Statements Made from Baku Regarding Issues Related to the RA Constitution

Azerbaijan’s Assistant to the President Hikmet Hajiyev stated that Armenia has kept Azerbaijani territories under military occupation for nearly three decades and has committed acts of vandalism in those lands, while the international community prepares and implements so-called 'Marshall Plans' for that country.

'It is Azerbaijan that has faced military aggression from Armenia. The military actions took place on Azerbaijani territory, not the other way around. There have been no combat actions or destruction at all on Armenian territory,' he said.

He added that third countries, particularly France, are continuing attempts to inflame tensions in the South Caucasus region through Armenia's militarization. Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijan, for its part, continues to support a peace agenda in the region.

'In order for a climate of trust to fully prevail in the region, a verification mechanism regarding Armenia’s militarization must be activated. We must be prepared for that. The countries that are supplying arms to Armenia, a nation that has held foreign territories under occupation for decades, must understand that they bear responsibility for any possible consequences,' he stated.

According to Hajiyev, the Armenian side itself must determine the level of its participation in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). He noted that Azerbaijan has sent invitations to all parties to participate in COP29.

'It is Azerbaijan's duty as the host country for the event. Invitations have been sent to all participating countries. Naturally, a decision must be made by all participating states, including Armenia,' said Hikmet Hajiyev.

He emphasized that 'Armenia must constitutionally abandon its utopian aspirations of joining Karabakh.' Hajiyev pointed out that following this, the negotiation process could proceed more swiftly.

'The latest proposals regarding the text of the peace agreement were sent by Armenia to the Azerbaijani side more than 70 days after receiving them. That is a very long duration. If Armenia is serious about advancing the peace agreement and is interested in this matter, the mere act of responding within 70 days raises questions,' he said.

He highlighted that the parties have certain agreements on most of the articles of the peace agreement, but considerable work still remains to be done. 'This primarily pertains to issues related to the Constitution of Armenia. Territorial claims against Azerbaijan must be ceased in it. Having territorial claims against our country is a troubling issue for us. Peace treaties are usually signed not only with any government but also with the people. Our expectation is that the changes to the Constitution of Armenia needed to reach a peaceful settlement will be carried out through a referendum,' the Azerbaijani side noted.