30 November 2023 22:54

On 30 November 2023, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov participated and delivered a speech at the 30th meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council within the framework of his working visit to North Macedonia.

In his speech, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized that the problem of double standards and a selective approach are among the biggest obstacles to taking effective response measures against existing threats and challenges in the system of international relations. In this regard, it was noted that respect for the norms of international law, in particular the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders of states, is of exceptional importance.

Providing detailed information about the current situation in the region in the post-conflict period, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized that, in particular, as a result of the anti-terror measures carried out in the Garabagh region on 19-20 September of the current year, the illegal regime maintained by Armenia in our territories contrary to its obligations and verbal statements was dissolved and disarmed.

It was stated that the scale of militarization in our territories demonstrated after the disarmament of the so-called regime as a result of the anti-terror measures carried out was the result of the indifference of the international community to this issue, despite Azerbaijan’s continuous raising, within the framework of all international platforms, of the issue of the inadmissibility of illegal military presence in its territories, as well as Armenia, encouraged by this, continuing its aggressive activity.

It was stated that despite the fact that the OSCE had a chance to be part of the settlement process during the former Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the fact that this Organization was unable to achieve the effective implementation of its mandate, as well as the patronage of Armenia by a number of participating states within the framework of the Organization in the post-conflict period, shows that references to OSCE mechanisms still being “suitable” do not reflect reality.

It was emphasized that the anti-terror measures carried out by Azerbaijan were conducted in an exemplary manner, contrary to the allegations, and that our country has been making consistent efforts for the reintegration of local Armenian residents and for meeting their humanitarian and socio-economic needs. In this regard, it was noted that the observations of the UN and its specialized agencies, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross in the region, also prove the groundlessness of allegations regarding the “tense humanitarian situation” in the region.

Despite the existing difficulties and challenges, the process being subjected to undue delays by Armenia, as well as attempts by a number of states to project their geopolitical games onto the region, it was emphasized that Azerbaijan, as the initiator of the peace agenda, is determined to advance the process. In this regard, it was also noted that Azerbaijan has proposed to Armenia to meet at the state border or in an impartial or neutral third country.

The full text of the speech can be accessed via this link.