Criminal elements must be withdrawn from Karabakh - Ilham Aliyev

Baku/18.01.23/Turan: The illegal exploitation of Azerbaijan's natural resources in the territories where Russian peacekeepers are temporarily stationed should be stopped, and criminal elements should be withdrawn from Karabakh. This was stated today by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Davos at a meeting with the head of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda.

As reported on the website of the President of Azerbaijan, during the conversation, an exchange of views took place on the course of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, on a peace treaty, on the situation on the Lachin road.

Armenia is manipulating the events on the Lachin road to mislead the international community by claiming that the road is closed. The road is open to civilians and civilian cargo, and the free movement of humanitarian cargo through the International Committee of the Red Cross is also ensured, Aliyev said.

He stressed the importance of stopping the illegal exploitation of the natural resources of Karabakh and the withdrawal of "criminal elements" from there.

Aliyev stressed that the Armenian side has been using the Lachin road for more than two years to transport mines, ammunition and military personnel.

The sides also noted the importance of the trilateral EU-Azerbaijan-Armenia format with the participation of the President of the Council of the European Union Charles Michel to promote the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia. -06B-