Ilham Aliyev noted that new realities have emerged in the South Caucasus region. The President emphasized that recent events in the region should be viewed in the context of Armenia’s occupation and military aggression against Azerbaijan, which lasted nearly 30 years. It would be incorrect to form views on the future of the region without considering the consequences of the occupation and aggression. Ilham Aliyev stated that Armenia sought to perpetuate the occupation of Azerbaijani lands, and the mediation missions during the occupation were unsuccessful.
The head of state emphasized that Armenia did not fulfill its obligations arising from the statement of November 10, 2020, signed after the 44-day Patriotic War. Armenia not only failed to withdraw its armed forces from Karabakh but deliberately used this territory to transport military equipment, armed forces personnel, and mines. Armenia also did not fulfill its commitments to establish a connection between Eastern Zangezur and Nakhchivan.
Ilham Aliyev noted that these issues are now in the past. Currently, there are excellent opportunities for peace in the region. The head of state stressed that after the 44-day Patriotic War, it was Azerbaijan that initiated the signing of a peace treaty and its fundamental principles. The President noted that Azerbaijan advocates for lasting peace in the South Caucasus, supports the peace agenda, normalization of relations with Armenia, and the signing of a peace treaty.
The head of state added that although Azerbaijan has presented a clear and transparent program regarding the right to return and coexistence, Armenia denies the right of Azerbaijanis to return.
The meeting noted that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly could become an effective platform for establishing trust between the delegations of Armenia and Azerbaijan.