Baku: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev discussed the implications of past conflicts and current regional agreements in a recent interview with Al Arabiya TV channel, highlighting the enduring emotional impact of the First Karabakh War and the subsequent 2020 conflict victory. Aliyev emphasized that despite demands for revenge from some Azerbaijani citizens, he advocated for a measured response, framing their military success as sufficient retribution for past atrocities.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Aliyev stressed the significance of the Washington agreement, stating that it is not a personal accord between himself and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan but a formal agreement between the two nations. He warned that any future Armenian government challenging the agreement would face serious consequences due to the current regional power dynamics that favor Azerbaijan. Aliyev underscored the mutual recognition of territorial integrity as a fundamental aspect of international law and the bilateral agreement, suggesting that any deviation from this understanding by Armenia would compel Azerbaijan to respond in kind.

Aliyev concluded by expressing confidence in the rationality of future Armenian leadership in upholding the Washington agreement, emphasizing that the accord reflects the interest of both states rather than individual leaders. The Azerbaijani president reiterated that recognition of territorial integrity remains a critical component of their future interactions and any challenge to this principle would have significant repercussions.