Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, provided a comprehensive interview to Al Arabiya TV channel, discussing the recently initialed agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The interview aired on August 26, focusing on the peace process mediated by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev expressed optimism regarding the historic agreement signed in Washington. He emphasized that the agreement marked the end of a long-standing conflict with Armenia, which had occupied Azerbaijani territories since the 1990s. Aliyev highlighted that the ceasefire in 1994 led to prolonged and unproductive negotiations until 2020 when Azerbaijan reclaimed its territories in the Second Karabakh War. The President noted that the peace process was initiated by Azerbaijan, leading to the drafting of a peace agreement that was supported by President Trump.
Aliyev explained that the formal signing of the peace agreement is pending a constitutional amendment in Armenia, which currently questions Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. He suggested that the agreement's initialing in the presence of Trump signifies the conflict's resolution and opens new regional opportunities. Aliyev also addressed potential political changes in Armenia, expressing hope that they would not disrupt the peace process. He highlighted the international community's support for the agreement, stressing that any deviation by Armenia could harm its relations with the U.S. and other global allies.
Furthermore, the interview touched on the dissolution of the Minsk Group, a condition set by Azerbaijan, given the group's original mandate to address the Karabakh conflict. Aliyev noted that with Armenia's recognition of Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, the Minsk Group's existence was rendered obsolete. He stated that the process of resettling refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) is underway, with significant infrastructure reconstruction in liberated territories.
The discussion also covered the strategic Zangezur Corridor, also known as the Trump Route, which aims to connect Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan and Europe. Aliyev underscored the corridor's importance for regional connectivity and economic development, noting that it would transform Armenia into a transit country. He addressed concerns from Iran, affirming that the corridor poses no threat and highlighting Azerbaijan's cooperation with Iran on alternative routes.
Regarding relations with Russia, Aliyev expressed disappointment over the shooting down of an Azerbaijani plane and subsequent incidents involving Azerbaijani citizens. He emphasized Azerbaijan's desire to maintain constructive relations while responding firmly to any aggression.
Aliyev also addressed Azerbaijan's mediation role in Middle Eastern conflicts, noting efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Syria. He highlighted Azerbaijan's humanitarian aid to Syria and the provision of natural gas to alleviate energy shortages. Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan's support for territorial integrity and condemned any form of separatism.
In response to questions about Azerbaijan's role in the Organization of Turkic States, Aliyev emphasized the importance of strengthening the organization through concrete projects and fostering unity among Turkic-speaking nations. He envisioned the organization as a significant global actor promoting stability and opportunities for its members and neighbors.