Former Ambassador: ‘Negotiations between Azerbaijan, Armenia without mediators are big step’

Negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia without mediators are a big step, said former British Ambassador to Azerbaijan James Lyle Sharp, participant of the international forum on COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan held at ADA University, Report informs.

The former ambassador considers the process of normalization between the parties positive: "Countries talk to each other directly without intermediaries. This is a very big step. Russian peacekeepers are already leaving Karabakh. This is a very positive event. We hope that a mechanism for permanent direct contact between the parties will be created."

The diplomat also talked about the US-EU-Armenia meeting held in Brussels on April 5: "In my opinion, it is good from a strategic point of view to support Armenia for its socio-economic development and to reduce its dependence on Russia. The more efforts the EU and the US make to reduce Armenia's dependence on Russia and bring it closer to Europe, the better. The goal here is aimed at reducing Armenia's development and dependence on Russia, not as a tool to be used against Azerbaijan."

Sharp also pointed out that the important support of his country within the framework of COP29: "Hosting COP29 will create wide opportunities for Azerbaijan. It is also a great responsibility."