Sergey Lagodinsky, Member of the European Parliament from Germany and Co-Chair of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, stated in an interview with Armenian media on Tuesday that the Armenian government is committed to achieving peace in the South Caucasus.
Lagodinsky expressed hope that Azerbaijan would take similar steps towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict. He also added:
“Armenia has already taken substantial steps. Now we need action from the other side as well.”
Lagodinsky acknowledged the historical claims of both sides and added:
“At times in past decades, Armenia, with or through its allies, held the upper hand in this conflict. However, the initiatives undertaken by this government have reached a threshold rarely seen in democracies in pursuit of peace. We must recognise and support this. We hope our Azerbaijani partners will also act to ensure peaceful resolution. I strongly believe both sides can be motivated toward this path.”
He described the decisions of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his team as courageous and far-sighted.
“They understand that peace is possible only through painful but necessary actions. Armenia has done a lot—now steps are needed from Azerbaijan,” he also added.
Lagodinsky also touched upon the potential role of the European Union in facilitating dialogue between Armenia and Turkey. He noted:
“I’ve always maintained, and my committee colleagues agree, that we must encourage this process. A resolution between Armenia and Turkey will not only affect today’s strategic landscape but also address a deeply painful and traumatic shared history. I believe it’s possible to find a new common ground in the current context. From discussions with Turkish colleagues, I know they are interested in moving forward.”
He stressed that Ankara should receive positive signals from Baku, stating, “This is in everyone’s interest, especially the EU’s, if Armenia’s border is opened. Strategically, this is essential. Our relationship with Turkey isn’t simple. In Ankara, they know I’ve always been outspoken about democratic deficits there.”
Lagodinsky mentioned the authoritarian pressure on the opposition administration in Istanbul and the fragile reconciliation process on the Kurdish issue. “This issue is deeply traumatic for Turkey. I welcome the current developments and believe that we now have a chance to normalise relations or at least open the border between Armenia and Turkey. This would be a geopolitically important step and would strengthen relations between the EU and Armenia.”
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly stated that the draft peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been finalised and is awaiting signature.
On March 13, the Armenian Foreign Ministry confirmed that it had accepted Azerbaijan’s proposals on the last two unresolved articles and declared its readiness to discuss the details of the agreement’s signing. However, Baku put forward new preconditions and said that it was too early to discuss the timing of the meeting.
