Expert: Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijani lands left clear and lasting damage

Farid Shafiyev, the chairman of the Center for Analysis of International Relations, discussed the lasting effects of Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijani territories during a panel discussion on "Geopolitical Changes and Their Impact on Regional Sovereignty" at the 7th Political Forum of ADA, held on April 8 in Khankendi.

Reflecting on the past, Shafiyev recalled the advice some foreign politicians, particularly from the US, Canada, and the Czech Republic, had given during the period of Karabakh's occupation, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

He said, "Earlier, during the occupation of Karabakh, we would occasionally hear from politicians in the US, Canada, and the Czech Republic that we should accept the reality. But despite this, we restored our territorial integrity."

He continued by explaining that Azerbaijan had worked for over 30 years to restore its territorial integrity through diplomatic means. "We engaged in many talks with politicians from relevant countries," Shafiyev noted. He added that throughout these discussions, he encountered two main messages. "One of them was that 'you have to accept the reality and experience of this visual attempt.' However, the second message we received from some people was that 'you can really open your website and do whatever you want, but it will lead to no results,'" he said.

Shafiyev then emphasized Azerbaijan's successful recovery of its territories despite these setbacks. "Despite this, we managed to do it. Azerbaijan regained its territories. However, now we sometimes hear different messages from some politicians, especially from the West: 'This was not the way peace should have been achieved,' and so on."

The chairman then turned his attention to the visible damage caused by the Armenian occupation. "When you come to Khankendi today, you can answer as a living witness to Armenian vandalism," he stated. "The consequences of the Armenian occupation of our lands are clearly visible. You have also seen other territories that were inhabited by Armenians. Even if they were not subjected to Armenian vandalism, they remain in a destroyed, deplorable state."

Shafiyev raised a pointed question regarding the occupation: "The question arises: if you are not utilizing these lands, why do you keep them under occupation and claim that they are allegedly your territory, sacred land, historical land?"

The conversation then shifted to the legal proceedings against those accused of crimes against Azerbaijan. "At present, according to Azerbaijani laws, individuals accused of committing various crimes against our country and our people are being tried. However, the international reaction has been mixed," Shafiyev stated. "The former leadership of the military corps in Karabakh is being tried for various acts, including crimes against humanity. But unfortunately, there are calls for their release."

Shafiyev also highlighted the specific case of Ruben Vardanyan, saying, "Even the BBC prepared a special piece about Ruben Vardanyan. Such calls are unacceptable."

By Tamilla Hasanova