Pashinyan`s claims about ethnic cleansing are absurd - Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry

Baku/27.04.23/Turan: The statement of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that the creation of a border checkpoint on the Lachin road is aimed at “ethnic cleansing" is unacceptable and absurd, the comment of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry in response to Pashinyan's statements at today's meeting of the Armenian government.

"Any interference by the Armenian side in the issue of the establishment of a border checkpoint by Azerbaijan on its sovereign territory is an encroachment on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, and this contradicts Armenia's commitments made in Prague and Sochi, as well as the norms and principles of international law.

Such statements by the Armenian side  do not contribute to peace and tranquility in the region,  and  are aimed at increasing tension," the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry emphasizes.

After the 44-day war, contrary to the provisions of the trilateral declaration, Armenia used the Lachin road for illegal activities, transportation of ammunition and mines, and did not ensure the complete withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the territory of Azerbaijan.

The creation of a border checkpoint will prevent provocations from Armenia, will serve to effectively prevent these illegal activities. "It is completely wrong to assess the establishment of this point, which will regulate the entry-exit regime, as a road closure," the commentary notes.

On the other hand, Azerbaijan has the authority and sovereign rights to the Lachin Road and guarantees the safety of citizens, vehicles and cargo within the framework of its obligations.

"The absurd statement of the Armenian Prime Minister that the creation of a border checkpoint is aimed at "ethnic cleansing" is unacceptable. There are appropriate conditions for transparent, safe and orderly travel of local Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan in both directions," the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's commentary further states.

As for Pashinyan's statements about the need to send an international fact-finding mission to the Lachin road and international mechanisms of dialogue between Karabakh Armenians and Baku, "the Azerbaijani side will carry out a dialogue with Armenian residents within the framework of the country's legislation, and the interference of third parties in this matter is unacceptable."

"Instead of making unfounded statements, we call on the Armenian side to responsibly and constructively approach the negotiations on a peace treaty, which they have refused since December last year.

We call on you to comply with the obligations arising from the trilateral statement, including the opening of communications, the complete withdrawal of your forces from Azerbaijani territories, and to refrain from steps against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan," the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's commentary stresses. --06B--