Armenian PM clarifies "strategic deal" with Azerbaijan

YEREVAN, November 22. /ARKA/. In an interview with Public Television of Armenia, PM Nikol Pashinyan explained what he means by the need to conclude a "strategic deal" between Yerevan and Baku.

On November 13, he stated in parliament that "Armenia and Azerbaijan, in addition to a peace agreement, need to conclude a strategic deal based on the principles by which we plan to live next to each other for the coming centuries." He also noted that he has a clear idea of what should be included in this strategic deal, and it is based on the concept of a "real Armenia."

"A strategic deal means that Armenia and Azerbaijan must not only de jure but also de facto, at all levels, accept that Soviet Azerbaijan with its territory is an independent Azerbaijan, and Soviet Armenia with its territory is an independent Armenia. They must acknowledge this reality and leave each other alone in political and other respects, refrain from interfering with each other, and begin, very cautiously, to establish communications and economic ties," Pashinyan said. 

He expressed confidence that once the process begins, it will develop rapidly and naturally, without artificial influence

"Georgia is also related to this in some respects. The three states of the South Caucasus have common benefits and interests and can have them. This is the 'headline' or preface of the strategic deal," Pashinyan said. -0-