Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan denied reports that Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev, who visited Yerevan on April 29, had intended to travel to Jujevan, stating that such an issue “was not discussed,” Factor.am reports.
Rumors had circulated suggesting that Mustafayev planned to visit his birthplace.
Commenting on a meeting between Mustafayev and business representatives, Pashinyan said he is aware of the list of participants but will not disclose it to avoid exposing them to “bullying by marginal groups.”
Responding to a question on whether Mustafayev’s visit involved negotiations on the return of Azerbaijanis, Pashinyan said Armenia has never discussed and is not discussing such an issue with Azerbaijan, according to 1lurer.am .
“I also want to note that for some time now we have not been discussing with Azerbaijan the return of Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, the return of Armenians of Baku, or the return of Armenians from other places, because such discussions clearly have a provocative effect on the current political situation and can escalate tensions in both directions.
The same forces keep both issues heated on the political agenda—first escalating one topic, and when it does not yield sufficient effect, escalating the other. This is cheap domestic political speculation and nothing more.
There are people who speak on this topic without understanding what they are saying or for what purpose. For example, I am 100 percent sure that the Kaluga oligarch does not understand what he is saying or why he is saying it. He is instructed, and he repeats it without grasping the interconnection of the issues. This is cheap political manipulation. I have clearly stated that we have never discussed such matters—never,” he said.
On April 29, the 13th meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani border delimitation commissions was held in Aghveran. The sides agreed and exchanged draft guidelines on organizing the delimitation process, mapping, and documentation procedures. Armenia’s Foreign Ministry said discussions also covered cargo transportation, petroleum supply, and trade and economic cooperation.
