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MFA: Azerbaijan's restoration of sovereignty is a triumph of international law and justice -STATEMENT

20 September 2025 08:38 (UTC +04:00)

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has issued a statement on the occasion of September 20 - State Sovereignty Day, APA reports.

The statement reads:

Today, Azerbaijan celebrates State Sovereignty Day.

On September 19-20, 2023, local anti-terrorist measures were carried out in less than 24 hours to disarm the remnants of the Armenian armed forces and completely withdraw them from the Karabakh region of our country, and to restore the sovereignty and constitutional order of the Republic of Azerbaijan in those territories.

The restoration of sovereignty over its lands by Azerbaijan on September 20 is not only one of the most glorious pages in history, but also a triumph of international law and justice.

The main architect of this victory is the glorious Azerbaijani armed forces led by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Muzaffar. It was precisely the determination of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and the courage of our armed forces that ensured this victory.

Despite the commitments made as a result of the 2020 Patriotic War, it was known that Armenia not only did not withdraw its armed forces from the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan during the nearly three years that passed until 2023, but even placed additional weapons, ammunition, military equipment, and mines in the territories of Azerbaijan. The Armenian side's continued propaganda of the so-called regime it created in our territories, its congratulations to the separatist regime on the so-called "independence" on September 2, 2023, the so-called "presidential elections" on September 9, as well as the military provocation that resulted in the death of 6 Azerbaijanis on September 19, further aggravated the situation. It was necessary to prevent such unconstrained behavior of Armenia and its so-called regime, which does not give up its groundless claims against the territories of Azerbaijan, grossly violates the principles of international law, and continues its policy of aggression.

Despite the provocative efforts and propaganda of the Armenian side, when anti-terrorist measures were taken, the civilian population was not targeted, civilian infrastructure was not damaged, only legitimate military infrastructure and facilities were destroyed. Azerbaijani soldiers and officers demonstrated true heroism, patriotism, and selflessness.

Following the restoration of Azerbaijan's state sovereignty in 2023, efforts to normalize Armenia-Azerbaijan relations were further intensified. On August 8, 2025, a historic meeting of the leaders of Azerbaijan, the United States, and Armenia was held in Washington. As a result of the meeting, a Joint Statement was signed by the leaders. Azerbaijan and Armenia initialed the text of the peace treaty. In addition, in accordance with the appeal of Azerbaijan and Armenia, the OSCE Minsk Process and related structures, a remnant of the past conflict, were dissolved by the decision of the OSCE Ministerial Council on September 1.

The results of the Washington meeting reaffirmed the peace agenda put forward by Azerbaijan. In order not to miss this historic opportunity for peace and to sign a peace agreement, it is necessary to eliminate territorial claims in the Armenian constitution.

On this historically important day, we deeply respect the dear memory of our sons and daughters who gave their lives for the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

Happy State Sovereignty Day, Azerbaijan!