The main purpose of the peace treaty is to prevent war.

Axar.az reports that these words were said by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in response to a question from Anna Grigoryan, a member of the "Armenia" faction, in parliament.

Grigoryan stated that as long as people with Armenian passports continue to “sit” in Baku (referring to the detained Armenian separatist-terrorists in Baku - ed.), it is difficult for her to imagine the signing of a peace treaty. “For me, the primary principle would be the return of prisoners, which is not reflected in the peace treaty draft. In general, while your compatriots, people with Armenian passports, continue to be imprisoned in Baku, it is hard for me to imagine signing a peace treaty. This is a matter of the state's dignity. For me, the main principle of this treaty should be the opening of borders. Will our borders open after peace is signed? Or will we continue to live with closed borders until the communication issue is resolved through separate negotiations? The third fundamental principle that should be included in this document is the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from our country’s territory. However, it is being discussed as a separate demarcation process. In what format and when will this happen? It is hard for me to imagine making peace with a country whose troops occupy your sovereign territory. And about the institution of guarantees: there are no guarantees. These, at least, are the fundamental principles that could tell us we can talk about peace on earth, because the paper on which peace is written is worth nothing,” the MP said, addressing Pashinyan.

In response, Pashinyan noted that what Grigoryan mentioned may or may not be directly related to the essence of the peace treaty:

“If you’re saying that since prisoners won’t be returned immediately after the treaty is signed, then let there be war, that’s faulty logic. I have repeatedly said that not a single sovereign area of the Republic of Armenia is up for negotiation, but on the other hand, I’ve also said that the Republic of Armenia will not aim to restore its territorial integrity through military means. Because we see that this can be resolved politically and diplomatically.

As for the institution of guarantees, today I say there is no more fake topic. Either we are the guarantors of our own security, or there are no guarantees, because for all those we call guarantors, we are merely a bargaining chip. We must solve our issues ourselves. In a country like the USA, how long did it take for the last prisoner to return after the Vietnam War ended?”

Pashinyan emphasized that the opening of borders is a result of peace, not part of the peace package.