Armenia's Delegation Addresses Peace Treaty, Constitution, and Border Opening at Antalya Diplomacy Forum

Armenia’s Defense Stance: "Not Militarization, Just Self-Defense”

Armenia is not being militarized, but it is building its defense. The deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, Ruben Rubinyan, said this at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey on Friday.

Rubinyan clarified, "We're just defending ourselves. This is quite logical, considering that Armenia faces security challenges emanating from Azerbaijan. Therefore, we must defend ourselves, exercising our sovereign right to build a robust defense. Importantly, we harbor no aggressive intentions towards any of our neighbors and unequivocally recognize the territorial integrity of each one."

Armenia is located in a geopolitically sensitive region and has been subject to ongoing security concerns. Rubinyan highlighted the need for a proactive approach to safeguard the nation's interests. "Our primary goal is to ensure the security and well-being of our citizens. In light of the challenges we face, it's imperative to enhance our defensive capabilities," he added.

The deputy speaker emphasized the importance of distinguishing defense efforts from aggressive militarization. He stressed that Armenia's actions are motivated solely by the imperative to secure its borders and protect its people.

Rubinyan drew attention to Azerbaijan's continued arms procurement from various sources. "We are aware that Azerbaijan is acquiring weapons, not solely for defensive purposes," he pointed out.

Rubinyan urged the international community to recognize Armenia's legitimate right to fortify its defense mechanisms. He called for a nuanced understanding of the region's geopolitical landscape, emphasizing Armenia's commitment to peaceful coexistence with its neighbors.

Armenia Has Never Agreed To Provide an Extraterritorial Corridor to Azerbaijan

Ruben Rubinyan, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, reaffirmed Armenia's stance on the so-called "Zangezur corridor," asserting that Armenia has never agreed to provide an extraterritorial corridor to Azerbaijan. Rubinyan said this during a dialogue with Hikmet Hajiyev, aide to the president of Azerbaijan, at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

Addressing the issue of communication security, Rubinyan highlighted Armenia's recent efforts to enhance its capabilities, emphasizing the creation of a dedicated unit within the National Security Service. "On behalf of Armenia, I can say that we have strengthened the task of security of communications passing through Armenia. This topic is not even worth discussing," Rubinyan stated, dismissing any notions of vulnerability in Armenia's communication infrastructure.

Rubinyan clarified that within Armenia, there is no territorial unit called "Zangezur." Instead, there are recognized administrative divisions like Syunik Province, Meghri city, and others, none of which have agreed to provide an extraterritorial corridor to Azerbaijan. This rebuttal comes in response to Hikmet Hajiyev's assertion of the need for a corridor due to alleged threats to Azerbaijan's exclave of Nakhijevan.

Armenia's position on regional communication, Rubinyan emphasized, aligns with the "Crossroads of Peace" project introduced by the Armenian government. "We want to unblock communications based on the principles of sovereignty, legislation, territorial integrity, equality, and reciprocity," Rubinyan clarified, highlighting Armenia's commitment to a peaceful resolution.

Armenia to Azerbaijan: Armenia’s Constitution Is Our Internal Matter

Ruben Rubinyan, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, addressed Azerbaijan's claims regarding Armenia's constitution, asserting that the internal legal framework of Armenia is a matter exclusive to the country and doesn't hinder the peace process between the two nations. Rubinyan's response came during discussions at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, refuting statements made by Hikmet Hajiyev, aide to the president of Azerbaijan.

Hajiyev had expressed that the Azerbaijani side awaited clarification on the content of Armenia's constitution, suggesting that it was a potential obstacle to signing a peace treaty. In response, Rubinyan emphasized the sovereignty of Armenia's constitutional and legal matters, stating, "The constitution and the legal framework of Armenia are our internal affairs. This has nothing to do with the processes of achieving peace."

Rubinyan further clarified that Armenia harbors no territorial demands from Azerbaijan, a sentiment reiterated in joint statements by the leaders of both countries. Addressing the ongoing peace negotiations, he highlighted two key points that have seen preliminary agreement between the nations. "First, it is clearly written that the countries recognize each other's territorial integrity, do not and will not have any territorial claims against each other in the future. Second, the countries will not rely on their domestic legislation to avoid this agreement," Rubinyan explained.

He emphasized the importance of translating these agreed-upon principles into a formal peace agreement, stating, "The best way to convince each other that we do not and will not demand anything from each other in territorial issues is to sign a peace agreement."

In response to Hajiyev's comments downplaying the complexity of signing a peace treaty, Rubinyan concurred, saying, "If we have confirmed it—at least at the leadership level, then only technical work remains. Unfortunately, we do not see the willingness of the Azerbaijani side to reflect these agreed principles on paper, but we hope that something will change."

