutional level." This statement is effectively an ultimatum that places the entire responsibility for a settlement on the Armenian side, linking the prospect of peace to a change in Armenia's domestic legislation.

The key part of Bayramov's speech was dedicated to transport and energy projects. He emphasized that the OTS member countries, thanks to their geographical location, serve as a natural bridge between Europe and Asia, forming important transport, logistics, and transit routes. In this context, he singled out the "Middle Corridor," for the activation of which Azerbaijan is making "consistent efforts."

The greatest attention, however, he paid to the TRIPP route announced within the framework of the Washington summit. "The announcement of the TRIPP route, which will provide unimpeded communication between the western regions of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan through the 'Zangezur Corridor,' is an important step from the point of view of diversifying connections in our region," Bayramov stated.