Azerbaijan asserts right to self-defense amidst calls for regional peace Hajiyev grants interview to Chinese TV channel Phoenix

Azerbaijan has invoked its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter to safeguard the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation.

This declaration was made by Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department under the Presidential Administration, during an interview with the Chinese TV channel Phoenix, as reported by Caliber.Az.

"We are confronted with double standards, where foreign policies justify military aggression, occupation, and encourage separatism. Such practices are deemed unacceptable for Azerbaijan, as for any other nation. We have turned a new page to ensure peace and security. Although challenging, sometimes it becomes imperative to enforce peace on the ground. Presently, Armenia and Azerbaijan are closer to peace than ever before. The last six months along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border have been among the calmest in the history of both nations.

"For three decades, we witnessed the chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group. Despite its prolonged negotiations, significant progress was not achieved. Occupation persisted, and peace remained elusive. However, now peace is within reach, with de facto tranquility prevailing on the ground.

"Azerbaijan envisions transforming the Caucasus region into a zone of peace and cooperation. Despite being subjected to military occupation, we have drafted a peace treaty and formulated five fundamental principles. While we are making strides towards the peace treaty, Azerbaijan believes peace should be negotiated directly between Baku and Yerevan, as this region inherently belongs to us. Peace is not in Washington, Brussels, or Paris; it resides here - in the South Caucasus region, between our two nations. Though progress is evident, certain political actions hinder regional cooperation and the pursuit of a peaceful agenda," Hikmat Hajiyev said.