Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia regarding the speech of the President of Azerbaijan

“Today, on December 24, the thoughts expressed by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during the meeting with the representatives of the so-called “Western Azerbaijan” once again prove that the leadership of this state is in no way interested in the establishment of peace and stability in the South Caucasus. Moreover, the latter not only openly accepts the fact of the occupation of the sovereign territory of Armenia through the use of force but also makes new territorial demands and threats of force towards the Republic of Armenia, shows open disdain for both international law and international partners.

The statements of the Azerbaijani leader, which contradict the agreements reached in Prague and Sochi this year, reflect the aspirations of the Azerbaijani leadership aimed at the termination of the peace process.

All the justifications made in the speech regarding the illegal blockade of Lachin Corridor have nothing to do with reality. This and other previous aggressive actions carried out by Azerbaijan against the people of Nagorno Karabakh are part of the consistent policy of ethnic cleansing of the people of Nagorno Karabakh.

Once again emphasising the determination of the Armenian side to build peace and stability in the region, we call on international partners, through targeted statements and actions, to oblige Azerbaijan to halt the warmongering and maximalist rhetoric, fulfil the assumed commitments, withdraw the Azerbaijani troops from the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia and restore the regular functioning of the Lachin Corridor.”