(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 15. The tripartite
statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian
Federation and the statement of 15 July 2023 commenting on the
peace process are both misunderstood and disappointing, trend reports citing
Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.
The statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry does not comply
with the Declaration on Mutual Cooperation between the Republic of
Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation and the speeches of the
President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in support of
the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, including
the Karabakh region.
"It is unacceptable for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Russian Federation to interpret and condition the territorial
integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the
context of the fact that Armenia, which has occupied our
territories for almost 30 years, recognizes Karabakh as part of
Azerbaijan.
It was Azerbaijan that put forward five basic principles for
establishing relations with Armenia after the 44-day Patriotic War,
a proposal to conclude a peace treaty, as well as an initiative to
delimit the border, and is the author of all the initial documents
in these areas. At present, the Azerbaijani side is taking
practical steps towards promoting a peace agreement.
Our country has always demonstrated loyalty to the tripartite
statements signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and the
Russian Federation.
However, from the first day of signing the said tripartite
statement, the Armenian side did not fulfill many provisions of the
statement, and the Russian side did not ensure the full
implementation of the statement within the framework of its
obligations.
Despite Azerbaijan's repeated warnings about illegal activities
using the Lachin road, the transport of military cargo and mines
from Armenia to Azerbaijan, the rotation of illegal military units,
the smuggling of third-country nationals into the territory,
nothing has been done to prevent these actions.
The Azerbaijani side has established the Lachin BCP in
accordance with the legislation of Azerbaijan and international
norms in order to prevent illegal activities in the country and
ensure transparency. Over the past few months, hundreds of
Armenians have been allowed through this checkpoint in a regulated
and transparent manner. Despite this, the Armenian side still did
not stop its military provocations against Azerbaijan.
In this context, it is clear to everyone that there are no
grounds for attempts to politicize the creation of the Lachin BCP,
which is the sovereign right of Azerbaijan, and statements about
the tense humanitarian situation in the region.
Despite the foregoing, contrary to the 2020 tripartite
statement, to which the Russian Federation is a party, the complete
withdrawal of the remnants of the Armenian armed forces located on
the territory of Azerbaijan has not yet been ensured. On the
contrary, support for the Armenian armed forces is carried out in
the region under the supervision of the Russian peacekeeping
contingent.
Along with this, it is known that unhindered communication
between the western regions of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan
Autonomous Republic under various pretexts is hindered.
Azerbaijan is interested in ensuring peace and tranquility in
the region and will continue its efforts in this direction," the
statement said.