2023 of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly At the autumn session, Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan delivered a welcome speech.
“It is a great honor for me to participate in the 21st autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. I would like to thank the organizers for this important initiative of holding the forum in Armenia. I also express my gratitude to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and all national delegations for their efforts to uphold OSCE values and strengthen security and cooperation in Europe and beyond.
The rapidly changing nature of today’s globalized world is dynamically transforming regional security systems as well as political, economic and social processes within states, which significantly increases the strategic challenges for national governments. Considering the complexity of modern security problems affecting all spheres of social life, there is a need to find solutions through unity of efforts and participatory discussions. In this regard, the regular meetings of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly play an important role in solving global challenges and, in particular, the challenges faced by the OSCE member states at the current stage.
Over the past few years, Armenia has gone through dramatic changes that have shaped a new vision of its role in the international arena. The democratization process continuously strengthens Armenian state institutions and makes Armenian society more resilient to internal and external challenges. At the same time, our young democracy has yet to pass the test of endurance, as the challenges coming from different directions are serious and destabilizing. However, we strongly believe that democracy will stand the test because the Armenian government has a strong political will to deepen democratic governance and the people of Armenia strongly support democratic values. This unity of views of the people of Armenia and the government creates conditions for the success of democracy. In this context, the unwavering support of the international community for the democratization of Armenia will ensure the success of democracy in Armenia.
Armenia wants to establish peace in the region, and we firmly adhere to the peace agenda and are interested in signing a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, on September 19, Azerbaijan attacked Nagorno Karabakh, where ethnic cleansing of the native Armenian population took place in the presence of Russian peacekeepers, and more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians were forced to leave their homes and cross into Armenia.
Despite all the difficulties we face today, Armenia is ready to work with international partners to bring peace and development to the region. In this context, the process of border demarcation between Armenia and Azerbaijan has a significant role in the formation of regional stability. Armenia has publicly and transparently declared that the Alma-Ata Declaration is the fundamental document on the basis of which Armenia and Azerbaijan must recognize each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. In fact, in 2022 On October 6, French President E. Macron and the President of the European Council Sh. Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Aliyev confirmed their commitment to the Alma-Ata Declaration at the meeting organized in Prague by Michel’s joint efforts. It is also noteworthy that during the Brussels negotiations, an agreement was reached that the leaders of the two countries publicly recognize the exact size of the neighboring country’s territory to signal their commitment to the peace process. 2023 After the tripartite meeting held in Brussels on May 14, President Michel stated that “the leaders confirmed their unequivocal loyalty to the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration and the corresponding territorial integrity of Armenia (29,800 km2) and Azerbaijan (86,600 km2)”. President Michel repeated the same in 2023. on July 15. Moreover, in 2023 On October 5, RA Prime Minister N. Pashinyan, President of the European Council Sh. Michel, President of France E. Macron, Chancellor of Germany O. Scholz’s four-way meeting, during which the above-mentioned position was reaffirmed.
The next important step in the process of establishing peace is the achievement of future agreements aimed at unblocking regional transport and economic links. Armenia is really interested in promoting inclusive regional and cross-border ties in the South Caucasus. In order to achieve the goal of unblocking communication channels, Armenia emphasizes respect for the following four principles: sovereignty, jurisdiction, reciprocity and equality. We believe that an interconnected and economically prosperous region will be the key to sustainable peace. It is with this understanding that Armenia presented the “Crossroads of Peace” project. This initiative is aimed at developing communication between Armenia and neighboring countries. “Crossroads of Peace” has great potential in terms of effectively connecting the Gulfs, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It will bring enormous economic, social and political benefits to all countries in the region.
Finally, I consider it necessary to mention that Armenia has shown its international partners that it is diversifying its foreign and security policy. In this context, Armenia values partnership with Western and Asian countries. I would also like to emphasize that a large-scale process of reforming the armed forces is underway in Armenia, which includes structural and substantive changes. I consider it necessary to repeat that we perceive the democratization of the armed forces of Armenia, as well as our cooperation with international partners in the field of security, as pillars of the protection of Armenia’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and democracy.
