Peace has moved from aspiration to reality following initialing of  peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington - MP

ArmInfo.  The delegation of the National Assembly to OSCE PA led by the Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, the Head of the delegation Sargis Khandanyan participated in the work of the Autumn Meeting of the Assembly going on Istanbul.

The member of the RA NA delegation Artur Hovhannisyan gave a speech:

"Dear colleagues,

In the 2021 parliamentary elections, the people of Armenia delivered  a clear mandate: to advance a peaceful, stable, and secure future for  our region. The government of Armenia has worked consistently to  normalize and build constructive relations with our neighbours.  Today, I can note that since August 8, peace has moved from  aspiration to reality, following the initialing of the peace  agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington.

For Armenia, democratic elections remain a cornerstone of sustainable  peace. Only through credible democratic processes can the protection  of human rights and the fulfillment of international commitments be  ensured.

At the same time, we continue to face challenges to our democratic  institutions - including both direct and hybrid attempts to undermine  public trust. Just two days ago, we witnessed such an incident in one  of Armenia's major cities. I am encouraged, however, that democracy  prevailed, and so did the agenda of peace.

In the summer of 2026, Armenia will hold its next parliamentary  elections. We anticipate intensified efforts by those who seek to  weaken our democratic system and divert the will of the people.

This is why continued support from our partners - including this  Assembly through its elections observation mandate - is vital.  Together, we can safeguard democratic processes and ensure that the  peace agenda becomes irreversible.

I am confident that through our joint efforts, democracy will  prevail, and peace will prevail.

Thank you," Artur Hovhannisyan said.