Azerbaijan marks progress amid Armenia's paranoid claims A dive into September 19 events

One wonders if Armenia will ever change its fundamental nature. While there are no issues with the form—feel free to adopt whatever you wish—what about the essence? What do I mean by this? It all relates to the same subject. Recently, Armenia reflected on the events of September 19, 2023. But how? In what manner? From what perspective?

As usual, of course. Their rhetoric and internal narratives bear absolutely, no relation to reality. Let’s not linger on the unfounded claims made by the Armenian Foreign Ministry on September 19 regarding a so-called "indigenous population" of Armenian descent in Karabakh, or their imagined "forced relocation" and other similar fantasies. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has thoroughly addressed these latest insinuations from geographical neighbours, laying everything out clearly.

On another note, official Yerevan has characterized its stance on "ensuring stability in the South Caucasus" as "specific and clear." One must wonder: is this not a circus? Or perhaps just a new attempt at self-deception?

Since the historic defeat of the celebrated Armenian army in the Second Karabakh War, Yerevan has been engaged in a verbal balancing act. How can one adequately respond to the Armenian Foreign Ministry's claim that Armenia's position includes the "swift" (let's emphasize that—"swift"!) "establishment of peace and relations" in the South Caucasus, "based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, sustainable development, effective connectivity, and regional prosperity"?

This is the official narrative from Armenia, which has yet to remove from its constitution the clause concerning territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Has it really taken four years to address this issue? In other words, the somersaults and acrobatics in the rhetoric of Armenian officials show no signs of stopping. Yet, it seems that many around the world are willing to accept this narrative, if not actively encouraging Yerevan to engage in the dissemination of misleading and false information.

Moreover, without any sense of shame, the Armenian Foreign Ministry expresses its "expectation" (let’s remember that term—“expectation”!) for “the necessary political will and a clear demonstration of commitment to a peaceful agenda from other interested participants.” It’s telling that Azerbaijan is not directly mentioned in this phrase, which raises certain doubts. Perhaps they are referring to Georgia? Or maybe Türkiye in conjunction with Russia or Iran?

So, who exactly is lacking the "political will" and the "demonstration of commitment to a peaceful agenda"? It is clear that Azerbaijan is not the one in need; the country continues to extend a hand of peace towards Armenia, which remains unwilling to reciprocate or make even the slightest move towards real progress in the region. And what is that "slightest" movement? A jot, a gram, or a millisecond?

Notably, even the Armenian political analyst Suren Surenyants, who cannot be accused of any sympathy towards Baku or Ankara, recalled a statement made by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan: "Karabakh is Armenia, and a period!" He referred to this assertion as "adventurous."

If we add to this the paranoid statement from 2019 by then-Armenian Defence Minister David Tonoyan, who declared, "new war—new territories," we get a clearer picture. Tonoyan made this remark emphatically in New York during a meeting with the Armenian diaspora. In this context, we find it fitting to once again quote Suren Surenyants, who candidly stated: "Those who believe that our words and positions had no impact and that war would have happened regardless, are inadvertently calling into question the existence of our statehood."

Indeed… It is precisely the existence of doubt—doubt about Armenian statehood. And achieving such statehood seems unattainable if Armenia continues to be an object rather than a subject in global politics. It is managed alternately by various world capitals, often in ways that do not serve the interests of the Armenian people.

An intriguing sentence from the recent statement by the Armenian Foreign Ministry stands out, as it calls on its unnamed allies to “create conditions conducive to a more stable and dignified life for future generations.” This sentiment seems odd, if not downright puzzling, coming from what is ostensibly a serious Armenian agency. Should we be surprised?

Such words naturally prompt one to examine Armenia's own example in this regard and to explore what kind of “stability and dignity” Prime Minister Pashinyan has supposedly built for the Armenian people, particularly with an eye toward future generations. Are these calls indicative of persistent revanchist ideas? Or do they mask ongoing shelling of sovereign Azerbaijani territory by Armenia?

To substantiate our perspective regarding the genuine creative potential of the Azerbaijani people, let us reference a few key facts from September 19, 2024. This date is significant because, in stark contrast to the Armenian Foreign Ministry’s convoluted rhetoric, official Baku showcased to the world its commitment to peace and stability.

On September 19, 2024, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan toured reconstruction efforts in the Kangerli village of Aghdam district. During his visit, he inaugurated several significant projects, including the Imarat complex, the Automation and Telemechanics Systems Manufacturing Plant, and the Aghdam City Hotel.

He also opened the restored Uzeyir Hajibayli House-Museum in Shusha and viewed progress on the Aghdam-Asgaran-Khojaly-Khankandi highway, as well as the construction progress of Convention Center at Victory Square in Khankandi.

A highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the Flag Square in Shusha, symbolizing national pride and resilience.

Happy State Sovereignty Day, Azerbaijan!