UK lifts arms embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan - Minister of State Doughty

YEREVAN, October 14. /ARKA/. The United Kingdom warmly welcomes the progress made by Armenia and Azerbaijan on the path to peace, which is key to ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region, according to a statement from Stephen Doughty, Minister of State for Europe and North America.

He noted that in light of this progress and in support of the peace process, the UK government has decided to upgrade its bilateral relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan to a strategic partnership.

"Given the significant progress made in advancing peace and the historic outcome of President Trump's recent summit in Washington, the UK considers the OSCE arms embargo, imposed in 1992, to be obsolete and will fully lift it from Armenia and Azerbaijan," the statement reads.

This decision will enable the UK to cooperate on security and defence with both Armenia and Azerbaijan, supporting their efforts to protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"We will closely monitor the regional and domestic security situations in both Azerbaijan and Armenia. We sincerely hope that this is an opportune moment for peace, security, and prosperity in the South Caucasus. The UK stands ready to work with both countries, the United States, the European Union, and other partners to play a constructive and proactive role in supporting reforms and promoting security and stability in the region as a whole," Doughty said in the statement.-0-