Armenian deputy FM: Progress often met with setbacks from Baku

Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan states that progress in Armenia-Azerbaijan relations is frequently followed by complications and provocations from Baku.

"This isn’t a new pattern. Similar setbacks occurred in previous years whenever progress was made. Accusations of ceasefire violations and provocations were frequent last year and the year before," Hovhannisyan told reporters in the parliament, referring to Azerbaijan’s false claims of ceasefire violations by Armenian forces and new demands for a peace agreement with Armenia.

The diplomat underscored the role of EU monitors in countering Azeri disinformation. "International observers have responded appropriately, and the global community understands that such false claims do not contribute to progress."

Hovhannisyan noted that if a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan is concluded and ratified, Armenia may consider expanding the EU monitoring mandate beyond border issues to include confidence-building measures.

When asked whether Armenia is certain that Baku won’t demand the withdrawal of EU monitors from the country, he replied: "We can’t be fully certain. Since this is a monitoring mission, such a demand would be illogical, though nothing can be guaranteed."