News - Edmon Marukyan: Peace process could have advanced in Granada, But Azerbaijan's non-participation marginalizes itself

Edmon Marukyan, the RA Ambassador with Special Assignments, discussed Azerbaijan's decision not to participate in the expected meeting in Granada, stating that Azerbaijan is leading itself to marginalization by abstaining from the peace process. Marukyan emphasized that Azerbaijan has yet to fully come to terms with the consequences of the attack on Nagorno-Karabakh, particularly in terms of ethnic cleansing and accusations. He pointed out that the international community's reactions are insufficient for the Armenian side, yet those seem to be enough for Azerbaijan to want to avoid the international reactions and the meeting in Granada. He highlighted that the planned meeting in Granada could have led to the adoption of a statement on mutual recognition by the parties, acceptance of the 1975 map with the Alma-Ata Declaration as the basis for delimitation and demarcation, and progress on the communication issue. Marukyan clarified that the intention was not to sign a peace treaty in Granada but to advance the peace process through a statement. However, Azerbaijan is currently not ready to sign such a statement, either at this time or at the five-party level involving France, Germany, and President of the European Council Charles Michel. Despite this setback, Marukyan mentioned that discussions on these topics would continue during meetings, along with addressing the humanitarian situation that has emerged as a result of the conflict.