Azerbaijan condemns Armenian media coverage of diplomats’ Karabakh visit

The Azerbaijani group of the Peace Bridge Initiative has voiced deep disappointment over the hostile media reaction and unacceptable tone of public discourse in Armenia regarding the diplomatic corps' visit to Azerbaijan's Garabagh and East Zangezur regions on September 11–12, 2026.

The group said, in a statement, that the visit should not have been treated as controversial, particularly given Armenia's recognition of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

"First of foremost, a visit by the diplomatic corps to the sovereign territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan should not, in itself, be a matter of controversy. In particular, verbal attacks directed against ambassadors and countries for participating in such a visit are disturbing and are in contradiction with Armenia's recognition of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan,” it noted.

It also stated that Azerbaijan and Armenia are now in a post-conflict period and face the challenge of overcoming decades of confrontation, and civil society representatives from both countries, with government support, are working to advance the peace process, promote dialogue and build confidence.

"Azerbaijan and Armenia are now in a post-conflict period, and both countries face the difficult task of overcoming decades of confrontation. As part of peace initiatives, we, as representatives of civil society, with the support of the Governments of Azerbaijan and Armenia, are taking steps to support the peace process, encourage dialogue, and contribute to confidence-building measures,” it remarked.

The statement also addressed the issue of cultural heritage, maintaining that heritage located within Azerbaijan belongs to the Azerbaijani people and is protected by the state.

"Cultural heritage in the territory of Republic of Azerbaijan belongs to the Azerbaijani people and is protected by the state.”

At the same time, the group called for cultural heritage issues to be addressed through reciprocal engagement and open dialogue. It added that civil society representatives had established a platform for professional discussions on matters forming part of the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agenda.

"To ensure fairness, cultural heritage should be discussed on the basis of reciprocity and open dialogue. To advance these goals, representatives of civil society have initiated a platform for professional discussion of issues that form an integral part of the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” the Peace Bridge Initiative clarified.

The group further warned that pressure from revanchist forces could undermine the progress achieved in the peace process. It called on Armenian society to act cautiously and avoid supporting what it described as a malign agenda.

"The peace process must not be allowed to come under pressure from revanchist forces, as this would seriously jeopardize further progress toward peace. We invite the Armenian society to take a prudent approach to this end and not to fuel the malign agenda of those in Armenia and beyond,” it emphasised.

The statement was signed by Farhad Mammadov, Kamala Mammadova, Rusif Huseynov, Dilara Afandiyeva and Ramil Iskenderli.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov