Category: Key Issues

The multicultural environment in Azerbaijan is a paragon for all countries, Chairman of the Albanian-Udi Christian religious community of Azerbaijan Robert Mobili told Trend regarding the statement of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that a number of countries, including Azerbaijan, are on a "watch list" for religious freedom. "The multicultural environment in Azerbaijan is a paragon for all countries. The environment has been formed for centuries. Representatives of all religious confessions live in amity. The value that unites us at all times is tolerance. The countries of the world also see that there is no religious or national discrimination in Azerbaijan. Regardless of whether our monuments are Christian or other, all of them are protected and preserved. It has become possible thanks to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev," he noted. The community chairman mentioned that a few months ago he visited the US State Department as a member of the delegation. "We raised the matter there, and during my speech, I suggested visiting our country. After visiting Azerbaijan, they saw its realities with their very own eyes. The reintroduction of this matter in this form has been reemphasized after Armenia's defeat in the war. Armenians want to be the owners of cultural heritage related to Christianity in our liberated lands. In this way, they want to create difficulties for our future generations. Their main goal is to claim in the future that the Christian and Albanian cultural heritage churches and temples located in the liberated lands belong to them. The Armenian Diaspora is behind this agenda, which is being discussed in the United States. The main goal of Armenians is to appropriate the monuments of Christianity before the conclusion of a peace treaty with Azerbaijan," he said. According to Mobili, in the early days of the second Karabakh war the so-called "separatist leader" Arayik Harutyunyan attempted to give this war a religious coloring, but failed. "We liberated both our lands and our cultural and r eligious heritage. The pro-Armenian countries are interested in making the peace treaty depend on them. The successor of Caucasian Albania today is Azerbaijan. And the heirs of the Albanian religious community are the Udi people," he said. Source: TREND News Agency

There is a unique attitude to all religions in Azerbaijan - such attitude is not found anywhere else in the world, Jewish entrepreneur Elkhan Peysakhov told Trend, commenting on the statement of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that a number of countries, including Azerbaijan, are on a "watch list" for religious freedom. "Frankly speaking, I am surprised that the US made such a statement. Apparently, this decision was made under the influence of the Armenian lobby. I was born in Baku and have never faced any religious or nationality-based challenges. I always wear the Star of David, and the guests coming from abroad are always surprised and question me about the fact that I wear it in public. I answer them that there are no issues in Baku with such matters, but when I go abroad, I always take it off," he said. "I am proud that I am a Jew and live in Azerbaijan. I live freely here. There is a European synagogue in the very center of Baku, and a mountain Jews' synagogue next to it. Nowhere else in the wo rld, there is such a thing. Azerbaijan has a very good attitude to all religions. We celebrate all Jewish holidays in the country. Azerbaijanis also join the celebrations, which is pleasant," the entrepreneur said. According to Peysakhov, there are no barriers for Jews to live in Azerbaijan following all the canons of their religion. "Even Jews living abroad come here to celebrate holidays and weddings. In particular, Jews have a custom of celebrating the 13th birthday of boys. It's called Bar Mitzvah. They celebrate it in a synagogue in Azerbaijan. Some Jewish friends ask me why I live in Azerbaijan and not in Israel, to which I answer: 'My homeland is Azerbaijan'," he added. Source: TREND News Agency

Baku: In ensuring the execution of the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the conscription of citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan for active military service and the discharge of servicemen from active military service to the reserve for the period of January 1-30, 2024, events aimed at the discharge of servicemen, who completed their active military service, are being held in the types of troops (forces), Army Corps, formations and independent military units of the Azerbaijan Army. The events are being held under the instruction of Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Ministry of Defense told AZERTAC. At the events, the memory of National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, and Shehids (Martyrs), who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of the Motherland, was honored with observing a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was performed. The speakers at the farewell ceremonies congratulated the active military servicemen, who were discharged to reserve from the Azerbaijan Armed Forces, on worthily completing military service and wished them success in their future activities. In turn, servicemen, who completed their military service, expressed pride in serving in the Azerbaijan Army. They also expressed confidence that the positive qualities and experience acquired during the military service will be beneficial in their future lives. A group of servicemen, who distinguished themselves during military service, was presented honorary certificates and other awards. At the end of the events, discharged servicemen were sent to their places of residence. Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency

