March 24, 2022 - 14:40 AMT
Armenia unveils new proposal to calm hotbed of tension with Azerbaijan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan revealed on Thursday, March 24 that Armenia has sent another proposal to Azerbaijan, suggesting the simultaneous withdrawal of the two countries' forces from a section of the border which often turns into a hotbed of tension.

"In the Yeraskh section, we have suggested that they withdraw a few positions from our territory, and we withdraw a few positions from their territory, so that both of us solve the issue of one of the hottest areas of the last year and a half," Pashinyan told a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, adding that Yerevan is now waiting for Baku's response.

The Armenian side has earlier proposed withdrawing both forces to the border that the countries shared during the Soviet era, before a demarcation and delimitation process can determine the actual border between the two states.

Pashinyan also said that negotiations on a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan must begin as soon as possible, in parallel with steps to increase border security and stability

According to the Armenian PM, the situation in the world and in the region is tense, and "we consider ourselves responsible for reducing that tension and finding fundamental solutions."

Azerbaijani forces violated Armenia’s border in several sections in the provinces of Syunik and Gegharkunik on May 12 and 13, 2021 and are still refusing to withdraw their troops from the area.