Azerbaijan accuses Armenia of unfounded allegations, jeopardizing regional stability: MFA
Armenia Accused of Hindering Peace Process by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Baku, July 19 – In a recent press conference with Alexander Schallenberg, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan made several unfounded allegations against Azerbaijan, revealing Armenia’s lack of interest in peace and stability in the region, according to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry stated that instead of respecting Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, the Armenian Foreign Minister hindered the peace process by using the pretext of “rights and security” of Armenians living in Karabakh. Azerbaijan highlighted that Karabakh has been under occupation for almost 30 years and ethnic cleansing was carried out against Azerbaijanis. It is unacceptable for Armenian officials to only consider the rights of Armenian residents while ignoring the rights and security of Azerbaijani residents who were expelled from their lands.
Azerbaijan, as the party taking the initiative to engage in dialogue with Armenian residents, expects reciprocal goodwill steps from Armenia. Additionally, Armenia should acknowledge that Azerbaijan is committed to ensuring the rights and security of all ethnic minorities living in the country.
The allegations made by Armenia regarding a “tense humanitarian situation” in the region are deemed by Azerbaijan as political gambles and manipulations. Armenia’s opposition to Azerbaijan’s proposal to transport goods via the Aghdam-Khankendi road demonstrates the lack of credibility behind these claims. Furthermore, Armenia’s distortion of the decision of the International Court of Justice, which unanimously rejected Armenia’s request for the removal of the Lachin Checkpoint, along with military provocations and smuggling attempts, indicate Armenia’s disregard for international norms and principles.
Azerbaijan also questions Armenia’s demand for clarity on the state border, considering Armenia’s violation of borders by occupying Azerbaijani territories for almost three decades and failing to fully withdraw its armed forces. Armenia’s non-compliance with its commitment to open unobstructed transport routes from western regions of Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan for the past three years further illustrates its lack of understanding that its isolationist policies have been detrimental.
In order for peace, stability, and security to prevail in the region, Armenia must abandon hypocrisy and fraudulent manipulations, and fulfill its obligations within international law to ensure the success of the peace process, concluded the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
(Note: This article contains information from a press release by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Please hyperlink the source if used.)
