Azerbaijan listed as place of birth in Karabakh Armenians' passports Statement by Armenia’s Interior Ministry

Armenia’s Interior Ministry has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the place of birth indicated in the passports of Armenians who voluntarily left the Karabakh region, with their passports listing Azerbaijan as the place of birth.

In response, the Ministry issued a statement clarifying the matter, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

According to the Ministry, the information contained in passports is recorded in compliance with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Ministry explained that geographical units listed on official documents must align with those recognized by international aviation regulations.

"The inclusion of geographical data in documents follows ICAO standards, and any departure from these international norms could potentially lead to complications at border crossings," the Ministry’s statement said. "This is why the Migration and Citizenship Service adheres strictly to these global standards."

Additionally, the Ministry noted that it had received numerous similar inquiries from border control agencies of other countries regarding this matter. It confirmed that such issues are addressed cooperatively through regular communication with international partners.

"New documents are issued in full compliance with international standards," the Ministry concluded, assuring the public that the process follows established global protocols.

The controversy erupted after social media users in Armenia noticed that in newly issued passports of Karabakh Armenians, the place of birth was listed as Azerbaijan.

By Khagan Isayev