Araz Azimov calls on the international community to encourage Armenia to a constructive dialogue

Baku/27.07.23/Turan:Today, Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov held a briefing for the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan. During the briefing, the participants were informed about the current situation and realities in the region in the post-conflict period, as well as about the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.

Azimov drew attention to the fact that after the 44-day war, Azerbaijan came up with a peace initiative and stated that it was ready to normalize relations with Armenia on a bilateral basis in accordance with international law, including the principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders.

This position has been clear from the first day of negotiations and solutions in three areas of the process, i.e. the signing of a peace agreement, the delimitation of borders and the opening of regional communications, are on the negotiating table. However, despite the peaceful intentions of Azerbaijan, Armenia continued the military provocations in Azerbaijani territories where residents of Armenian origin live.

The Armenian side also creates obstacles for air navigation, creating threats to civil aviation flights.

Despite the official statement of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan on the recognition of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, the steps taken by Yerevan directly contradict the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, and are accompanied by attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.

In this regard, Azimov stated that these actions of Armenia are designed to "slow down the normalization and peace process, to create new crises and discussions that do not serve peace."

Speaking about the situation related to the Lachyn road, the Deputy Minister stressed that this road is part of the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan, and in this regard Baku has established a border checkpoint.

This right of Azerbaijan to protect its own borders is also confirmed in the latest decision of the International Court of Justice. At the same time, Armenia arranges provocations on the border, such as the wounding of an Azerbaijani border guard, an attack on the Azerbaijani flag, abuse of the road, etc.

Azimov stressed that conditions have been created in Azerbaijan for the use of the Lachin Road by Armenian residents for medical purposes, and the Aghdam-Khankendi road is proposed to be used for the delivery of more products, which can contribute to their reintegration into Azerbaijani society.

"On the one hand, the Armenian side prevents the local Armenian population from using these opportunities, and on the other hand, it demonstratively interferes in our internal affairs under the pretext of delivering "humanitarian aid" and misinforming the international community by playing a show. If the Armenian side really supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, then it should not object to the transportation of goods along the Aghdam-Khankendi road and should not hinder the reintegration process," Azimov continued.

In this regard, he noted the importance of responsible behavior of the international community. He stressed that before making statements based on the manipulations of the Armenian side, one should think about what consequences this could lead to.

It is important not to allow steps that contradict the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and refrain from incorrect terminology.

Gratitude was expressed to the countries that supported the organization of peace talks, the importance of explaining to the international community of Armenia the need to be committed to a constructive dialogue was noted, Azimov further noted.

The briefing continued with a question and answer session, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reported. ---06B---