US pastor visits Baku to learn about deportations of Western Azerbaijanis

The Western Azerbaijan Community has held a meeting with Bob Roberts, co-founder of the US Multi-Faith Neighbors Network, alongside James Chen, the vice president of the Institute for Global Engagement. 

During the meeting, Azerbaijani MP Malahat Ibrahimgizi spoke about the deportations of Western Azerbaijanis from their ancestral lands and the destruction of their rich cultural heritage, which includes over 300 mosques, fortresses, and caravanserais, as well as approximately 500 cemeteries, the Western Azerbaijan Community told Caliber.Az.

Another Azerbaijani MP Kamal Jafarov stated that the destruction of mosques and cemeteries contradicts religious values, and such actions by Armenia must be halted.

Head of the PR Department of the Western Azerbaijan Community Ulviyya Zulfikar emphasised the importance of international support for Western Azerbaijanis, particularly from the US.

She stressed the necessity of collaborating to secure the right of return, which is an integral part of international norms and principles. 

Bob Roberts, who is also president of the Institute for Global Issues, and senior pastor of Northwood Church in Texas, noted that he had previously learned about Western Azerbaijan from media sources, but during this meeting, he gained more detailed and accurate insights into this issue. 

He emphasised the high level of tolerance in Azerbaijan and stated that such a model should be embraced by both countries in the name of peace and good neighbourliness.

The Western Azerbaijan Community is focused on safeguarding the rights of Azerbaijanis who have been forcibly displaced from Armenia. The Community has endorsed the “Concept of Return,” which aims to facilitate the peaceful, safe, and dignified return of Azerbaijanis expelled from present-day Armenia. This Concept outlines the overall framework for the objectives, principles, and measures required for the Community's efforts to facilitate the return of these deported individuals. Grounded in international law and relevant domestic legislation, it also reflects historical realities, aiming to promote justice and peace.

By Naila Huseynova