Azerbaijan Rejects Armenian Allegations, Calls for Genuine Commitment to Peace Treaty
Baku, The Gulf Observer: The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan has strongly condemned what it described as “unfounded allegations” made by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan during a press conference with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira on March 20.
In an official statement, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry accused the Armenian side of engaging in manipulations rather than addressing challenges that hinder the signing of a peace treaty. “Unfortunately, instead of working to eliminate the challenges that stand in the way of signing the peace treaty, the Armenian side is engaged in manipulations by labeling Azerbaijan as a country that is not interested in peace,” the statement read.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reiterated that it was Armenia, not Azerbaijan, that had initiated aggression, engaged in ethnic cleansing of Azerbaijanis, and occupied Azerbaijani territories for nearly 30 years. “Azerbaijan has never pursued a policy of aggression against Armenia and has never been interested in a situation that turned the region into a zone of confrontation,” the statement emphasized.
The statement also countered claims by Mirzoyan regarding Armenia’s supposed role in facilitating the finalization of the peace treaty. According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Armenia had consistently delayed the process over the past two and a half years by introducing unacceptable propositions. “It was due to Azerbaijan’s diplomacy and measures that enabled us to conclude the negotiations on the text,” the ministry asserted, while also making it clear that Armenia must address remaining challenges before the treaty can be signed.
Furthermore, Azerbaijan dismissed Armenia’s assertions regarding proposals on communication and arms control mechanisms, calling them misleading. “When the Armenian Foreign Minister and other officials state that Azerbaijan has not provided a positive response to so-called proposals, it seems that the Armenian side either does not follow the related comments by the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan or suffers from dishonesty and a desire for attention, validation, or to manipulate others,” the statement read.
Regarding the issue of detainees of Armenian origin, Azerbaijan reiterated its sovereign right to investigate and prosecute individuals charged with war crimes, ethnic cleansing, military aggression, and other serious offenses under international and domestic law. The ministry also urged Armenia to address unresolved humanitarian concerns, including ensuring the safe and dignified return of displaced Azerbaijanis, providing information on the whereabouts of approximately 4,000 missing Azerbaijanis, and cooperating in the provision of landmine maps.
“Azerbaijan will continue its peace efforts in all directions and will resolutely prevent any steps against this process,” the statement concluded.
