Azerbaijani FM: Persistent challenges remain on path to Baku-Yerevan normalization

“Establishing peace and good-neighborly relations cannot be sustainable or irreversible if the recognition of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity continues to be questioned in Armenia’s Constitution," the top diplomat stated.

Photo: Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry

Notwithstanding the progress, persistent challenges remain on the path of the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process, Azerabaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said on Thursday.

He made the remarks at the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council in Malta, The Caspian Post reports.

“Its finalization depends on Armenia's implementation of its declared commitment to respect Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, including by removing the territorial claims still embedded in its Constitution and other legislative acts,” Bayramov stated.

“Establishing peace and good-neighborly relations cannot be sustainable or irreversible if the recognition of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity continues to be questioned in Armenia’s Constitution, and if the implementation of the bilateral agreement by Armenia remains contingent on domestic legal or political scenarios,” he said.

“At this critical juncture when there is a historic opportunity for Azerbaijan and Armenia to turn the page of confrontation and establish good-neighborly relations, all efforts must be directed at finalizing the normalization process based on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“Azerbaijan’s determination in this respect is unwavering, and we expect reciprocal political will and responsibility from Armenia,” the top diplomat added.