Armenian Side Acknowledges the Fact but Takes No Action: Amirbekov

Elchin Amirbekov, the representative for special assignments in Azerbaijan's presidential office, spoke in an interview with Azatutyun about Azerbaijan's territorial claims against Armenia, the ongoing negotiation process, the potential peace treaty, and possible outcomes.

Amirbekov stated, "Armenia and Azerbaijan are mature enough to resolve remaining issues independently. Borrell has essentially accused Azerbaijan of avoiding negotiations, which is complete absurdity." He also mentioned that the accusations regarding territorial ambitions are "intended as a trick, aimed at diverting attention from Armenia's claims against Azerbaijan."

Commenting on Borrell's remarks, Amirbekov remarked, "No one in Azerbaijan has interpreted his words as an intention to go further and occupy Armenian territory. All of this is simply tricks." Amirbekov pointed out that there are several similar assertions in Armenia's official statements and legislation. For instance, when Armenia's legislative body ratified the 1991 Alma-Ata agreements, recognizing the borders of Soviet republics as the borders of newly independent states, lawmakers added the qualification that this does not pertain to Nagorno-Karabakh.

Similarly, Amirbekov discussed Armenia's recent applications to the European Court of Human Rights, which, according to him, imply a claim against Azerbaijan: "During our negotiations, as well as through comments and various exchanges, we have repeatedly drawn the Armenian side's attention to these facts," he said.

"The Armenian side acknowledges that this is a fact, but nothing is being done. ... When they try to deceive, if one can say so, attempting to place the entire blame and responsibility on our shoulders and at the same time still harbor those territorial claims deep down, it will not work," Amirbekov stated.