Baku: "In Azerbaijan, known for its rich traditions of tolerance, representatives of different nations and religions have lived in peace, mutual respect and trust for hundreds of years. We assess the ethnic and religious diversity, which is one of the predominant qualities of our society, as an unprecedented achievement of our statehood. The preservation of the atmosphere of democratic coexistence prevailing in our country, the promotion of progressive public values based on the principles of humanism and tolerance are among the priority directions of our public policy," said President Ilham Aliyev in his congratulatory message to the Orthodox Christian community of Azerbaijan. "It is commendable that our Christian compatriots, taking advantage of the broad opportunities created by the exemplary relations between the state and religion, are keeping their unique traditions, language and culture alive, are closely involved in the large-scale construction works carried out in our country and in all areas of our public and political life together with representatives of other faiths," the head of state noted. Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency

Baku: Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission (CEC) has prepared a practical guide - "Handbook for Observers' within the educational program for election stakeholders regarding the snap presidential election of the Republic of Azerbaijan scheduled for February 7, 2024, the CEC told AZERTAC. The main goal of the project is to raise the awareness of observers, who will be monitoring the upcoming presidential elections, and provide them with methodical assistance. The edition contains detailed information on the principles of observation, duties and rights of observers. The guidebook is compiled based on the Election Code and the legal documents approved by CEC. The "Handbook for Observers', available in three languages - Azerbaijani, English and Russian, can be obtained from lower election commissions, as well as the CEC official website (www.msk.gov.az). Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency

Stockholm: Azerbaijani Ambassador to Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark Zaur Ahmadov has participated in the New Year's reception hosted by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark bringing together ambassadors accredited to the country. Ambassador Zaur Ahmadov conveyed New Year's greetings to Her Majesty the Queen and Crown Prince Frederik during the reception held at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen. The ambassadors extended their best wishes to Denmark's Queen Margrethe II, who announced she will abdicate the throne in the coming days, and wished Prince Frederik success in his future activities as the head of state. Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency

