What Issues Were Discussed During Meetings: The Integration Program for Armenians of Artsakh

The Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan has detailed aspects of the integration program for the ethnic Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh. It was reported that Ramin Mamedov, responsible for contacts with the Armenian residents of Karabakh, discussed these topics during meetings with representatives from Artsakh in Yevlakh and Ivanian (Khojaly).

According to them, integration is being carried out within the framework of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, based on the Constitution of Azerbaijan, its laws, and international obligations. Regardless of ethnic, religious, or linguistic affiliation, equality of rights and freedoms is guaranteed for everyone, including security for each individual.

Legal and Administrative Sector

The governance in areas inhabited by Armenian residents is managed through special representatives of the President of Azerbaijan. Residents can be involved in the work of these special representatives. Communities are formed through elections in accordance with Azerbaijan’s legislation. Issues of residents' citizenship are resolved based on relevant procedures compliant with the Constitution and laws of Azerbaijan.

Security Sector

The process of disarmament and demobilization is being completed, and all weapons are being confiscated from the residents. Azerbaijan’s internal affairs bodies ensure the maintenance of public order and the safety of the residents. Residents can be engaged in employment within the internal affairs bodies.

Economic Sector

Provision of physical and social infrastructures (education, healthcare, energy, gas, water, roads, communication, melioration, etc.) in the areas inhabited by residents is being brought to the national average over a certain period of time. A package of incentive measures, including tax and customs exemptions related to the special economic regime introduced to accelerate economic development in Nagorno-Karabakh and eastern Zangezur, is applied to the areas inhabited by residents.

The complete circulation of Azerbaijan's national currency is ensured. Support measures for entrepreneurial activities carried out in the areas inhabited by residents are being implemented. Preferential loans, interest subsidies, guarantees for loans, and other financial instruments applicable in the country, aimed at expanding access to finance for economic operators, are extended to the areas where Armenians reside. Farmers are provided with subsidies, being exempt from all taxes except land tax. Issues of property are regulated in accordance with Azerbaijan's legislation.

Social Sector

The system of wages and social payments applied throughout the country is extended to residents. Social benefits, services, and employment programs available in Nagorno-Karabakh and eastern Zangezur are accessible to residents. Residents also benefit from mobile services (Mobile Asan and Mobile Dost).

Culture, Education, and Religion Sector

Residents are guaranteed the right to preserve and develop their culture and ethnocultural characteristics. Freedom of religion and the preservation of cultural and religious monuments are ensured. Opportunities for using the Armenian language are provided. Contacts with representatives of Armenian residents will continue toward the practical implementation of the integration process.