Armenian Foreign Ministry Statement on Aliyev's Remarks

The Armenian Foreign Ministry has issued a statement regarding the speech of the President of Azerbaijan.

The statement notes: "Today, during a meeting with representatives of so-called 'Western Azerbaijan' on December 24, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, reiterated thoughts that once again demonstrate that the leadership of this state is not at all interested in establishing peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

Moreover, he openly acknowledges the fact of the occupation of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia through the use of force, while also issuing new territorial demands against the Republic of Armenia and threats of the use of force, showing clear disregard for both international law and international partners.

Statements made by Azerbaijan's leader, which contradict the agreements reached in Prague and Sochi this year, reflect the aspirations of Azerbaijan's leadership aimed at undermining the peace process.

All justifications presented regarding the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor bear no relevance to reality. These, along with other aggressive actions previously carried out by Azerbaijan against the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, are part of a persistent policy to subject the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to ethnic cleansing.

Once again emphasizing the Armenian side's determination to build peace and stability in the region, we call on the international community to compel Azerbaijan through targeted statements and actions to cease its warlike and expansionist rhetoric, fulfill its own commitments, withdraw Azerbaijani troops from the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, and restore the normal operation of the Lachin corridor."