Baku: Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev has been interviewed by German newspaper "Berliner Zeitung." AZERTAC presents the interview. -Mr. Hajiyev, on Dec. 19, you said that the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan was over after 35 years. Azerbaijan is now pursuing the strategy of "winning the peace". They also said that a peace treaty is not rocket science. By when can a peace treaty with Armenia realistically be concluded? -After the end of the Second Karabakh War in 2020, it was Azerbaijan who initiated the peace negotiations with Armenia by submitting the five basic principles in accordance with the well-known norms of international law, which, among other, include the mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual confirmation of the absence of territorial claims against each other, and establishment of the diplomatic relations. Azerbaijan has been negotiating w ith Armenia in good faith in different venues to achieve a long-awaited peace in the region. We really believe there is a historic chance to reach a peace treaty and we should not to miss this opportunity. Significant progress has been achieved with regard to the text of the peace treaty, however there are still a few pending issues. Recently both countries astonished the world with positive agenda. I refer to the landmark joint statement of the Azerbaijani President's Office and the Armenian Prime Minister's Office on December 7, as a result of which 34 soldiers were released as part of the mutual exchange deal. Furthermore, Azerbaijan has supported the Armenian candidature for Eastern European Group COP Bureau, while Armenia has supported Azerbaijan's candidacy to host COP29. This shows that Azerbaijan and Armenia are capable of conducting direct bilateral talks without mediators. -If the agenda is so positive, by when do you realistically expect a signed peace treaty? -After the 19-20 September antiterr or operation and the full restoration of sovereignty of Azerbaijan, the main source of tension between Azerbaijan and Armenia-the Karabakh issue-is completely taken off the table. So, at the moment, we see no serious obstacle to the conclusion of a peace treaty. Now we observe the calmest days in last 30 years between two countries. There are even no incidents of skirmishes as both army returned to their barracks. And the recent informal meeting between the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia in St. Petersburg was also held in a positive vein. But it is a bit difficult to talk about specific timelines, as further negotiations are still needed between Armenia and Azerbaijan to finalize the process. To be honest, I don't think that it would appropriate to put strict timeline and thus to work under time pressure. -Are both countries prepared to conclude a peace treaty without a final settlement of the border demarcation and the so-called Zangazur corridor? -Border delimitation is technica l and time-consuming long process, while peace treaty is not a rocket science and is just based on mutual acceptance of norms and principles of international law in interstate relations. In our view, the peace treaty should not be held hostage by the border delimitation. Although the negotiations on the peace agreement and the delimitation and demarcation of the border are taking place in parallel, they are being conducted in two different formats. So far, the delimitation commissions of both countries have met five times to discuss the basics of the process. The last meeting took place this November on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border. During this meeting, the two sides agreed to start work on reaching an agreement on the draft regulation on the joint activities of the commission on demarcation of the state border and border security issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan and to intensify the meetings between the commissions. We also regard this agreement as a positive sign, not least because it was reached i n a bilateral format. -On December 6, President Aliyev called for "easy access" from Azerbaijan to the exclave of Nakhchivan. There should be no "checks and interferences" there. This is Azerbaijan's legitimate right. Does this mean a transportation link without customs and border controls? To which provision of applicable international law does the statement that this claim is Azerbaijan's legitimate right refer? -Nakhchivan region of Azerbaijan is under blockade for 30 years. In the Trilateral Declaration of 10 November 2020, Armenia undertook obligation to guarantee the security of transport links between the western regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in order to organize unimpeded movement of citizens, vehicles and goods in both directions. President Ilham Aliyev referred to this commitment. Azerbaijan is interested in creating the proper connection to Nakhchivan, however, despite its commitment, Armenia impedes this process for already 3 years. Therefore, Azer baijan has already reached an agreement with Iran on an alternative route through Iranian territory. We do not intend to keep waiting for the Armenian side to become ready to realize its own commitment and take every opportunity to diversify our communication routes. -You mean Article 9 of the Armenian-Azerbaijani-Russian ceasefire agreement: "The Republic of Armenia guarantees the security of transport links between the western regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in order to ensure the unimpeded movement of citizens, vehicles and cargo in both directions." Does Azerbaijan interpret this article to mean that Armenia will waive customs and border controls? -The short answer to your question is yes. That is why the document contains language about "unimpeded" movement of passengers and cargo. This is a signed commitment by Armenia. However, it should be clarified that we expect customs and border controls to be waived only when the goods are transported from the mainla nd Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. But when the goods are transported from Azerbaijan to the third country, of course, applicable customs and border control will be ensured by Armenia. -The quoted Article 9 also states: "Transportation control is carried out by the bodies of the border service of the FSB of Russia." In the meantime, Russian-Armenian relations have cooled considerably. From an Azerbaijani perspective: Is the clause from 2020 still relevant for you? -I don't want to comment on Russian-Armenian relations. What I want to highlight is that there are undeniable physical facts on the ground. First of all, Armenia is a member of the CSTO and the EAEU. Second, Armenia's border is protected by Russian FSB border guard troops. The Trilateral Declaration specifically refers to FSB forces as well. But my role here is not to speak as advocate of one particular border troops on the ground. Our concern is that we can't leave Azerbaijani cargo and passengers just to the mercy of Armenian l aw enforcement agencies. And our concerns are well grounded. This year Azerbaijani flag was burned in weightlifting event held in Yerevan in the presence of Armenian Prime Minister. Internet is full of footages how an Azerbaijan soldier lost in foggy weather was brutally beaten in Armenia. But important thing is whether Armenia is truly interested in this project or not. Once good willingness is on place could be found through creative thinking. There is no need to invent bicycle. The route through Armenia is Yerevan's commitment and they should honor it. In other words, Pacta sunt servanda. International practice, humanitarian principles also demand from Armenia to stop blockading Nakhchivan from mainland Azerbaijan proper. So far, we don't see any engagement from Armenia. On the contrary, Armenia by initiating 'The Crossroad of peace' project, tries to deviate from its commitment deriving from the Trilateral Declaration and to falsely present itself as a party that vehemently supports regional unblocking. But in reality, it is Armenia that still hinders the opening of communication in the region. -When you say "a transportation link through the far south of Armenia" - do you mean the old Soviet route along the Armenian-Iranian border or a corridor further north? -We are referring to the shortest route, which should run along the railroad that was in operation during the Soviet period and even in the first years of independence of our countries - the last freight train passed along this route in 1992. While Armenia says to be interested in restoring this railroad connection, but they oppose the construction of a parallel highway, offering Azerbaijan instead a long, inconvenient and weather-prone northern route. It once