No:613/22, Press release on phone conversation between Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia Urmas Reinsalu
On December 30, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov had a phone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia Urmas Reinsalu.
During the phone conversation, current processes in the region, as well as issues of the bilateral cooperation agenda were discussed.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov drew attention to the fact that in the post-conflict period, despite a number of initiatives put forward by Azerbaijan regarding the restoration of relations with Armenia, and proposals for a peace agreement, the process was obstructed by Armenia.
Gross violation by Armenia of its obligations under the Trilateral Statement dated November 10, 2020, in this regard, failure to completely withdraw the armed forces of Armenia from the territories of Azerbaijan, the illegal entry of citizens of third countries into the territories of Azerbaijan through the Lachin road, which is intended only for humanitarian purposes, continuation of mine threats by transporting 2021 production mines from Armenia to Azerbaijan were mentioned.
At the same time, information was given about the illegal exploitation of Azerbaijan's natural resources, which lasted through almost 30 years of occupation and intensified in recent years, and the protest action against this by the Azerbaijani civil society on the Lachin road. It was noted that the creation of obstacles by committing provocations against the process despite the intention of Azerbaijan to negotiate on the prevention of illegal exploitation of natural resources and environmental complications in this regard, is unacceptable.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov informed that the allegations of Armenian residents about the so-called blockade and humanitarian catastrophe in the region as a result of the closure of the Lachin road by Azerbaijan are completely unfounded, and vehicles freely use the road. The facts of obstructing the use of the road by persons introducing themselves as leaders of local Armenians despite the statements of activists that there are no obstacles to the free movement of the Armenian population using the road, and their intention to provide assistance to Armenian residents in case of need were emphasized.
During the phone conversation, the sides also exchanged views on other regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest.
