E. Mammadyarov: Azerbaijan for bilateral cooperation with the EU

Protracted conflicts pose persisting challenges to the peace and cooperation in the Eastern Partnership. The ongoing occupation of the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan by Armenia is a serious factor of instability in the region. Armenia continues to ignore the relevant four UN SC Resolutions through attempts to ignore them. Azerbaijan has aligned itself with OSCE Minsk Group calls to start drafting a Comprehensive Peace Agreement. However, Armenia evades from any constructive engagement that envisages change of status-quo in the settlement of the conflict. In this case, Armenia will continue to bear the entire responsibility for any escalation in the conflict.

Establishment of peace and stability as well as good neighbourly relations in the region is contingent upon the restoration of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders. Armenian armed forces must withdraw from the territories which do not belong to them. The expelled Azerbaijani population should be able to exercise their right to return to their places of origin safely and with dignity.    

We strongly advocate for a tailored approach in our relations within the future ENP. The new modalities of our cooperation will be reflected in the draft bilateral Agreement of strategic partnership that formally presented to the Commissioner for European Neighborhood and Enlargement Johannes Hahn and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini. 

On the Declaration, I would like to stress that the Republic of Azerbaijan is building its relations with EU based on bilateral track. —06D--