In this context, I would like to take this opportunity to highly appreciate the “National Platform for Democratic Control of the Security Sector” created under the auspices of the Defense and Security Committee of the National Assembly of Armenia with the special support of the OSCE, within the framework of which we expect the support of the OSCE in developing an anti-corruption strategy especially for the Armed Forces of Armenia. In the processes of reviewing the subject “Human rights in the armed forces” of the educational program “Proper management and strengthening of good behavior in the fields of defense and security” and taught in military training institutions. I would like to emphasize that the Office of the Security Council of Armenia is part of the platform and will continue to support this important initiative.
Summing up, I would like to emphasize that security is a multi-layered concept and refers to political, military, economic, environmental and personal security spheres. Throughout its existence, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has been steadfast in raising humanitarian and human rights threats and addressing existing issues through its annual declarations. Armenia stands with the OSCE in its difficult work, which ranges from counter-terrorism to climate change, women’s rights and youth programs aimed at creating a better future. We also highly appreciate the continued support of the OSCE aimed at strengthening democratic governance in Armenia.”
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Security Expert Armen Grigoryan
Editor: Good morning, Mr. Grigoryan. Thank you for joining us today. The recent OSCE Parliamentary Assembly session highlighted Armenia’s evolving role in ensuring regional and global stability. Can you give us a brief overview of the key points you discussed during your speech?
Grigoryan: Good morning, and thank you for having me. It was indeed an honor to speak at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. I emphasized how contemporary global dynamics create new strategic challenges that necessitate collective efforts and open dialogues among nations. Armenia’s recent journey towards democratization has significantly strengthened our state institutions, allowing us to better engage with international partners on security issues.
Editor: That’s intriguing, especially considering the complexities Armenia faces today. You mentioned the commitment to democracy and the challenges that come with it. How does the government plan to reinforce democratic values within the current geopolitical landscape?
Grigoryan: The Armenian government is committed to deepening democratic governance, and this commitment is echoed by our citizens. This unity is vital for navigating the significant challenges we face, particularly concerning regional stability. We believe that ongoing support from the international community is crucial in ensuring the success of our democratic processes.
Editor: One prominent point in your speech was the pursuit of peace with Azerbaijan. Given the tensions and the recent events, including the attacks in September, how can Armenia move forward in establishing a lasting peace?
Grigoryan: It is indeed a pressing issue. Armenia is fully committed to a peace agenda and is actively seeking a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. The tragic events of September showed the urgency of this matter, and we attribute importance to the border demarcation process as a means of fostering regional stability. We aim to rely on the Alma-Ata Declaration, which provides a framework for mutual recognition of territorial integrity.
Editor: You mentioned the “Crossroads of Peace” project aimed at enhancing economic and transport links in the region. Can you elaborate on this initiative and its potential impact?
Grigoryan: Absolutely. The “Crossroads of Peace” project is designed to promote integrated communication between Armenia and its neighbors, connecting vital trade routes across the region. This initiative holds the potential for not just economic growth but also for fostering a culture of cooperation and interdependence. We believe that an interconnected South Caucasus will be fundamental for achieving sustainable peace.
Editor: Cooperation seems to be at the heart of many of Armenia’s initiatives. How is your government addressing the need for reform within the armed forces, particularly in light of your focus on democratization?
Grigoryan: The reform of our armed forces is a priority, with ongoing structural and substantive changes aimed at improving governance and operational effectiveness. We consider the democratization of our military a cornerstone for protecting Armenia’s sovereignty and promoting regional stability. The establishment of the “National Platform for Democratic Control of the Security Sector” is an important step, and we are looking forward to OSCE’s support in implementing anti-corruption strategies.
Editor: Given these multifaceted challenges and initiatives, what role do you see for the international community in supporting Armenia’s journey at this juncture?
Grigoryan: The role of the international community is paramount. Their support not only validates our democratic reform efforts but also amplifies our capacity to navigate security challenges. As we pursue both regional development and internal stability, a united global approach towards our peace efforts, economic plans, and democratic advancements will be indispensable.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Grigoryan, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that Armenia is at a crucial crossroads, and your proactive approach to these challenges is commendable. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold in the future.
Grigoryan: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues. I remain optimistic that with the right support and commitment, Armenia can pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous future.