more demonstrates that Armenia is reluctant to open transportation links. -How do you intend to prevent such a transportation corridor from restricting Armenian sovereignty and Armenian-Iranian connectivity? -We do not see the transportation through Armenian territory as a threat to both Arme nian sovereignty and Armenian-Iranian connectivity. This is because a transportation link from Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan - through the far south of Armenia - will not affect the trade route between Armenia and Iran. The two routes intersect without blocking each other. It is always possible to find acceptable modalities if there is the political will to do so. The term 'corridor' should not frighten Armenia, as it is widely used in the context of transport routes. This transportation link will not deprive Armenia from its border with Iran. This route will not cut Armenia into two pieces either. Regretfully, here we see the widespread slander campaign against my country, especially in some Western media. -The Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has made the proposal to establish several east-west connections between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan or Turkey on Armenian territory. What is Baku's position on this? -Due to the illegal occupation by Armenia of Azerbaijani territory recognized under international la w - Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur - Armenia has not been included in the main energy and connectivity projects of our region. For many years Armenia self-isolated itself. Within the framework of the process of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, various projects for opening regional communications can also be discussed. The commissioning of the transportation link across the Armenian territory to Nakhchivan would play an important role in the inclusion of Armenia in the Middle Corridor project. But Armenia should finally make it clear - what it wants. -Isn't there a risk that the demand for a Zangazur Corridor without customs and border controls will delay the realization of the Middle Corridor? Wouldn't such a policy risk turning interested parties from China to Europe against Azerbaijan? -Azerbaijan has waited almost 3 years for Armenia to fulfill its obligations to enable the transport connection to Nakhchivan. Azerbaijan expected facilitated passage and we are ready to look at th e models like Kaliningrad. We have also invited World Customs Organization to share their know-how and standards. However, Azerbaijan never puts all its eggs in one basket, which is why we have been working on alternative solutions in parallel. We are also increasing the capacity of Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway up to 5 million tons per year. Together with our Iranian partners, we are building an alternative route to Nakhchivan via Iranian territory. The fact that Yerevan will stay in this case outside the new regional connectivity project will only be due to its own policy. Let me also make it clear that the realization of the transport project via Iran does mean that the route through Armenia is taken off the table. We are ready to work with Armenia to this end. It is always better to have more alternatives. The transportation link to Nakhchivan through Armenia will not affect its sovereignty. Hysteria around this topic is completely unsubstantiated. -In the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the borders under intern ational law have been restored, but deep humanitarian wounds remain. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has called on Azerbaijan to "create a climate of trust and the material conditions" for the return of the ethnic Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh - including active steps by Azerbaijan to encourage and empower them. What steps does the government in Baku plan to take in response to this call? -Immediately after the 23-hour anti-terrorist operation against the Armenian armed forces in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, our country created a portal for the reintegration of the Armenian residents of Karabakh into the Azerbaijani state. It has been publicized through a press release by the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration, widely reported in regional media. To Azerbaijan's pride, not a single case of violence against civilians was recorded during and after the lightning anti-terrorist operation as confirmed by three UN missions and ICRC. Azerbaijan demonstrated to the who le world how to conduct military operation without harming civilians. In other words, all conditions were created for the civilian population to stay where they were. Nevertheless, most of Armenian residents decided to leave Karabakh. They simply don't to live under the Azerbaijani flag and citizenship, which was the reason for their decision to depart. Mainly because of ethnic hatred against Azerbaijanis. By the way, twenty years ago, former Armenian president Robert Kocharian in his statement at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe that you referred to, talked about 'ethnic incompatibility between Armenians and Azerbaijanis'. PACE officials stated that 'Since its creation the Council of Europe has never heard the phrase 'ethnic incompatibility'. Most of Armenian residents were frightened that Azerbaijan would possibly seek revenge for what Armenians committed during the First Karabakh War, but it was not our intention. Azerbaijan never targets the civilian population. So, Azerbaijan provide d secure passage through Lachin road to Armenia. A very small part of Armenian residents decided to stay to live in Karabakh, and their needs are being met currently. The reintegration portal continues to operate. At the same time, it is disturbing that Armenia denies the right of return to hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis, who were massively expelled from their places of compact residence in Armenia as a result of ethnic cleansing. The Prime Minister of Armenia has called them a "threat to Armenia's national security", which is totally unacceptable. One cannot proclaim an "era of peace" on the one hand and on the other hand call Azerbaijani refugees who want to return and live in their historical homeland "a threat to the national security of the country". The Western Azerbaijan Community that represents Azerbaijani refugees expelled from Armenia, always emphasizes that it fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia. Their goal is just a peaceful return to their native lands in Armenia. You mentioned humanitarian wounds. Indeed, the Karabakh conflict has become a tragedy for Azerbaijani people. More than a million Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs. Fates of hundreds of thousands of people were broken. Still the fate of about four thousand Azerbaijanis remain unknown. In Azerbaijan, we have parents that bequeath photos of missing sons to be put on their own tombstones as a moral consolation. You yourself were in the region and could see what the occupation has turned Azerbaijani towns and villages into. Once flourishing cities were completely destroyed and they simply no longer exist. Instead, the Armenian occupiers left us a deadly legacy of more than a million mines without accurate mine maps. Can you imagine that in the 21st century Azerbaijanis become a victim of mine explosions in their own sovereign territory? Clearing the territories of mines, restoring infrastructure, creating living and working conditions and returning the population is a huge task that Azerbaijanis are now facing. Another humanitarian wound is the deliberate destruction of our cultural heritage sites, mosques, cemeteries. Our mosques were used as stables for pigs and cows. By doing so, Armenia tried to erase the traces of Azerbaijani people. -You have said that both countries are capable of conducting productive negotiations without mediators. In your experience, which format is the most effective: Azerbaijani-Armenian negotiations, the 3+3 format with neighbors Iran, Russia and Turkey, or negotiations with Western participation, be it the US or the EU? -Each format has its own advantages, and it would not be correct to compare their effectiveness. At various stages, different formats have allowed us to move forward, and we are grateful to all the mediators who have been involved. The venue is not important for us. Most important is the outcome. We are for result-oriented negotiations. In principle, we are not against the honest facilitation, but our preference is direct talks. Today, work on the text of the peace treaty is being carried out directly between Baku and Yerevan. Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency

