No:272/23, Press release on the speech of Minister Jeyhun Bayramov at the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe
17 May 2023 17:20
On 17 May 2023, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov delivered a speech at the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted that Azerbaijan values the Council of Europe as an important platform in terms of mutual activity towards the protection of human rights, democratic values and the rule of law in the European space.
In this regard, it was emphasized that Azerbaijan, as always, is ready for constructive dialogue and joint activity.
During the speech, it was stated that Azerbaijan, which has transformed from a country that faced violations of its territorial integrity and sovereignty and the fact of military occupation from the moment it gained its independence into a country contributing to global security, is the initiator of the peace agenda in the region after the end of the conflict that lasted nearly 30 years.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted that despite the lack of sufficient progress achieved within the framework of the negotiation process in the post-conflict period, which is rich with opportunities for establishing peace and security in the region, Azerbaijan is determined to advance the process and expects the same approach from the other side.
Along with this, it was emphasized that Azerbaijan is carrying out large-scale restoration and construction works in the liberated territories in order to ensure the return of our citizens, who were deprived of their fundamental rights as a result of the conflict, to their native lands, as well as its intention towards practical measures for the integration of Azerbaijani citizens of Armenian origin into our society.
Along with this, it was emphasized that the continuation of the mine threat by Armenia and the failure to provide accurate mine maps hinder the works being carried out.
The Minister also stated that there is still no information about nearly 4,000 Azerbaijanis who went missing as a result of Armenia’s 30-year aggression, and that Armenia refuses to share information in this direction.
