Azerbaijani FM, OSCE Secretary General discuss regional security issues

On September 19, 2023, within the framework of the high-level week of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with the Secretary General of the OSCE Helga Schmid.

During the meeting, issues of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the OSCE, as well as the current situation in the region, were discussed, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

Informing about the current situation in the region, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov pointed out that the peace agenda, initiated by the Azerbaijani side and the great efforts that were made to advance it, is under serious threat today as a result of the military and political provocations committed by Armenia.

Bayramov emphasized that contrary to the Tripartite declaration, Armenia's military and political provocations over the past 3 years, the Armenian Prime Minister's congratulation of the regime, and the terrorist attacks that resulted in the deaths of Azerbaijani civilians and soldiers on September 19, have further increased the tension in the region. It was pointed out that the operations carried out by Azerbaijan were directed against illegal forces and civilians were not targeted.

The actions and statements of the Armenian leadership negate the essence of the previous statements regarding the recognition of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and the smear campaign based on false claims about the existence of a "humanitarian crisis" and a "blockade" in the region mislead the international community and deal a serious blow to the peace process.

The minister pointed out that it is essential that the international community not dwell on such false claims but on the removal of the illegal Armenian armed groups, which are the main threat to peace and security in the region, and the release of the illegal regime created by Armenia.

During the meeting, opinions were also exchanged on other issues of mutual interest.