New Lachin road – New milestone
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By Anar Huseynov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Albania
Over the past few weeks, the world media has published articles and interviews on recent developments in our region. Regretfully, in some cases, information is presented either in a biased way or without proper research. So, I will avail the courtesy of “Tirana Times” to inform its readers on real developments on the spot with a focus on new Lachin road to connect Armenia to Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.
As is known, the Second Karabakh war ended with signing of a trilateral statement between Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia on November 10, 2020. Some provisions of the statement regarding liberation of territories occupied around Karabakh have been fulfilled by Armenia but others not less important are still pending. So, pursuant to Article 4 of the trilateral statement which reads: “the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation shall be deployed in parallel with the withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces” units of the Armed Forces of Armenia and those of separatist regime should have left our sovereign territory as of November 2020. But as documentary proves and Yerevan acknowledges Armenian armed forces are still in Azerbaijan, which is a major reason for tensions and causalities in the area. The bloody incident and killings of early August are also the result of Armenia’s failure to fulfill its obligations. Following every tension Armenia accuses Azerbaijan of “aggressive activity”, that it is clearly Armenia with its military units held the territories of a neighboring state under the occupation for about 30 years, and, after the end of the occupation policy, has not yet withdrawn its illegal armed units from the Azerbaijani territories. The Republic of Azerbaijan ensures the security and integrity of its territory on legal grounds.
As for Article 6 of the trilateral statement, which provided for construction of a new road connecting Armenia to Karabakh region of Azerbaijan within the next three years with the following relocation of Russian peacekeeping forces, Baku has fulfilled its commitment and built 32 kilometers long road in just one year. The route of the new road was determined and agreed upon though the Russian mediation in accordance with the said statement. Armenia was also informed about the point of access at the border, so that they can bring their new road to that point. Yerevan, in its turn, while witnessing construction process on our territory remained still and ignorant to the construction of a part of the road on its territory. By doing so, Armenia in fact has shown its disregard for the comfort and well-being of ethnic Armenian population of Azerbaijan. Due to this stance our authorities following the request of local Armenian population showed again constructiveness and agreed to build of 4.7-km ground road for a temporarily use to the point where it will be connected to the Armenian border. It is also worth to mention that during the construction of the new Lachin road there were close interactions between the Azerbaijani and Armenian populations without a presence of Russian peacekeepers, which ruins thesis of most of Armenians on non-possibility of direct contacts and co-existence of two ethnicities.
The return of the city of Lachin, as well as the villages of Zabukh and Sus to Azerbaijan by the end of this month along with the new road to be operational, will be an important step in post-conflict normalization process. It will create conditions for ensuring the right of safe and dignified return of tens of thousands of internally displaced persons to their places of origin. Above-mentioned city and villages neighboring to Armenia and located on the road between Armenia and Karabakh was 99,4% populated by ethnic Azerbaijanis before the First Karabakh war. During the occupation period the Armenians mostly from Syria and Lebanon have been purposefully settled in this area, which is brutal violation of international law and runs counter to the relevant Geneva conventions. So, of course, those who had illegally settled in the city of Lachin, the villages of Zabukh and Sus and destroyed properties, cemeteries and mosques of indigenous residents should leave. Of course, this approach will not apply to the Armenians who used to live in Azerbaijan before the First Karabakh war, they will have the same rights and privileges as the rest of our citizens. All responsibility for the illegal settlements falls on the Armenian side. Managing of this situation is also the responsibility of Armenia and its positive outcome will be important component of peacebuilding efforts.
The full implementation of provisions of trilateral statement is essential for ensuring peace, stability and cooperation in the region, as well as for the post- conflict normalization of relations. Azerbaijan remains committed and fulfills its obligations and strongly demands that Armenian also adhere to these commitments. We know that by delaying the whole process Yerevan attempts to win some time, to keep the current status quo. They have followed this approach during the occupation period as well, the world witnessed the outcome. Respect for territorial integrity for both countries, peace and cooperation are much better options for the prosperity of our peoples!
