Condemnation of Aliyev's Provocative Statements in Shushi by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

Armenia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan responded to a question from journalists.

Question: The representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the Russian side has always supported the implementation of humanitarian contacts between Armenian and Azerbaijani societies. Are there any preconditions for such programs?

Answer: We highly appreciate Russia's efforts to establish peace and stability in the region. The Armenian side has consistently supported humanitarian communication between societies in the region, which should be based on mutual respect and tolerance, with the aim of building trust between the parties. Certainly, appropriate preconditions must precede such programs.

Recent statements made by the Azerbaijani leadership demonstrate that Azerbaijan is still not ready for this. Moreover, the creation of obstacles concerning the return of Armenian prisoners of war, the issuance of a postage stamp glorifying the ethnic cleansing of Armenians, as well as the continuous threats from President Aliyev, testify that Azerbaijan is challenging the efforts of international mediators to create a climate of trust.

Particularly condemnable are the provocative statements made by the President of Azerbaijan in the city of Shushi, as well as attempts to present the targeted St. Savior Ghazanchetsots Church as Azerbaijan's 'military trophy and symbol of victory' during the war.

These realities indicate that the conflict is still far from being resolved, and a peace process is essential for establishing lasting peace in the region.