NCDF Accuses Azerbaijani Authorities of Pandering to Iranian-Armenian Cooperation

Baku / 09.05.20 / Turan: The National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF) issued a statement accusing the Azerbaijani authorities of indulging Iranian-Armenian cooperation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

In a statement, in particular, it is noted that in 2016 an agreement was signed between Azerbaijan and Iran to continue the construction, operation, use of energy and water resources of hydroelectric power stations and the Khudaferin and Giz Galasy (Maiden Tower) hydroelectric power stations. According to the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the construction and operation of hydroelectric power stations and the Khudaferin and Maiden Tower hydroelectric power stations should be based on the sovereignty, territorial integrity and interests of both countries.

However, according to media reports, the Iranian side, referring to the agreement, is building bridges over the Araz River, despite the fact that the neighboring territories of Azerbaijan are under the occupation of Armenia.

The National Council of Democratic Forces regards the signing of this agreement with Iran and thus the actual consent of the Government of Azerbaijan to the construction by Tehran of facilities in the territory occupied by Armenia as "a betrayal of the national and state interests of Azerbaijan."

The NCDF believes that the constructed bridges across Araz will serve to create more reliable and convenient communications between Iran and the occupation regime in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The opening of these communications will serve to strengthen the occupiers in the occupied territories and deepen the political relations of the illegal regime with Iran. It is possible that the technical capabilities of hydropower plants and hydroelectric power stations will contribute to ensuring the energy security of the occupation regime.

“By signing this shameful agreement, the Azerbaijani government became the political, economic and social donor of the Republic of Armenia, occupying 20 percent of our lands, and expanding its puppet regime in Karabakh, creating favorable conditions for its survival and strengthening,” the NCDF said in a statement.

Two days ago, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov said that the agreement is based on the principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the two states. The agreement in accordance with UN resolutions emphasizes the importance of restoring the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, he said.

“As the Iranian embassy noted, the Iranian side perceives part of the fastenings and bridges that fall on the territory of Azerbaijan within the framework of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. This is reflected in the valid Agreement ratified by the parliaments of the two countries,” Khalafov said. -06B-