Yerevan insists on stronger intl arms control mechanisms

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, speaking at the high-level segment of the Conference on Disarmament, stated that Armenia has consistently maintained that an effective conventional arms control regime is essential for ensuring military and political stability at international, regional, and subregional levels.

However, he added that the arms control regime failed to prevent the repeated use of force.

"We consistently advocate for the full implementation of arms control agreements, accompanied by the unconditional adherence to the regime’s guiding principles as a crucial prerequisite for lasting peace and security. In this context, we are also considering the possibility of joining the Arms Trade Treaty. Armenia has remained firmly committed to a legally binding arms control regime in Europe. We have adhered to its provisions and conscientiously fulfilled our obligations. Yet, despite our commitment, the reality has differed from initial expectations.

Due to the lack of effective oversight and enforcement, the regime has inadvertently allowed those with malicious intent to conceal their violations. The results are evident: the arms control regime failed to prevent the repeated use of force, undermining the very foundations of stability it was meant to safeguard," he said.

Mirzoyan emphasized that despite these shortcomings, Armenia continues to uphold this principle and advocates for strengthening a comprehensive and effective arms control regime.

"In an effort to enhance transparency and build confidence in the South Caucasus, Armenia has submitted a written proposal to Azerbaijan for the establishment of reciprocal arms control measures and joint mechanisms for investigating border incidents. This initiative aims to foster mutual trust, reduce perceived threats, and reinforce regional stability. As we await a response to this constructive proposal, we remain hopeful that dialogue and cooperation will prevail over hostility and mistrust.

Recognizing the growing trend of states developing military artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, including its integration into autonomous functions and support systems, Armenia stresses that AI applications in the military domain must be appropriately regulated under existing international legal instruments, without ruling out the possibility of future relevant regulations. This would help mitigate the risks posed by irresponsible actors exploiting AI to violate international law.

Armenia reaffirms that international law, particularly international humanitarian law and human rights law, fully applies to all weaponry, including AI and autonomous technology-based systems," he said.

Mirzoyan noted that in promoting the responsible use of military AI, Armenia attaches great importance to the ethical and accountable transfer of such technologies.

"This means that leading states engaged in the development of advanced military AI technologies, including autonomous military systems, should refrain from authorizing such transfers if credible information exists that the recipient state has previously violated international law and human rights law," he stated.

Concluding his speech, Armenia’s foreign minister emphasized that ensuring peace and international security requires joint efforts, serving the common interests of all, and demands continuous commitment and genuine determination.

"Armenia remains committed to its pledge to pursue negotiated multilateral solutions, foster dialogue, and strengthen international cooperation for the sake of peace and security. Thank you," Mirzoyan concluded.