No:006/23, Press release on the phone conversation between Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov and US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried
On January 10, 2022, a phone conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs of the United States, Karen Donfried.
During the phone conversation, the parties discussed the cooperation agenda between the two countries and the current situation in the region.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov pointed out that despite a number of constructive initiatives by the Azerbaijani side regarding the normalization of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations in the post-conflict period, Armenia has consistently obstructed the process through various provocations. In this regard, gross violations by Armenia of its obligations under the Trilateral Statement of November 10, 2020, as well as using the Lachin road for military provocations, including the illegal transportation and planting of land mines, illicit economic activity and looting of natural resources, illegal crossing of third-country nationals were emphasized.
It was underlined that the legitimate demands of the Azerbaijani civil society representatives, who are protesting on the Lachin road against the illegal activities that have been committed during the 30 years of occupation of Azerbaijani territories and have intensified in recent times, have not yet been fulfilled.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted that the claims about the alleged “blocking” of Armenian residents and the creation of a “humanitarian disaster” in the region as a result of the closure of the Lachin road by Azerbaijan are completely groundless. He also informed about the use of the road by numerous vehicles belonging to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Russian peacekeeping contingent, and other humanitarian vehicles on a daily basis.
Despite the statements of the Azerbaijani side that there are no obstacles to the free movement of Armenian residents using the road, and intentions to provide assistance to Armenians if necessary, the fact that people who present themselves as the leaders of local Armenians are against the use of the road by the population has been brought to attention.
It was emphasized that the Azerbaijani side is committed to dialogue and is always ready to increase its efforts toward the establishment of peace in the region.
The Parties also exchanged views on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.
