Having eliminated the occupation, Azerbaijan is ready for normalization of relations with Armenia - MFA

Baku/08.11.21/Turan: Following the elimination of the factor of occupation of its territories, Azerbaijan is ready to normalize relations with Armenia on the basis of strict observation of the international law principles. This is said in a statement of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry on the occasion of the Victory Day on November 8.

"As a result of the Patriotic War which began on September 27, 2020, in response to Armenia's provocations and another military aggression that continued for 44 days, Azerbaijan liberated its lands from occupation in line with requirements of the UN Security Council resolutions, as well as numerous resolutions and decisions of other international organizations.

Thus, the Azerbaijan's territorial integrity within its international borders was secured and rights of about one million Azerbaijani IDPs to live in their homes was restored," the statement says.

The Azerbaijani army liberated from the occupation more than 300 settlements, including the towns of Jabrail, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Gubadly and Shusha, that takes a special place in the history and culture of the Azerbaijani people. On November 10, 2020, in keeping with a trilateral statement signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia, military actions were ceased, and Armenia, recognizing its defeat, withdrew its armed forces from the Kalbajar, Agdam and Lachin regions. Thus, the conflict was resolved both militarily and politically.

In the post-war period Azerbaijan is faced with the necessity of restoring its liberated territories and clearing these territories of mines. This work is based on ensuring the safe and dignified return of Azerbaijani IDPs whose fundamental rights had been violated for decades, to their homes.

Azerbaijan has taken appropriate steps to investigate illegal activities, violations of international law and war crimes committed by Armenia during nearly 30 years of occupation, including the crimes of urbicide, culturecide, ecocide, so that those responsible for these crimes will be brought to international justice. 

The strategy of Azerbaijan's vision for the future is to ensure sustainable peace, development and progress. Having eliminated the occupation of its territories, Azerbaijan is poised to normalize relations with Armenia on the basis of strict compliance with the principles of international law, in particular the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of international borders. At this stage, full implementation of the trilateral statements is required to ensure the peace and security of the region, so Azerbaijan expects that the steps taken in this direction will be reciprocated by Armenia.

In this respect, the international community plays a positive role on this track to encourage Armenia realize that there is no alternative to peace. Attempts to directly or indirectly support revanchism in Armenia and its armament should be stopped, said a statement of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.-06B-