BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 27. Deputy Minister Araz Azimov held a briefing for the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the MFA told Trend.
The participants were informed about the current situation and realities in the region in the post-conflict period, about the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, during the briefing.
Araz Azimov highlighted that after the second Karabakh war, Azerbaijan took a peaceful initiative, declared its readiness to normalize relations with Armenia on a bilateral basis in accordance with the norms and principles of international law, the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders.
Azerbaijan’s position has been clear to everyone from day one, and three directions of the process were discussed at the negotiating table: signing a peace treaty, delineating borders and decisions on opening regional partnerships.
He also noted that the most striking manifestation of Azerbaijan's peaceful intentions today is large-scale reconstruction and construction work carried out in the territories liberated from occupation, as well as airports built in areas near the borders of the two countries.
It was brought to the attention of the briefing participants that in response to this, Armenia committed military provocations in the territories of Azerbaijan, where Armenian residents live, and used radio interference to obstruct the operation of airports, which clearly shows the true intentions of this country.
In addition, Azimov added that despite the clear position put forward by Azerbaijan regarding the peace agenda, the presentation of unreasonable demands by Armenia that do not correspond to any norms of international law and logic, and attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan are unacceptable.
Despite the fact that the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan officially issued a statement recognizing the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, Armenia still attempting to interfere in the internal affairs of the country. In particular, the steps taken to slow down the normalization and peace process, the creation of new crises and discussions lead not to peace, but to dangerous goals and the agenda of Armenia.
Azimov, speaking about the situation with the Lachin road, stressed that, firstly, this road is an integral part of the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan, and in this particular case, Azerbaijan has established a border checkpoint on its territory so that its citizens can use it. In addition, this right is also enshrined in the final decision of the International Court of Justice.
Moreover, the Armenian side, which did not accept this, opened fire at the Azerbaijani border guard, continued to abuse the Lachin road, and it is the Armenian side that imposes restrictions on its use.
Azimov drew attention to the fact that Azerbaijan has created conditions for the use of the road by the Armenian residents of Karabakh for medical purposes, and it is proposed to use the Aghdam-Khankendi road for the supply of more products, which can contribute to their reintegration into Azerbaijani society. Armenia, on one hand, prevents the use of these opportunities by the Armenian residents of Karabakh, and on the other hand, demonstratively interferes in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan allegedly for the purpose of "humanitarian assistance", misleading the international community.
Furthermore, Azimov noted that if the Armenian side really supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, it should not object to the transportation of goods along the Aghdam-Khankendi road and hinder the reintegration process.
The deputy minister stressed the importance of the responsibility that falls on the international community, that before making statements, succumbing to the manipulation of the Armenian side, it is necessary to think about what these statements will serve, as well as to avoid steps that contradict the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, including the use of incorrect terminology.
Gratitude was expressed to the countries that supported the organization of peace talks, and the importance of explaining to Armenia by the international community that it should be committed to a constructive dialogue was also noted.
The briefing continued with a Q&A session.