Azerbaijan Announces Installation of 13 Automatic Hydroelectric Power Plants on Karabakh Rivers: 'Checkpoint'

The analytical center 'Checkpoint' has summarized and published brief information regarding significant events linked to Azerbaijan over the past week.

'Opening of the Military Trophy Park'
On April 12, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the 'Military Trophy Park' and met with military personnel. Azerbaijani media noted that more than 300 exhibits are displayed in the 5 hectares of the park, including up to 150 heavy military vehicles, tanks, combat vehicles, artillery systems, and anti-aircraft missile systems.

The park also showcases remnants of 'Iskander-M' missiles, presented as missiles launched towards Shushi. Aliyev claimed that the value of Armenian weapons destroyed and captured by their armed forces during the war is estimated at $5 billion. Along with the displayed military equipment, mannequins representing Armenian armed forces personnel, personal belongings of soldiers from Armenia and Artsakh, and helmets of fallen Armenian soldiers are also exhibited. Starting from April 14, the park is open to visitors, and the 'park' website has also been launched.

Over the week, delegations from 15 countries visited the park. Published information in Azerbaijani media reveals that former American co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza also visited the park, often utilized by official Baku in their propaganda.

The Italian architectural company '120 grammi' denied its involvement in the construction of the 'Victory Museum' in Azerbaijan. Journalists from France 24, The Guardian, BuzzFeed, The Times, Bloomberg, Bild, and several other media outlets, alongside current and former political figures and various human rights organizations, including Freedom House, criticized Aliyev for the opening of the 'Military Trophy Park'. They compared Aliyev to Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein, calling him a dictator and deranged. Many raised the issues of Armenian prisoners of war and the right to self-determination in Artsakh.

In an interview with journalists, the Ambassador of France to Armenia, Jonathan Lacôte, stated that war should not be a subject for staging, emphasizing that the priority now is finding a solution to the conflict and returning the prisoners. In response, Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised the French diplomat to pay attention to how certain issues are resolved in his country before commenting on any matters.

Greek politician and Member of the European Parliament Nikos Androulakis condemned the opening of the 'Military Trophy Park' in Baku, stating on his social media that Aliyev 'insults the memory of Armenian soldiers' by opening a 'symbol of barbarity'.

Developments Around Lukashenko's Visit to Baku and Azerbaijan's Integration into the EAEU
On April 13, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko arrived in Baku. Some Russian media outlets circulated information stating that Lukashenko traveled to Baku after consulting with Putin to initiate Azerbaijan's integration process with the EAEU. The informal meeting between Aliyev and Lukashenko lasted 5 hours and concluded only at midnight. On April 14, an official meeting was held where topics included trade, tourism, healthcare, and agriculture.

Lukashenko suggested that Aliyev deepen cooperation concerning energy supplies. The Belarusian ambassador in Azerbaijan announced plans for Belarus to buy 1 million tons of oil from Azerbaijan by 2021. During the visit, the Belarusian president mentioned that Belarus is willing to participate in the reconstruction of Karabakh. Lukashenko recounted how Aliyev proposed to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through financial means.

Aliyev, in turn, stated that Baku is interested in using Minsk's experience to create agro-industrial complexes for the development of territories captured from Artsakh. As a result of the meeting, memoranda of understanding and cooperation were signed in the fields of veterinary medicine, tourism, and energy. After his visit to Baku, Lukashenko had a phone conversation with Vladimir Putin, during which they also discussed the situation around Karabakh.

Russian media reported that by the end of April, working meetings between delegations from Russia and Armenia are under discussion in preparation for Azerbaijan's representation at the EAEU summit. The assistant to the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) chairman, Iya Malkina, announced that Azerbaijan and Tajikistan have been invited to participate in the EAEU intergovernmental council meeting scheduled for April 29-30 in Kazan. This proposal came from Kazakhstan. According to the organization's regulations, such participation requires the consent of all EAEU member states, including Armenia. Expert circles have suggested that Armenia may grant its consent under certain conditions.

Official Statements Regarding Azerbaijan
On April 13, during a conference titled 'New Perspective on the South Caucasus: Post-Conflict Developments and Cooperation' in Baku, Aliyev announced that despite the ceasefire being respected, many questions remain regarding post-war developments. Azerbaijan is ready to sign a peace agreement concerning Karabakh but sees no countermeasures from Yerevan in this direction. According to Aliyev, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is considered resolved and regulated.

Azerbaijan regards Armenians living in areas monitored by Russian peacekeepers as its citizens and has no plans for the use of force in their place of residence. Simultaneously, the Azerbaijani president expressed concern over Armenian military modernization programs supported by Russia, emphasizing that they have communicated their position to their Russian counterparts, and will prevent any attempts to regain control. He noted that the Azerbaijani border troops are directly adjacent to the Armenian side, yet no incidents have occurred, indicating a lack of military plans.

Stating that the Zangezur region, like Lake Sevan and Yerevan, are 'historical Azerbaijani territories', Aliyev assured that this does not imply territorial claims against Armenia. He emphasized that while they aim to return to the Zangezur corridor and utilize that route, they may also return to Yerevan over time.

Aliyev mentioned that Azerbaijan will create a new railway connection with Turkey via the Zangezur corridor, although it cannot open without Turkey's agreement and participation. According to the Azerbaijani leader, to normalize relations with Turkey, Armenia 'must revise its constitution' and abandon any territorial claims towards Turkey. Aliyev expressed hope that Baku expects proposals from the OSCE Minsk Group regarding establishing a peaceful life in the region, complaining that Baku has yet to receive any communication from the current U.S. administration regarding Karabakh. Reminding that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously contacted the Armenian Prime Minister, Aliyev noted that the co-chairing country of the Minsk Group should demonstrate a balanced approach.

