Khandanyan Announces Peace Between Armenia and Azerbaijan at OSCE PA

Sargis Khandanyan, Chairman of the RA NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, writes:

"My speech at the 23rd Autumn Session of the OSCE PA in Istanbul, titled 'Bridging Perspectives: Dialogue, Mediation, and Confidence Building in an Age of Uncertainty':

'Madam Chairperson,

First of all, I would like to thank the Turkish delegation for hosting us in Istanbul and congratulate them on the excellent organization of the 23rd Autumn Session.

Dear colleagues,

During our previous sessions, we have expressed hope and cautious optimism that Armenia and Azerbaijan are on the verge of achieving peace. Today, for the first time in the history of this parliamentary assembly, I have the honor to joyfully announce that peace has been established between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The historic peace declaration signed in Washington on August 8 is a firm and real commitment by both countries to advance the peace process and finally close the page of conflict. We appreciate the important role of the United States and the leadership of President Trump, who truly made the topic of our discussion today a reality.

The Washington Declaration lays a solid foundation for a new era of cooperation and development of relations based on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders.

It also serves as a basis for moving forward to resolve all remaining issues, including the signing and ratification of the peace agreement between our two countries, which was initialed during the Washington Summit.

Our discussions on the opening of regional communications have now become more than practical, including steps towards the implementation of the TRIPP route within the framework of Armenia's 'Crossroads of Peace' initiative. This route will benefit not only the South Caucasus region but will also have global significance, connecting Central Asia to Europe.

The path ahead requires patience and care from us to build mutual trust. An important step in building trust was the closure of the OSCE Minsk Process and related structures based on a joint application by Armenia and Azerbaijan.

And finally, being here in Turkey, I cannot but express my optimism that the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey will also soon bring positive results. The ongoing constructive and active political dialogue gives us hope that it will soon turn into the institutionalization of our relations, the opening of borders, and broader cooperation.

Thank you.'"