Hikmet Hajiyev: Armenia’s Leadership Entirely Responsible for Consequences of Current Conflict Escalation

Baku / 27.09.20 / Turan: Official Baku accused the military-political leadership of Armenia of the current escalation of the Karabakh conflict.

“According to the Ministry of Defense, on September 27, 2020, at about 06:00, the Armenian armed forces violated the ceasefire and attacked the positions of the Azerbaijani army on the front line, as well as subjected the villages of Gapanli of the Tartar region, Chiragli and Orta-Garvand of the Aghdam region, Alkhanly and Shukurbeyli of the Fizuli region, and Jojug Marjanli of the Jabrayil region to shelling from large-caliber weapons, mortars and artillery of various calibers," the statement of the presidential aide, head of the foreign policy department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev said.

The shelling of civilians and objects by the Armenian armed forces in densely populated front-line areas was deliberate and purposeful. There are reports of civilian and military casualties. Numerous houses and civilian objects were badly damaged.

“The Armenian armed forces continue to intensively fire at our positions and settlements in the frontline zone. Armenia's deliberate attacks on settlements and civilians are a gross violation of international humanitarian law, including the 1949 Geneva Convention. The attack on civilians is a tactic included in the combat readiness of the armed forces of Armenia, and the most obvious example is the Khojaly genocide in February 1992,” Hajiyev said.

The attacks of the Armenian armed forces on the positions of the Azerbaijani army, and the shelling of civilians and objects from large-caliber weapons are another act of Armenian military aggression and the use of violence against Azerbaijan in contradiction with international law, he continued.

The Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan are taking the necessary counter-offensive measures to prevent new military aggression from Armenia and ensure the safety of the civilian population.

Azerbaijan has repeatedly warned the international community that Armenia is preparing for a new act of aggression and war. Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated that the ongoing military aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan and the presence of the Armenian armed forces in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan is a serious threat to regional peace and stability.

In the context of the general debates of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly and the fight against the global pandemic COVID-19, the political and military leadership of Armenia resorted to another military adventure and provocation. By these actions, the Armenian leadership once again demonstrates disrespect for international law, the UN Charter and the international community.

 «All responsibility for the current situation and further development of events rests entirely with the political and military leadership of Armenia,» Hajiyev said in conclusion. -0-