January 8, 2021 - 11:52 AMT
Pashinyan names Armenia's priorities in November 10 statement

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has weighed in on Armenia's priorities when it comes to the implementation of the November 10 trilateral statement signed with Russia and Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan said the realization of Point 8 of the statement – the exchange of prisoners of war, hostages and other detained persons and bodies of the dead – is key.

"It is also important for us to carry out extensive search and rescue operations in the zone of hostilities," the PM added.

According to the Premier, the unblocking of economic and transport links in the region is Armenia's second priority. he said the move will allow the country to transport cargo to Russia and Iran through the territory of Azerbaijan and ensure the latter's communication with Nakhijevan.

Pashinyan reminded once more that the November 10 statement provides for no "transport corridor" in the territory of Armenia, in response to remarks by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev who said "concrete work is underway to open the Nakhichevan corridor".

Pashinyan, Russian and Azerbaijani Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev signed a statement to end the war in Karabakh after almost 45 days. Under the deal, the Armenian side has returned all the seven regions surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh, having lost a part of Karabakh itself in hostilities.