Azerbaijani official: New realities emerge in South Caucasus

Assistant of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev has said that new realities emerged in the South Caucasus.

“Now we are talking about the future. The game is over, new realities have emerged in the South Caucasus,” Hajiyev said at the COP29 presentation in the Lachin district, according to Report.

He reminded about the statement made by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry on the 26th anniversary of the occupation of the Lachin district.

“The main goal in that statement was the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, ensuring the rights of internally displaced people [IDPs], including those from the Lachin district, and overcoming the severe consequences of the conflict,” he noted.

“Azerbaijan not only supported the intensification of international efforts for the speedy settlement of the conflict, but also defended the principles of restoring territorial integrity and sovereignty within internationally recognised borders in accordance with the UN Charter,” Hajiyev said.

“Azerbaijan has ensured its territorial integrity and sovereignty and has protected the rights of IDPs and refugees,” he noted.

Hajiyev stressed that today the whole world is observing the return of IDPs to their houses, the revival of Lachin and the Azerbaijani territories liberated from occupation.

“This became possible as a result of the beginning of the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The road leading to Lachin is very close to the border with Armenia. We see pillars and flags of Armenia on the opposite side of the Khakari River. Azerbaijan intends to determine the state border with Armenia,” Hajiyev added.