Western Azerbaijan Community calls on Armenia to adhere to international law

The Western Azerbaijan Community has called on the Armenian government to adhere to international legal obligations, create conditions for the return of Azerbaijani people to their homeland, and restore the destroyed cultural heritage.

The Western Azerbaijan Community also expressed profound gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for his comprehensive presentation on the Western Azerbaijan issue at the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum, Caliber.Az reports.

In a statement, the Western Azerbaijan Community highlighted the dire situation faced by millions of Azerbaijanis and their descendants who were expelled from Western Azerbaijan.

The community pointed out that no Azerbaijanis remain in Armenia, and about 300 mosques, numerous cemeteries, and significant monuments of Azerbaijani culture have been destroyed. Approximately 90 per cent of Azerbaijani-owned settlements in Armenia are now abandoned and in ruins.

“As President Aliyev stressed, Western Azerbaijanis endured forced deportation and were compelled to leave their homes due to the use of force by authorities. The mass deportation of Azerbaijanis from Armenia between 1948 and 1953, and the deaths of many who could not endure the harsh conditions, represent a tragic chapter in the history of the Western Azerbaijanis,” the statement says.

The Western Azerbaijan Community also urged Western countries that advocate for democracy and human rights to end their indifference and discrimination regarding the right of return for the displaced Azerbaijanis.

The statement underscores the community's ongoing efforts to seek recognition and restitution for the historical injustice suffered by Western Azerbaijanis.

The 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum on "Unmasking False Narratives: Confronting Disinformation" is taking place in the cultural capital of Azerbaijan on July 20-22.

The Forum, attended by over 150 foreign guests from around 50 countries, including news agencies of 30 countries, three international organisations, and 82 media entities, provides a platform for joint discussions and actions among participants.

The first Shusha Global Media Forum themed “New Media in the Era of the 4th Industrial Revolution” was held on July 21-23, 2023.

The forum includes four panel sessions on "Assessing Impact: Setting the Scope of Disinformation", "Policies and Initiatives for Building a More Disinformation Resistant Society", "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Reality, Media and Disinformation: Promoting Media Literacy" and "The Climate Movement and Media".

Officials, media and civil society, government officials and businessmen, representatives of international organisations and media experts from various countries exchange views and experience at the panel sessions.

These sessions facilitate discussions among officials from various countries, media and civil society representatives, international organisation representatives, and media experts. Participants exchange views and share experience on the highlighted topics.