Head of the Press Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan answers the media

Answer: First of all, I would like to emphasize that the resolution adopted on January 20 of this year by the European Parliament (EP) on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy with doctrinal and legal impact, which is considered a roadmap for 2021, once again clearly reflects the EU's support for territorial integrity of the Eastern Partnership countries (including Azerbaijan) within the internationally recognized borders. Despite the efforts of some pro-Armenian circles, after the 44-day Patriotic War, the EU's position on supporting the territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan and other Eastern Partnership countries has not changed.

The document also notes that the trilateral statement signed by the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia and the Prime Minister of Armenia on November 10, 2020, is welcomed, and the hope is expressed that this agreement will open up brighter prospects for future peace. Here, the killing of civilians, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, the use of cluster munitions are condemned, and in this regard, calls are made to both Armenia and Azerbaijan. The document covers issues such as the return of IDPs and refugees to their homes, the provision of humanitarian assistance to those in need, as well as the prosecution of those responsible for war crimes.

In short, the European Parliament's resolution once again emphasized, as in the last 4 years, the importance of resolving all issues related to conflicts in the Eastern Partnership countries, precisely on the basis of international law, and primarily on the basis of strong support from the EU for the territorial integrity of the Eastern Partnership countries within their international borders.

As for some unfounded and delayed points reflected in the resolution, we would like to clarify them. First of all, our position on the future status of the region and ensuring the security of the Armenian population and heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh is clear and has been repeatedly stated unequivocally. We reiterate to the members of the European Parliament who are unfamiliar with this position that the President of Azerbaijan has sent the status issue to the dustbin of history, and as for the security of the Armenian population and heritage, the rights of all citizens in Azerbaijan, regardless of ethnicity or religion, are guaranteed by the Constitution of Azerbaijan; all historical and cultural monuments in Azerbaijan are protected at the state level.

The resolution contains unfounded allegations about brotherly Turkey and biased opinions that do not reflect the truth. We emphasize that Turkey is one of the leading countries in the region, is interested in ensuring peace and security in the region and plays an exceptional role in this regard.