We Will Not Go to Yerevan by Tanks, But on Foot, by Cars, and by Planes – Aliyev to France 24

“In my statements, you will never find signs of territorial claims. What I meant is a historical truth. The historical fact is that in 1920, the Soviet government decided to separate Zangezur, an integral part of Azerbaijan, and connect it to Armenia. And this decision was executed. This happened 101 years ago in 1920. When I spoke about our historical lands, I was not talking about territorial claims. You will not find this in any of my speeches,” said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in an interview with France 24, responding to questions regarding territorial claims, particularly concerning Armenia's capital Yerevan.

“We need to know our history. The younger generation should understand our ancient history, where we lived, and how we should return there. I am confident we will return there. I already said that we will not go there by tanks, but on foot, by cars, and by planes.

“Why should we not return there if a peace treaty is reached after the resolution of the situation? This is our legitimate right. But in answer to your question, I must draw the audience's attention to the fact that Armenia has territorial claims against Azerbaijan. They still insist that Nagorno-Karabakh does not belong to us. They still believe that it belongs to Armenia or is an ‘independent’ entity. There is no entity named Nagorno-Karabakh on the political and geographical map of Azerbaijan. Such an entity does not exist. Therefore, Armenia must first renounce its territorial claims against Azerbaijan and behave well. And we will respond appropriately,” Aliyev stated.