Belgian Foreign Minister: We want restrictions in the Lachin corridor

Baku/24.08.23/Turan:  On August 24,  among other issues, the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Belgium – Ceyhun Bayramov and Haji Lahbib discussed the issue of opening the Zangezur corridor, Bayramov stated at  the final press conference.

The role of the middle East-West corridor and the importance of the Zangezur corridor as a new branch of this global project were noted. He recalled that the opening of transport communications between Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomy is one of Armenia's obligations under the Trilateral Statement of November 10, 2020.

"Despite some progress on this issue, due to Armenia's position, it has not been possible to achieve a full result in 2.5 years," Bayramov said.

In general, in order to reach a peace agreement, it is necessary to end the occupation of Azerbaijani territories in accordance with the norms and principles of international law, mutual respect by countries for territorial integrity and sovereignty not only in words and statements, but also in real deeds.

In turn, the Belgian minister noted that one of the reasons for her visit to the region is "tension in the Karabakh region." Noting Azerbaijan's great efforts "to achieve peace with Armenia," Lakhbib said that in Yerevan she also told the Armenian Foreign Minister that "now there is a historic opportunity to achieve lasting peace.

"Of course, the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be respected. The heads of both countries also stated the importance of respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. Sincerity and courage are important. We must continue cooperation," the minister said.

“We want no restrictions in the Lachin corridor, it does not benefit, it limits opportunities. We want this issue to find its solution. We believe that Azerbaijan can responsibly resolve this issue," Lahbib said.

Bayramov, for his part, noted that Armenia's rejection of the routes proposed by Azerbaijan for the transportation of humanitarian goods politicizes the issue. Accepting humanitarian aid only along one road and rejecting other alternative routes means politicizing the issue. Armenia is doing exactly that." ----06B---