Azerbaijan Unveils Reintegration Plan Amidst Concerns and Late Timing

Baku/03.10.23/Turan: On October 2, the Azerbaijani government unveiled a comprehensive reintegration plan for territories that were recently reclaimed. The plan, while asserting the equality of rights and freedoms for all residents regardless of their ethnic, religious, or linguistic affiliations, comes under scrutiny for its timing and intended audience.

The reintegration plan comprises several key components. In the "Legal and Administrative Sphere" section, it is outlined that administration in areas with Armenian residents will be conducted through special representatives appointed by the President of Azerbaijan. Additionally, local residents may participate in the operations of these special representative offices. Simultaneously, representative bodies for local residents, known as municipalities, will be formed through elections in accordance with Azerbaijani law. Citizenship matters will be resolved through established procedures and in accordance with the country's Constitution and legislation.

Within the "Security Sphere," the plan addresses the disarmament and demobilization process, including the collection of weapons from residents. The responsibility for maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of district residents falls upon the internal affairs bodies of Azerbaijan. Residents may also be engaged in the activities of these internal affairs bodies.

The "Economic Sphere" outlines provisions for access to education, healthcare, utilities, communication, and other services. It includes a package of incentive measures, such as tax and customs benefits. The Azerbaijani national currency will be fully adopted, and preferential loans, subsidies, and access to financing for businesses are to be made available. Farmers will receive subsidies and will be exempt from all taxes except for the land tax. Property issues will be regulated in accordance with Azerbaijani law.

In the "Social Sphere," the plan emphasizes that residents will be entitled to social services and employment programs within the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic districts.

The "Culture, Education, and Religion" section highlights residents' rights to protect and develop their culture and ethno-cultural characteristics. Freedom of religion and the safeguarding of cultural and religious monuments are ensured. The plan also creates opportunities for the use of the Armenian language.

Conflictologist Arif Yunus, however, has raised concerns about the timing and target audience of the plan. According to Yunus, the Azerbaijani authorities delayed presenting this plan, as it should have been introduced in 2021 following the war. He argues that meaningful negotiations with Karabakh Armenians should have taken place in connection with the plan, but now, with few Armenians remaining in the region, it may be too late.

Yunus suggests that the reintegration plan may not be primarily directed at Armenians or the domestic audience but instead aims to pre-empt possible sanctions against high-ranking Azerbaijani officials. He expresses doubt that Azerbaijan can effectively convey its perspective to the world, describing a challenging information war in which the country is struggling to present its side of the narrative.

"We are completely losing the information war," the expert noted.--0--