Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry responds to Canadian Minister

Baku/26.04.23/Turan: The criticism of Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly due to the creation of checkpoint by Azerbaijan on the border with Armenia is puzzling. This is stated in the comment of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry on April 26.

The establishment of a checkpoint by Azerbaijan on its sovereign territory is a legitimate right of the country within the framework of all international norms. This was necessary because of Armenia's military provocations, the use of the road for the transportation of weapons and military personnel in violation of the Trilateral Statement of November 10, 2020.

The border patrol will help to effectively prevent this illegal activity, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a comment.

At the same time, the road will not be closed, entry and exit to Azerbaijan will be controlled. "Baku guarantees transparency and regular travel of Armenian residents living in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan in both directions," the Foreign Ministry said.

*On April 25, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly stated that Ottawa is deeply concerned about the establishment of a checkpoint by Azerbaijan in the Lachin corridor, which is "the only land connection between Nagorno-Karabakh" and Armenia.

"This action clearly undermines the peace process and stability in the entire region. We call on the Azerbaijani authorities to reopen the Lachin corridor. It must remain open and unhindered to ensure the free movement of people and goods," the Canadian Minister said. -16B-