Yerevan’s destructive stance hampers peace process

Bayramov said that an increase in trade turnover has been observed between the two countries and the issue of its further increase is being discussed. The issue of expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia within the international organizations was high on the agenda of the meeting.

Bayramov also said that he and his counterpart held discussions over the restoration of Azerbaijan’s liberated lands. “After the liberation of our lands [from the Armenian occupation], a new situation arose in the region and a lot of work is underway to restore these territories,” the Azerbaijani minister said.

Speaking about the hostilities between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Bayramov stressed that Armenia has taken a non-constructive position on the issue of establishing sustainable peace in the region.

"Azerbaijan is doing necessary work to ensure sustainable peace in the region, taking all steps on a peace treaty… But, unfortunately, the Armenian side does not demonstrate a constructive position on this issue."

"Such an attitude strikes a blow at peace and progress in the region. By using the current situation correctly and observing the international laws, it is possible to establish sustainable peace in the region," the FM went on saying.

Reminding that a number of provisions of the trilateral statements adopted by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia on November 10 and January 11, have been implemented, Bayramov said that “the destructive position being taken by Armenia prevents full implementation.”

Bayramov sited Armenia’s refusal to hand over maps of all mine fields in Azerbaijan’s newlyliberated territories, as an example of Armenia’s non-constructive position.

“If military operations have ended and an agreement was reached, minefield maps must be handed over,” the minister stressed.