Armenia Extends Hand of Friendship to Turkey: Ready to Normalize Relations and Reopen Borders

Deputy speaker of the Armenian parliament and special representative for the normalization of relations with Turkey, Ruben Rubinyan, while speaking at Antalya Diplomacy Forum said Armenia is ready to initiate dialogue and unblock communications with Turkey.

Rubinyan, addressing Serdar Kilic, the special representative of Turkey for the normalization of relations with Armenia, proposed an immediate announcement of the normalization of relations. "If Serdar agrees, we can announce it today. I hope you agree, and this forum will become historic," Rubinyan expressed, emphasizing the urgency and significance of fostering diplomatic ties.

In a reflection of past agreements, Rubinyan recalled the joint announcement in July 2022, where both representatives pledged to open the Armenia-Turkey land border to citizens of third countries by the summer of 2023, followed by diplomatic passport holders. However, the anticipated progress has not materialized, leaving Rubinyan hopeful for a breakthrough.

Rubinyan expressed his belief that normalization is essential for both nations. He argued that increased communication between the people of Armenia and Turkey is crucial for breaking down historical stereotypes and fostering understanding. "Isolation reinforces historical stereotypes and is not based on the interests of each side," he stressed.

He reminded attendees that borders temporarily opened for humanitarian aid during last year's earthquake in Turkey. He emphasized the need for a continuous, positive relationship, not just during times of tragedy but also during happy and favorable moments.

"We should be able to [re]open the borders not only at the time of tragedy, but also to [re]open the borders at a happy, favorable time. I see no reason to keep the border with Turkey closed," declared Rubinyan, emphasizing the potential for mutual growth and understanding through open borders.

As Armenian government extends an olive branch to Turkey, the Armenian diaspora continues to fight for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. As of 2024, Turkey continues to deny the genocide of 1.5 million Armenians that were murdered by the Ottoman Empire, modern day Turkey. 

Armenia Calls for Increased Efforts in Peace Talks with Azerbaijan

Ruben Rubinyan, the deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, addressed the ongoing peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, expressing concerns about the pace of progress and Armenia’s commitment to reaching a peace treaty.

After the Nagorno-Karabakh mass exodus last year, high-level meetings between the leaders and foreign affairs departments of Armenia and Azerbaijan were put on hold. However, both nations continued to engage in discussions on the draft peace treaty. Deputy Speaker Rubinyan acknowledged the positive step of a recent meeting between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, signaling a potential thaw in diplomatic relations.

Rubinyan outlined the agreed-upon fundamental principles of peace that have been the focus of recent negotiations. He highlighted the significance of the Almaty declaration in 1991, emphasizing the first principle as a reiteration of territorial integrity. The second principle centers on the delimitation of the state border between the two nations based on the same declaration.

A crucial point of agreement, according to Rubinyan, revolves around supporting regional communications on the principles of law, equality, and jurisdiction. He stressed that incorporating these principles into the peace talks could expedite the process and lead to a swift resolution.

Despite Armenia's efforts to adhere to the principles outlined in the Almaty treaty, Rubinyan expressed dissatisfaction with what he perceived as insufficient efforts from Azerbaijan's side. He urged for intensified commitment from all parties involved in the negotiations to achieve tangible results.

"We believe that if we can accommodate the already-existing principles in the peace talks, then we can very well achieve peace, and I believe we can do it quite quickly. Sadly, I cannot say that we have been able to do this so far. From our side, we are doing everything possible to reflect the principles of the Almaty treaty, but we do not see sufficient efforts on the part of Azerbaijan. We hope that we will be able to get the necessary results," concluded Rubinyan, emphasizing the importance of mutual dedication to secure lasting peace in the region.

Armenia Affirms Commitment to Eurasian Economic Union Amid EU Relations Discussion

Ruben Rubinyan, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, clarified on Friday that leaving the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is not currently on Armenia's agenda. The statement came in response to questions about whether Armenia was contemplating an exit from the EAEU to facilitate smoother integration into the European Union (EU), specifically in terms of customs procedures.

"No, such a matter is not on the agenda," Rubinyan affirmed during his address at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey. This statement puts to rest speculation regarding Armenia's potential departure from the economic alliance.

Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia, acknowledged Armenia's decision to join the EAEU and emphasized the EU's respect for the choices made by its partners in the region. "The EU respects the decisions of Armenia, as well as all our partners, regarding the political associations in which they want or do not want to participate," Klaar stated.

Armenia's choice to join the EAEU, a decision made independently, has not hindered its relationship with the EU. Klaar highlighted that both Armenia and the EU have found a constructive way to build relations while considering Armenia's EAEU membership. He noted the potential for further development in their relations within the current geopolitical context.