Armenian premier: Azerbaijan's proposals on peace treaty received, but there are fundamental problems

YEREVAN, March 14. /ARKA/. Armenia received Azerbaijan's proposals for a peace treaty a few days ago, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told a press conference on Tuesday, accusing Baku of using peace proposals to try to shape territorial claims against Armenia.

Pashinyan said such claims are the 'red line' for Armenia because Azerbaijan is trying to get Armenia's mandate for cleansing of the ethnic Armenian population of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), which is unacceptable.

Despite these accusation, Pashinyan said there was some progress, but in parallel with it fundamental problems have arisen.

"Azerbaijan maintains a position that excludes a system of guarantees (for safety of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians). These are also "red lines" for us. Regarding the people of Karabakh - we have said and are saying that the issue of their rights and security is extremely important for us. Our perception is that it would be right for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to advance that issue in the first place, for which there are objective and subjective reasons," Pashinyan said.

According to him, negotiations should mainly take place between Baku and Stepanakert and the ongoing processes suggest that without international meachanisms and guarantees it is impossible.

"The issue of Armenia's security does not have a one-part solution. International, regional, politico-military and domestic in-depth analysis and subsequent steps are necessary for the resolution of this issue. The current situation poses serious problems and serious opportunities for the country. Our task is to control risks and seize opportunities," Pashinyan said. -0-