In the interview, Amirbayov discussed recent anti-terrorist operations in Karabakh. He stated that the operations targeted military objectives: “They were directed against formations of the Armenian armed forces present on our sovereign territory… Civilians were never our target. I reiterate that our objective was legitimate military targets.”
Amirbayov also emphasized that the unlawful separatists announced the dissolution of their structure: “Currently, we are in dialogue with representatives of the Armenian community. We have already held three meetings with them.”
Responding to the question about the reasons for the Armenians leaving Karabakh, Amirbayov said, “Yes, that’s a very good question… The fact is that the decision to leave their homes was a personal and voluntary one. We regret this. I want to reiterate that these people certainly retain the right to return to their homes.”
Elchin Amirbayov denied allegations of the road being blocked by Azerbaijani eco-activists between Armenia and Karabakh. He declared, “Throughout these months, the International Committee of the Red Cross was there. It’s not true. The road was blocked to prevent the transportation of mines, military equipment, as well as Armenian servicemen.”
Amirbayov also spoke about ongoing negotiations with Armenia and Azerbaijan’s aspiration to reach a peace agreement. He highlighted historical events, claiming that Azerbaijanis faced ethnic cleansing by Armenia, and added, “The double standards policy must finally come to an end… Our citizens have the same rights as everyone else.”
Reminding that a UN mission visited the territories liberated from occupation, the Presidential representative reported that the mission also included representatives from various international media outlets: “They confirmed that a few hundred people remained there… Today, it’s essential to find ways to ensure coexistence. For both Azerbaijanis and Armenians.”
