This was stated by Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, in an interview with La Repubblica.
“We are closer to peace than ever before, but there are obstacles that prevent progress. The first is Armenia’s Constitution, which, in the section on the declaration of independence, contains a reference to the reunification of Armenia with Azerbaijani territories in Karabakh. We want to achieve peace not only with the Armenian government but also with the people of the country, who should demand a referendum to amend the Constitution, renouncing claims to Azerbaijani territories,” he said.
According to him, it is crucial for Azerbaijan to have guarantees against the return of revanchism, which undermines peace in the region.
“A referendum is needed in which Armenians demonstrate that they do not support claims to Karabakh,” the official added.
He also noted that Armenia’s militarization should be “responsible and proportional,” expressing concern over Yerevan’s purchase of long-range missiles from France, which could target Azerbaijani cities.
“The best solution for Armenia would be neutrality, not the formation of military alliances against Azerbaijan,” Hajiyev emphasized.
According to him, Baku perceives attempts by some Western countries with “colonial experience,” including France, to mistakenly support Armenia’s revanchist ambitions.
“This is counterproductive for all of Europe,” he noted.
Baku, he said, considers self-defense its right. Hajiyev also acknowledged that overcoming ethnic hatred is very difficult and requires time. He pointed out that the ancestors of many Azerbaijanis came from present-day Armenian lands, including Yerevan, which was historically an Azerbaijani city before being incorporated into the Russian Empire.
“Azerbaijanis with roots in these territories should have the opportunity to return to their origins. But this does not imply any territorial claims or violations of Armenia’s sovereignty,” Hajiyev explained.
