He noted that peace settlement can contribute to fully-shaped regional cooperation, as well as sustainable peace and security in the region.

"First of all, the Armenian population will benefit from the opportunities of regional cooperation. This, however, requires an end to the Armenian occupation, withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied Azerbaijani territories, return of internally displaced Azerbaijanis, as set out in the UN Security Council resolutions. It is not serious of Armenia to stick with its policy of occupation on the one hand and to talk about peace on the other hand. Finally, the Armenian leadership need to comprehend that attempts to change internationally recognized borders by use of force are unacceptable and inadmissible," Mammadyarov said.  

The minister said that unfortunately the process carried out by the OSCEMinsk Group had not yielded results.  

“The document on the mandate of the Minsk Group co-chairs reflects that they should be guided by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the Helsinki Final Act, and the norms and principles of international law. The Minsk Group has developed and approved a plan of urgent measures in connection with the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied Azerbaijani territories as a special Annex of the UN Security Council Resolution 854 under the Resolution 822 of the UN Security Council. However, it has not yet been fulfilled,” said Mammadyarov.   

“It should be noted that the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries are permanent members of the UN Security Council and, under the UN Charter, they are responsible for ensuring international peace and security,” he added.

The top diplomat reiterated Azerbaijan’s support for efforts of the Minsk Group co-chairs towards the conflict resolution, underscoring the need for more resolute and effective steps to be taken. 

“A roadmap for a step-by-step solution to the conflict has been drawn up thanks to joint efforts. Therefore, the Minsk Group co-chairs should adhere to their position and prevent Armenia from disrupting the negotiation process. Through political and diplomatic pressure, the co-chairs must ensure the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. In this case, progress will be possible during the negotiations,” he said.    

Mammadyarov stressed that currently there is a certain intensity, concrete and logical flow in the negotiation process. 

“Azerbaijan together with the Minsk Group co-chairs will continue efforts in this direction. As a party subjected to occupation, Azerbaijan is most interested in the soonest settlement of the conflict,” the foreign minister added.

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