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Deputy FM: "The only aim of Armenia is to deceive the international community and avoid responsibility"

18 May 2016 20:12 (UTC +04:00)

The Deputy minister noted that the occupation of the Azerbaijani territories by Armenia was condemned by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in its resolution of 1416 (2005): “The resolution emphasized that “the occupation of foreign territory by a member state constitutes a grave violation of that state’s obligations as a member of the Council of Europe...”. We regret that the United Nations Security Council resolutions adopted in 1993, calling for immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan, still remain unfulfilled.”

He said that on April 2, 2016, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia targeting civilians densely residing in the territories adjacent to the frontline area opened intensive heavy weapons fire at the positions of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan along the line of contact: “As a result of Armenia’s artillery attacks a number of civilians, including children were killed and seriously wounded. Residential buildings, houses, schools, kindergartens, and other civilian infrastructure were either destroyed or damaged. It should be emphasized that territories controlled by the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan along the line of contact (LOC) are densely populated, on the contrary, there are no civilians on the other side of the LOC controlled by the Armenian Armed Forces. Therefore, accusations of Armenia on killing of civilians are groundless and have the only aim of deceiving the international community and avoiding responsibility. Out of the 83 killed Armenian military servicemen 65 are the citizens of the Republic of Armenia. This is another proof of Armenia’s responsibility for using force against Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.”

Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev noted that despite the ceasefire agreed between Armenia and Azerbaijan on 5 April 2016, Armenia continues to violate that agreement by shelling the Azerbaijani towns and villages: “The recent escalation triggered by Armenia’s offensive actions represents a serious challenge to international and regional peace and security. We call upon the international community to condemn Armenia for blatant violation of international law and the ceasefire regime, demand strict compliance by it with the April 5, 2016 ceasefire commitments and engage constructively in the talks on the withdrawal of its Armed Forces from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan that would pave the way for the settlement of the remaining political issues. The conflict can only be resolved on the basis of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders.”