Azerbaijan sets clear stance on Armenian nationals, Western Azerbaijan, TRIPP project

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also addressed several critical issues during a year-end press conference, clarifying Azerbaijan’s stance on the release of Armenian nationals in custody, the rights of Western Azerbaijanis, and the TRIPP connectivity project.

Azerbaijan will act within legal framework on Armenian nationals

Responding to calls for the release of Armenian nationals accused of crimes against humanity, Bayramov emphasized that Azerbaijan will act strictly in accordance with its legislation, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“We have faced numerous calls for the release of individuals of Armenian nationality detained in Azerbaijan. However, every state has the sovereign right to detain persons who have committed crimes against humanity on its territory,” FM Bayramov said.

Highlighting Azerbaijan’s humanitarian measures, the minister noted that over ten thousand former members of armed groups were returned to Armenia following counter-terrorism operations in 2023. “As for the 23 individuals currently serving sentences or under investigation in Azerbaijan, they have committed grave crimes,” he added.

Bayramov further stressed that decisions concerning those under investigation will be made exclusively under the Azerbaijani law. “Those conducting campaigns against Azerbaijan demanding their release must understand that such efforts cannot compel the state to take actions contrary to its legislation,” he said.

Western Azerbaijan issue concerns only rights of displaced Azerbaijanis

Turning to the matter of Western Azerbaijan, Bayramov reiterated that the issue is purely a question of the rights of displaced Western Azerbaijanis, not a territorial claim against Armenia.

“Sometimes this issue is deliberately reframed and portrayed as a territorial claim by Azerbaijan against Armenia. However, there is absolutely no basis for such an interpretation. This concerns solely the legitimate rights of Western Azerbaijanis,” Bayramov explained.

The minister highlighted that significant diplomatic efforts have been undertaken in recent years to advance the right of Western Azerbaijanis to return, and some progress has been made on the international stage.

TRIPP project poses no threat to the region

Bayramov also addressed regional concerns regarding the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) connectivity project, responding to remarks from Russian and Iranian officials.

“Azerbaijan sees no threat or risk to the region from the TRIPP project,” he stated. The minister emphasized that the project is being implemented entirely on Armenian territory, with the participation of the United States and the Armenian side.

“Therefore, questions about it should primarily be addressed by the Armenian side. This is Armenia’s own matter. How they choose to comment on it is their prerogative,” Bayramov added.

He concluded by stressing that Baku views TRIPP as a connectivity initiative and believes it poses no regional threats or risks.

By Vafa Guliyeva