By Ani Paitjan
German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke at a joint news conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Berlin on February 1.
“It’s good when people are talking to each other, but both parties have to be ready, precise actions should follow words,” Merkel said.
The Chancellor referred to Nagorno Karabakh, a region that has been a source of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan since 1988.
“I think courageous steps have been taken by the Prime Minister. This requires that the opposite side also show willingness to take such brave steps. In the end, both sides should come to an agreement,” Merkel said in response to a question about the recent contacts between Armenian and Azerbaijani officials.
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“I made a statement months ago in the Armenian parliament, which I consider very important, saying that any version of the settlement of the Karabakh issue should be acceptable for the people of Armenia, the people of Karabakh and the people of Azerbaijan,” Pashinyan said. “I hoped that this would be reciprocated by the Azerbaijani side.”
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During the press conference, Merkel also talked about relations between Germany and Armenia, and her hope for further collaborations. Pashinyan said that the Armenian government is currently implementing major projects that will attract German investment.
Pashinyan is currently in Germany for a two-day official visit. The German Chancellor visited Armenia for the first time in August 2018.
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