Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova has addressed a letter to heads of International Parliamentary Assemblies and parliament speakers of foreign countries, Press and Public Relations Department of the Milli Majlis told APA.

The letter states that in the fall of 2020, as a result of the 44-day Patriotic War, Azerbaijan ended the 30-year occupation of its lands by Armenia and restored its territorial integrity. Despite being a victim of the conflict, it was Azerbaijan that put forward a peace initiative for the establishment of long-term peace and stability in the South Caucasus and the normalization of relations with Armenia based on international legal norms and principles. Apart from that necessary steps have been taken towards the reintegration of the Armenian residents living in Karabakh into the Azerbaijani society.

The letter regrettably notes that over the past period, Armenia continued its military provocations against Azerbaijan and interfered in its internal affairs by using the Lachin road, and at the same time hindered the progress of the dialogue with the Armenians of Karabakh. In April 2023, the Republic of Azerbaijan implemented its sovereign right in accordance with the norms of international law and established the Lachin border checkpoint. This right of Azerbaijan was established in the last decision of the International Court of Justice. The fact that Armenia, unable to digest this, opened fire on an Azerbaijani border guard, desecrated our state flag, and attempted to use the Lachin road without permission clearly demonstrated the real attitude of this country to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, and how committed Armenia is to the peace process.

The letter draws attention to the fact that recent allegations made by Armenia about the emergence of a "tense humanitarian situation" in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and the alleged shortage of food and medicine for the Armenian residents living in the region are political manipulation aimed at confusing the international community and targeting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

It emphasizes that Azerbaijan proposed the Aghdam-Khankandi road for the transportation of humanitarian goods to the city of Khankandi and surrounding villages, and this proposal received support at the international level. The closure of the Aghdam-Khankandi road by the separatists reveals the true intentions of the forces that launched this campaign. The aim is to disrupt the peace process and prevent the reintegration of the Armenian residents of Karabakh into the Azerbaijani society.

The letter notes that Azerbaijan has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to constructive dialogue for building peace and stability in the region and will continue its efforts in this regard. At the same time, the rights of Armenian residents living in Karabakh will be ensured based on the country's Constitution and laws.

At the end of the letter, the speaker states that the international community should show a responsible approach, should not be deceived by the manipulations of the Armenian side, and should explain to Armenia the need to be committed to constructive dialogue.

Source: Azeri-Press News Agency