During the conference, Aliyev also stated that Azerbaijan wants to increase the presence of Italian companies in the country and expressed gratitude to Italy for its perspectives on resolving the Karabakh conflict, acknowledging that it is not always easy to express oneself in the EU family, where forces supporting Armenia exist. The Azerbaijani president also expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its support for Azerbaijan.

On April 13, in Tehran, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, stated that they discussed the Karabakh issue and emphasized the importance of achieving a long-term political and diplomatic resolution to the conflict. On the same day, the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group issued a statement calling on the conflicting parties to resume high-level political dialogue as soon as possible under their auspices. They reminded the parties that additional efforts are needed to resolve the issues and create an atmosphere of mutual trust conducive to sustainable peace.

The EU's special representative for the South Caucasus and Georgia, Toivo Klaar, stated on his Twitter page that it is necessary to create an atmosphere of trust for cooperation between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 'If an agreement is reached on the rehabilitation and operation of reservoirs and canals, specifically the Joghaz and Abbasbeyli reservoirs, it would be a great option for cooperation between Armenia and Azerbaijan.'

During the week, a delegation led by Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Reznikov visited Agdam. He stated that Ukraine, being one of the largest grain producers, could be beneficial for the recovery of Azerbaijani-occupied territories in Artsakh. He emphasized that Ukraine is also a major producer of metals, which could also be helpful in the matter.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland stated that the U.S. must continue to exert pressure on Turkey regarding the S-400 systems and maintain the same stance on Syria, Libya, and the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. Senator Menendez urged Nuland to address the return of Armenian prisoners and the issues surrounding Artsakh.

Events Related to Azerbaijan's Military Sector
During the week, according to Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry, in line with the 2021 combat readiness plan, the Air Force's anti-aircraft troops conducted live-fire drills. The same plan also involved live-fire tactical exercises from the missile artillery units.

On April 14, a new unit began its operational and combat activities in the territory of Sanasar (Qubadli), near the border with Armenia, under the border patrol service. Throughout the week, information circulated regarding the crash of an Azerbaijani military helicopter in the Karvajar region occupied from Artsakh, although the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan did not provide information about the accident or the crew.

The Turkish Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar held a video conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart Zakir Hasanov, during which they discussed Turkish-Azerbaijani military exercises. During the conference, Akar stated that 'after the successful completion of the operation related to Karabakh, the Turkish fist fell on the heads of the Armenians.'

Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Marc Garneau announced the country's decision to suspend the supply of military technologies to Turkey that had been used in the recent war in Artsakh. The Canadian official reported that he spoke with his Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu on the morning of April 12 to reaffirm Canada's concerns.

The Chief Technology Officer of Turkish aviation giant 'Baykar' Selçuk Bayraktar stated that the suspension of Canada’s export permits for drone technologies to Turkey would not harm their company.

On the Issue of Prisoner Return
Russia's ambassador in Armenia Sergey Kopirkin stated that the issue of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan is one of Russia's priorities. According to him, persistent efforts are being made in this regard. In Armenia, Poland's ambassador Pavel Cheplak addressed the issue of Armenian prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan, noting that the main mediator should be the OSCE Minsk Group.

Protests demanding the return of Armenian prisoners to their homeland were held in Yerevan, in various cities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The President of the Migration Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Pierre-Alain Fridez expressed deep concern over the fate of those missing and prisoners as a result of the Artsakh war.

Regarding Azerbaijani Projects in Captured Territories
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced that in 2022, the phased return of citizens to areas captured from Artsakh will begin. Aliyev added that it is essential to create the necessary infrastructure for the return of citizens to these areas. Specifically, work has already begun on constructing highways, electricity transmission lines, and coordinating the operation of three airports and railways in the region.

Aliyev also mentioned that Azerbaijan will complete the main infrastructure projects in Karabakh within three years. According to the Azerbaijani president, they can finish the road passing through Meghri within 2 to 2.5 years if Armenia does not create artificial obstacles. Aliyev pointed out that considering the geographical position of Kovsakan (Zangelan), it can become an important transportation and logistics center.

Azerbaijani media reported that the State Agency of Roads of Azerbaijan plans to commission the 'Victory Road' (101 km) in September this year, which symbolizes the liberation of 'Shushi from occupation.' Currently, earthworks are underway. Three road bridges are being constructed along this road.

Azerbaijan's National Hydro-Meteorological Service Director Umayra Tagiyeva announced that 13 automatic hydroelectric power plants will be installed on the rivers of Karabakh.

Developments Around Regional Projects
Azerbaijani media have highlighted that the first container express train within the framework of the TURKUAZ project has arrived in Baku. It should be noted that the TURKUAZ project is a logistics route developed by Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. Under this program, cargo will be transported twice weekly between Istanbul-Baku, Mersin-Baku, and the return direction. TURKUAZ is expected to contribute to an increase in cargo transportation via the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway.

Construction is underway at the 'Khanoba' customs checkpoint located near the border with Russia. It is anticipated that the 'Khanoba' customs checkpoint will expedite goods transport through the North-South corridor and simplify border crossing processes.

Other Topics
On April 16, the EU Ambassador in Azerbaijan Kestutis Jankauskas was summoned by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry's press service reported that the ambassador was expressed discontent regarding the actions of the EU's special representative Toivo Klaar during his visit to Armenia, especially a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh, Davit Babayan, held on April 14. The ambassador was informed that Klaar's actions undermine the Azerbaijani side's trust in him.