Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry Calls on the European Union

Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has called on the European Union to refrain from "biased statements that undermine peace efforts in the region." This response from Baku comes after EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell made remarks about guaranteeing the rights of Armenians in Artsakh.

According to Azerbaijani media, the spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, Aykhan Hajizadeh, stated that "unfortunately, this response is yet another attempt by the EU's high representative to appease Armenians, as well as to advance claims that have no moral or factual basis."

"We reject these false and provocative statements. After the 2020 war, Azerbaijan, as a humanitarian gesture and in fulfillment of its obligations under international humanitarian law, has released and repatriated more than 200 Armenians classified as prisoners of war or detained," Hajizadeh added. He declared that all Armenian prisoners and civilians held in Azerbaijan have allegedly been treated in accordance with the requirements of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and have not been subjected to torture, abuse, or inhumane treatment. Each of them has received medical assistance, and the ICRC has had regular meetings with these individuals and communicated with their families.

"Regarding the comments about protecting the rights of Armenians who have migrated to Armenia and other countries, it should be noted that despite Azerbaijan's call for reintegration, its program, and steps taken in that direction, the local Armenians chose to leave our country and not return. At this critical moment, Azerbaijan expects the EU to refrain from biased statements that undermine peace efforts in the region," Hajizadeh stated.

It should be recalled that Borrell, in response to questions from Council of Europe parliamentarians, noted that the EU continues to urge Azerbaijan to guarantee the rights of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, including their right to return home without intimidation or discrimination.