BAKU, November 21. /TASS/. Baku says it is ready to enter into direct negotiations with Yerevan on a bilateral basis with the aim to finalize a peace treaty as soon as possible.

"Stagnation in peace talks does not contribute to stability and prosperity in the region. Azerbaijan is ready for direct negotiations with Armenia on a bilateral basis to finalize a peace treaty as soon as possible. We believe that the two states should make decisions together on their future relations," the statement reads.

It emphasizes that both countries "are responsible for the continuation of the peace process, including the choice of a mutually acceptable place [for negotiations] or the decision to hold a meeting at the state border."

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry noted that the process was seriously delayed due to the fact that Yerevan responded to Baku's proposals on the draft peace treaty only after 2.5 months.

"We call on the Armenian side to avoid new unnecessary delays and hope that it will respond positively to this call for the early start of negotiations," the statement reads.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said the Armenian side handed over its sixth peace treaty proposal to Azerbaijan.

On Monday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said at a press conference that he was waiting for the Armenian side's response to the peace treaty proposals that Baku had submitted to Yerevan more than two months ago.