Azerbaijani MPs discuss safe return of expelled Western Azerbaijanis

Gaya Mammadov, an Azerbaijani Member of Parliament, moderated an informal roundtable discussion at the Milli Majlis (Parliament) on October 24, focusing on the safe and dignified return of expelled Western Azerbaijanis. 

The meeting brought together various MPs to address this pressing issue and the role of the parliament in facilitating their return, Caliber.Az reports, citing Mammadov's X account.

Key takeaways from the roundtable highlighted the strong support within both the parliament and the general public regarding the Western Azerbaijan issue, which is fundamentally framed as a human rights concern centered on the right to return. The discussion underscored the consistent backing from President Ilham Aliyev and the Parliament of Azerbaijan for the cause of the safe return of Western Azerbaijanis.

Mammadov noted that the President’s efforts to elevate this matter on the international agenda have been instrumental in promoting peace and justice for the affected communities. The roundtable emphasized the vast scope of this issue, which impacts millions of Azerbaijanis and is further complicated by the systematic destruction of Azerbaijani cultural heritage in Armenia.

Concerns were raised about the reckless industrial activities in the former residences of Azerbaijanis in Armenia, which have led to environmental pollution. Participants reaffirmed that the terms “Western Azerbaijan” and “Western Azerbaijanis” are rooted in historical context, reflecting fundamental human rights to self-identification.

The activities of the Western Azerbaijan Community, particularly their Concept of Return and dialogue initiatives with Armenia in accordance with international law and the principle of territorial integrity, were commended. However, the MPs urged Armenia to respond positively to the Western Azerbaijan Community’s call for dialogue and to stop misrepresenting the issue as a territorial dispute.

Additionally, they called for an immediate cessation of the destruction of Azerbaijani cultural heritage in Armenia and advocated for the restoration, protection, and preservation of this heritage, including the deployment of a long-awaited UNESCO monitoring mission to the region.

The roundtable concluded with a recognition of the significant role the Milli Majlis will play in the future, particularly through the recently established parliamentary Initiative Group on the return to Western Azerbaijan. This group aims to enact legislative measures, engage in parliamentary diplomacy, and raise awareness on the issue, ensuring that the plight of expelled Western Azerbaijanis remains a priority on the national agenda.