Azerbaijan starts practical activity on reintegration of Garabagh Armenians Statement by Presidential Administration

The Republic of Azerbaijan has begun practical activity on the reintegration of Armenian residents living in the Garabagh region.

In this regard, Ramin Mammadov, who has been appointed responsible for contacts with the Armenian residents of Garabagh, met with representatives of the Armenian residents in Yevlakh and Khojaly cities on September 21, 25 and 29, 2023, Caliber.Az reports citing the Azerbaijani presidential administration’s statement.

Azerbaijan’s plans for reintegration were presented and discussions were held during the meetings.

Reintegration is carried out within the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the basis of the Constitution, laws and international obligations of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Regardless of ethnic, religious or linguistic affiliation, equal rights, freedoms, safety of everyone are guaranteed.

Legal and administrative sphere:

The territories where Armenian residents live are managed through special representative offices of the Azerbaijani President. Residents may be involved in the activity of special missions.

Municipalities are created through elections in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The issues of citizenship of residents are resolved on the basis of appropriate procedures in accordance with the Constitution and legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Security:

The disarmament and demobilisation process is over, all weapons are confiscated from the residents.

The internal bodies of the Republic of Azerbaijan maintain public order in the territory and protect residents. Residents may be involved in work in internal bodies.

Economic sphere:

The provision of the territories where residents live with physical and social infrastructure (education, healthcare, energy, gas, water, road, communications, land reclamation, etc.) is brought to the national average level over a certain period of time.

The package of incentive measures, including tax and customs benefits associated with the special economic regime introduced to accelerate economic development in the Garabagh and East Zangezur economic regions, applies to the territories where residents live.

The national currency of the Republic of Azerbaijan is being fully introduced into circulation.

Measures are being taken to support businesses in the areas where residents live. Preferential loans, interest subsidies, loan guarantees and other financial tools which are used in the country in connection with expanding access for business entities to finance are extended to the territories where residents live.

Farmers are provided with subsidies and are exempt from all taxes except land tax.

Property issues are regulated in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Social sphere:

The system of wages and social benefits which is applied throughout the country is available for residents.

Residents may use benefits, social services and may be involved in employment programmes that are implemented in the social sphere in the Garabagh and East Zangezur economic regions.

Residents use mobile services (Mobile ASAN and Mobile DOST).

Culture, education, religion:

The right to preserve and develop the culture and ethnocultural characteristics is guaranteed for residents.

Freedom of religion and protection of cultural and religious monuments are ensured.

The possibility of using the Armenian language is being created.

The meetings on the practical implementation of reintegration will be also held with representatives of Armenian residents in the future.