No:011/23, Press release on phone conversation between Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov
On January 17, 2023, a phone conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov.
During the phone conversation, topical issues on the agenda of bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia, as well as the current situation around the Lachin road were discussed.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized the legitimate right of Azerbaijani citizens to protest against illegal economic activity, including the exploitation of natural resources and abuse of the Lachin road in the areas of temporary deployment of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in the territories of Azerbaijan. In this regard, he brought to the attention that it is necessary to meet the legitimate demands of the protesters.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted that the allegations about so-called closure of the Lachin road by Azerbaijan, the blockade of Armenian residents living in the territories of Azerbaijan, and the emergence of a humanitarian crisis are unfounded. In this regard, it was emphasized that the passage of dozens of vehicles, cars of the peacekeeping contingent, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Armenian ambulances through the Lachin road on a daily basis refutes the unfounded claims of the Armenian side.
At the same time, it was noted that it is unacceptable for persons introducing themselves as “representatives” of Armenian residents living in the territories of Azerbaijan to obstruct the use of the road and thereby artificially create the impression of a “blockade” and a “humanitarian crisis”.
During the phone conversation, the sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.
