Paula Cardoso, head of the delegation of the PA Assembly of the Portuguese Republic. “The fact that contacts between our countries on multilateral platforms have been activated recently is very important. Recently, I had the honor to meet my colleague Augustus Santos Silva within the framework of the European Conference of the Presidents of the Parliaments of the Council of Europe, held in Dublin, with whom we exchanged ideas on the situation in the region,” said the RA NA Speaker.
Alen Simonyan stressed that Armenia has adopted a peace agenda and offers a road map for regional peace, which is a guarantee of lasting peace.
The parties discussed the problems of the displaced Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh and the position of the international community regarding the events preceding the displacement. In this context, Alen Simonyan highlighted the need to implement adequate sanctions against Azerbaijan. It was announced that Azerbaijan does not agree to participate in the negotiations mediated by the Western partners and is destroying the peace dialogue.
At the end of the meeting, the Speaker of the RA National Assembly once again said that Armenia is interested in cooperation with Portugal in various fields.
Interview with Paula Cardoso, Head of the Delegation of the PA Assembly of the Portuguese Republic
Q1: Thank you for joining us, Paula. Recent discussions between Armenia and Portugal highlight the importance of international partnerships. Could you elaborate on your recent meeting with Augustus Santos Silva and what you achieved?
Paula Cardoso: Thank you for having me. My meeting with Augustus Santos Silva during the European Conference of the Presidents of Parliaments in Dublin was indeed significant. We discussed the activation of contacts between our countries on multilateral platforms, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to address regional issues. The exchange of ideas about the current situation is essential for understanding and resolving conflicts, especially in regions like the South Caucasus.
Q2: Alen Simonyan, the Speaker of the RA National Assembly, mentioned Armenia’s peace agenda and its roadmap for regional peace. How do you see Portugal’s role in this peace process?
Paula Cardoso: Portugal is committed to supporting peace initiatives. As Alen Simonyan highlighted, Armenia is actively pursuing a path towards peace, and our involvement can help to strengthen this journey. By fostering dialogue and understanding between nations, Portugal can facilitate constructive discussions that pave the way for long-lasting peace.
Q3: There was a discussion about the displacement of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh and the stance of the international community. What could be the role of international players in addressing such humanitarian crises?
Paula Cardoso: The role of international players is crucial in addressing humanitarian crises. It’s essential that the international community responds swiftly and adequately, not only by providing aid but also by implementing effective measures, including sanctions against aggressors who undermine peace efforts. In the case of Nagorno-Karabakh, it’s important for international bodies to stand firmly in favor of dialogue and humanitarian support for those affected.
Q4: Simonyan also pointed out Azerbaijan’s refusal to engage in negotiations mediated by Western partners. What impact might this have on the peace dialogue in the region?
Paula Cardoso: Azerbaijan’s unwillingness to participate in mediated negotiations is indeed a setback for peace dialogue. It creates a vacuum where tensions can escalate. For peace talks to be fruitful, all parties must be willing to come to the table and engage. The international community must encourage and facilitate this dialogue, as it’s critical for finding common ground and addressing the underlying issues.
Q5: what practical advice would you give to countries looking to establish cooperative relationships in politically sensitive regions, similar to the cooperation between Armenia and Portugal?
Paula Cardoso: My advice would be to prioritize open communication and maintain transparency in discussions. Countries should seek to understand each other’s perspectives and concerns while emphasizing mutual benefits from cooperation. Establishing strong relationships on multilateral platforms, like the one between Armenia and Portugal, can provide the necessary framework for peaceful negotiations and conflict resolution. Collaboration and shared goals create a foundation for enduring partnerships.
Conclusion: Paula Cardoso emphasizes the importance of bilateral cooperation and robust dialogue in navigating complex geopolitical scenarios. As countries like Armenia pursue peace, the role of international partners like Portugal will be vital in fostering understanding and advancing humanitarian efforts.