Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry: Armenia's attempt to manipulate the UN Security Council has failed

Baku/17.08.23/Turan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has issued a statement regarding the discussions held in the UN Security Council on August 16, 2023, at the request of Armenia.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Armenia's attempt to manipulate the UN Security Council for its own purposes has once again failed. This manipulative tactic used by Armenia within the framework of this respected global platform is not only ineffective, but also undermines efforts to promote post-conflict normalization.

Azerbaijan expresses its optimism that Armenia is aware of the fact that a constructive settlement requires participation in accordance with international law and obligations. As several members of the UN Security Council have stressed, the cornerstone of regional peace and stability depends on genuine recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity, both in words and in deeds.

Azerbaijan highly appreciates the statements made by various Member States of the Security Council, along with Turkey, who advocate genuine dialogue and sincere cooperation. These remarks relate specifically to the implementation of the routes proposed by Azerbaijan, in particular the Aghdam-Khankendi road, designed to facilitate the supply of essential goods to the local Armenian population in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.

The discussions confirmed the favorable reception of Azerbaijan's proposal to use the Aghdam-Khankendi road, which indicates international approval. It is considered important for Armenia to abandon its obstacles in this regard, ensuring the legal and transparent transportation of goods to the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.

Moreover, the recognition by some Member States of Azerbaijan's legitimate security concerns is seen as a promising step towards solving regional problems.

During the debate, Azerbaijan stressed its offer of peace to Armenia based on mutual recognition and respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolable borders. At the same time, Azerbaijan is actively pursuing a policy of integration of ethnic Armenians living in the Karabakh region as equal citizens, endowed with a full range of rights and freedoms set forth in the Constitution of Azerbaijan and protected by the relevant international human rights mechanisms to which Azerbaijan is a party. The unwavering commitment to these dual goals remains unchanged, backed by a strong commitment to protect sovereignty and territorial integrity through the legal framework set out in the UN Charter and international law.

The statement notes that Azerbaijan remains committed to developing productive cooperation with those who are sincerely committed to advancing the normalization agenda, with individuals and organizations capable of contributing to the achievement of long-awaited peace and stability in the region.