Official: Armenia must constitutionally affirm peace with Azerbaijan

Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan Hikmat Hajiyev has said that Armenia must constitutionally renounce its unrealistic claims to annex Karabakh.

Hajiyev made these remarks during a press briefing, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

He noted that for a peace agreement to be signed, Armenia must change its constitution through a referendum, allowing the Armenian people to express their stance.

"The Armenian people must put an end to their unrealistic claims of annexing Karabakh and constitutionally affirm their desire to live in peace with Azerbaijan," he stated.

Hajiyev stressed that the negotiation process could progress more swiftly after this step.

"Armenia has recently sent its latest proposals on the peace agreement text to the Azerbaijani side, more than 70 days after receiving them. This is an excessively long term. If Armenia is serious about advancing the peace agreement and is genuinely invested in this issue, taking 70 days to respond raises concerns," he said.

He emphasised that while both sides have reached certain agreements on most articles of the peace agreement, much work still remains to be done.

"This primarily concerns the issues related to the Armenian Constitution, which must eliminate territorial claims against Azerbaijan. The presence of such claims is a matter of concern for us. Peace agreements are typically signed not just with a government, but with people as well. We expect that the constitutional changes required to achieve a peace agreement will be implemented through a referendum," he said.

Hajiyev also noted that a new Marshall Plan is being developed for Armenia.

He noted that during the occupation, Armenia extensively destroyed everything in the Azerbaijani territories, including both private and public property. 

"Currently, the Azerbaijani government is spending funds on reconstruction and redevelopment, as well as on demining areas. Armenia destroys while Azerbaijan suffers. However, financial aid is being allocated to Armenia. It's a paradox," he stressed.

Hajiyev also pointed out the differing attitudes toward Azerbaijan and Armenia. 

"No one has called on Armenia to end its occupation of Azerbaijani lands. There are still double standards," he added.

By Naila Huseynova