Azerbaijan Seeks ICJ Review of Armenia’s Actions in Karabakh
Azerbaijan and Armenia Wrap Up Hearings at the International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has completed hearings regarding the jurisdiction of the Court in the case filed by Azerbaijan against Armenia. The case alleges that Armenia violated the “International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.”
During the hearings held at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, Azerbaijan’s lawyers argued that the Court should hear the case on its merits. They stated that the accusations of ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijani Turks during Armenia’s occupation of Karabakh should be addressed, and that the Court has jurisdiction over the matter.
International Law Professor Vaughan Lowe, representing Azerbaijan, criticized Armenia’s request for the rejection of the case and emphasized that Armenia was distorting Azerbaijan’s claims. He urged the Court to thoroughly examine the racial discrimination, ethnic cleansing, property confiscation, exploitation of natural resources, environmental damage, and other crimes committed by Armenia during the occupation of Karabakh.
Another international law professor, Stephan Talmon, highlighted the severity of the case and questioned how a country could expect not to face prosecution for such actions. He criticized Armenia’s objections to the Court’s jurisdiction and emphasized the need to hold Armenia accountable for its violations.
Azerbaijan’s lawyers also pointed out how Armenia’s actions, such as placing mines and booby traps in Karabakh to prevent Azerbaijani Turks from returning to their land, amounted to racial discrimination. They refuted Armenia’s claims that these measures were for military defense purposes.
The Court judges will now deliberate on whether they have jurisdiction to handle the crimes committed by Armenia and decide whether the case will be heard on its merits. The decision process typically takes 1-2 years.
This case is part of mutual litigation between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as both countries have filed lawsuits against each other at the ICJ. Armenia’s claims against Azerbaijan relate to the 2nd Karabakh War, while Azerbaijan’s case addresses violations that occurred during Armenia’s occupation of Karabakh.
The outcome of these hearings will have significant implications for the ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Stay tuned for updates on the Court’s decision regarding the jurisdiction of the case and the next steps in this legal battle.
