Western Azerbaijan Community: Armenia’s aggressive past makes free armament dangerous

The Western Azerbaijan Community (WAC) has responded to recent statements made by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, accusing him of distorting facts about bilateral relations with Azerbaijan and the issue of Western Azerbaijan.

In a commentary, WAC dismissed Pashinyan’s claims voiced in an interview with Armenpress that the community's calls for the return of Azerbaijanis to their ancestral lands constituted territorial claims, Caliber.Az reports.

"The Prime Minister's portrayal is baseless. The term ‘Western Azerbaijan,’ encompassing the historical Iravan Khanate, Zangezur, and other regions where Azerbaijanis lived for centuries before Armenia's total ethnic cleansing, is rooted in historical reality," the community stated.

WAC emphasized its peaceful intentions in seeking the return of Western Azerbaijanis to their lands, adhering to international law and respecting the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty. Despite extending an invitation for dialogue, the Armenian government has yet to respond, the community noted.

The statement also criticized Pashinyan’s justification of Armenia's militarization as a sovereign decision. "Armenia, with its history of revanchist and radical ideologies, cannot be trusted to wield military power responsibly. Given its aggressive past, Armenia should not be allowed to arm itself without restraint," WAC asserted.

Additionally, the community highlighted Pashinyan's refusal to amend Armenia's constitution to remove territorial claims, describing it as evidence of his lack of genuine interest in pursuing a peace agreement.

"Our peaceful efforts are met with resistance, yet we remain committed to advocating for the rights of Western Azerbaijanis and seeking justice through lawful and constructive means," the community concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova