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UN adopts resolution reaffirming the right to self-determination of peoples under colonial domination or foreign occupation only

23 June 2011 09:34 (UTC +04:00)

Baku â€“ APA. On June 22, 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted the resolution entitled â€œStrengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes and conflict prevention and resolutionâ€ in its 65th session, press service of the Permanent Representation of Azerbaijan to UN told APA. The resolution was drafted by the group â€œFriends of Mediationâ€ early this year and Azerbaijan became the co-author of this resolution as an active participant of the negotiations.

The Permanent Representation said in its statement that Armenia was only country refusing to join the consensus on the resolution. Armenian permanent representative to UN told the UN GA plenary meeting about it explaining this position with their failure in attempts not to include the principle of territorial integrity in the draft resolution. Armenians attempted to cast doubt on priority of the principle of territorial integrity, changing the essence of the right to self-determination of peoples.

In the resolution, UN GA reaffirms its commitment to uphold the sovereign equality of all States, respect for their territorial integrity and political independence and the duty of Member States to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes and principles of the United Nations, and to uphold the resolution of disputes by peaceful means and inconformity with the principles of justice and international law, the right to self-determination of peoples which remain under colonial domination or foreign occupation, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for the equal rights of all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion, international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character and the fulfillment in good faith of the obligations assumed in accordance with the Charter.

UN members rejected the Armenian delegationâ€™s groundless arguments about the right to self-determination of peoples and confirmed that this principle concerns only the people under colonial domination or foreign occupation. UN GA resolution supported Azerbaijanâ€™s position that using this principle to justify the territorial claims and illegal use of force against the sovereign countries is unacceptable. The occupation of Azerbaijani lands and Armeniaâ€™s active involvement in this situation was recognized internationally. The resolution also confirms the fact that the right of self-determination of Azerbaijani people was violated as a result of occupation by the neighbor country.

The General Assembly refers to previous resolutions on peaceful solution of the disputes, resolution and prevention of the conflicts through mediation. It also concerns the resolution 62/243 adopted in the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly about the situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, in which the General Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to uphold and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan within the internationally-recognized borders. It demands immediate, unconditional and full withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and supports the efforts of international mediators.

Armenian delegationâ€™s failure in prevention of inclusion of a number of important specified points concerning the principles of international law in the resolution on strengthening the role of mediation caused nervous behavior by the Armenian delegation and its inadequate remarks in the General Assembly. UN members expressed protest against the Armenian representativeâ€™s attempt to interrupt the Azerbaijani Ambassador Aqshin Mehdiyevâ€™s speech, which supported the UN GA resolution. They expressed protest against the non-constructive and anti-democratic actions by Armenia.

Undoubtedly, the main result is the adoption of an important resolution on the back of Azerbaijanâ€™s support and isolation of Armeniaâ€™s position. Due to the upcoming next round of the negotiations on the settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and intensification of the mediatory efforts, it draws special attention to Yerevanâ€™s â€œproud lonelinessâ€ in vital issues for it.