Azerbaijan Strongly Rejects Armenia’s Misrepresentation of OIC Resolutions and Istanbul Declaration
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly denounced what it described as a “baseless and misleading” statement issued by the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 23, 2025, concerning the “Istanbul Declaration” and the resolutions adopted during the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
In a statement on Tuesday, Aykhan Hajizada, Spokesperson for Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, condemned Armenia’s efforts to distort the content of these internationally backed documents and misrepresent historical facts, calling it “yet another example of its persistent efforts to undermine the peace process and mislead the international community.”
OIC Resolutions Reflect Historical Truths
Hajizada emphasized that the resolutions adopted at the OIC meeting — including one affirming “the Right of Return of the Azerbaijanis Forcefully and Systematically Expelled from the Territory of the Present-Day Armenia” — are grounded in historical fact, international law, and the principles of justice.
“Contrary to Armenia’s claims, the systematic expulsions of Azerbaijanis from present-day Armenia were not voluntary but were marked by violence, intimidation, and gross violations of human rights,” he stated. “The OIC’s support for the right of return of these Azerbaijanis is a call for justice and the restoration of their fundamental rights — not a territorial claim, as falsely portrayed by Armenia.”
Clarification on Anti-Terror Measures and Occupation
Responding to Armenia’s criticism of Azerbaijan’s 2023 anti-terrorism measures, Hajizada underlined the importance of context. “Armenia’s reference to the 2023 anti-terror measures is equally misleading, as it omits nearly three decades of Armenia’s illegal occupation of Azerbaijani territories, which displaced over 700,000 Azerbaijanis and culminated in the restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty in 2023.”
The Khojaly Genocide: A Documented Atrocity
Hajizada also rejected Armenia’s dismissal of the OIC resolution on the Khojaly genocide, which the Armenian side labeled as a “distorted interpretation.” He stressed that the Khojaly massacre, in which 613 Azerbaijani civilians — including women and children — were brutally killed in February 1992 by Armenian armed forces, has been documented by international human rights organizations and recognized by multiple nations.
“Armenia’s refusal to acknowledge its responsibility for this and other war crimes, including the destruction of Azerbaijani cultural heritage during the occupation, further undermines its credibility in the peace process,” he stated.
Call for Genuine Commitment to Peace
While reaffirming Azerbaijan’s consistent advocacy for a comprehensive peace agreement based on mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, Hajizada criticized Armenia’s obstructive approach. “Armenia’s claim of commitment to peace is inconsistent with its actions,” he said, citing its reluctance to engage constructively in critical negotiations.
He welcomed the OIC’s call for Armenia to remove barriers to the conclusion of a peace agreement without further delay, noting that this reflects the broader expectations of the international community for long-term peace and stability in the South Caucasus.
Urging Armenia to Acknowledge Historical Responsibility
Concluding his remarks, Hajizada reiterated that Armenia’s efforts to politicize the OIC’s principled stance and deflect accountability will not deter Azerbaijan’s pursuit of a just and lasting peace. “We urge Armenia to abandon its revisionist rhetoric and acknowledge its historical responsibilities,” he said.
The 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Istanbul, reaffirmed the organization’s firm support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, historical justice, and the rights of Azerbaijani victims of occupation and aggression.