Baku: Below AZERTAC places an article released by an international media outlet BNNbreaking.com about the legacy of Armenian general Garegin Nzhdeh, who collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II. In the heart of Yerevan, Armenia, on January 1st, 2024, streets echoed with the chilling chant of 'Sieg Heil,' a phrase historically associated with the Nazi regime. This unsettling manifestation was part of a march honoring Garegin Nzhdeh, a controversial figure in Armenian history, known for his collaboration with Nazi Germany during World War II. Despite his conviction for Nazi collaboration, Nzhdeh has retained a significant following within Armenia. His ideology, a blend of Armenian superiority and anti-Turkish sentiment, continues to resonate with certain extremist factions in the country. Throughout the war, Nzhdeh ensured the Armenian Legion, an army unit within the Wehrmacht, followed Nazi orders. His influence extended to various regions, including the Caucasus, Crimea, and France. Nzhdeh's lega cy is complex and contentious. While his actions during World War II are viewed with disdain by many, his ideology has found a home among a segment of the Armenian population. The proliferation of monuments and street namings in his honor, including a village named after him, testifies to his enduring influence and the glorification of his ideology by some groups within Armenia. In Yerevan, a monument dedicated to Nzhdeh was erected in 2016, adding to at least seventeen other locations across Armenia bearing his name. Streets named after Nzhdeh can be found in numerous cities and settlements, including Gyumri and Gafan. Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency

BAKU: The explosions in Iran's Kerman bear all the hallmarks of an ISIS attack, US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said during a briefing on January 4, Trend reports. "We extend our sympathy for the victims of what we do believe was an apparent terrorist attack. Based on all the information available, it's clear to us that this was a terrorist attack. We've seen the reports that ISIS has taken responsibility for it. I'm not ready to offer a formal assessment from this podium at this time, and when it comes to responsibility, this attack does bear all the hallmarks of an ISIS attack," he added. The terrorist organization ISIS has claimed responsibility for explosions in Kerman. Two explosions occurred in Iran's Kerman on January 3 during a procession commemorating the anniversary of the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The explosions resulted in the loss of 84 lives. Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US Air Force airstrike in Iraq in 2020. Source: Trend News Agency