Monday, February 5 2024 23:08

ArmInfo. In the process of agreeing on the discussed document on the normalization of relations  between Baku and Yerevan, Azerbaijan seeks to de jure consolidate what has been achieved through the use of force and the threat of force, in terms of the forced annexation of Artsakh during the ethnic  cleansing of the Armenian population, and the occupation of some territories of Armenia, at the same time, the possibility of receiving other concessions from Yerevan as well.

This is stated in the statement of the ARF Supreme Bureau for Armenian-Azerbaijani  normalization and processes around it.

"In fact, with this document, Azerbaijan is trying to close the  Artsakh issue. In addition, threats to Armenia are increasing. The  Republic of Armenia does not receive any additional guarantees to  ensure its security, territorial integrity, sovereignty and  unblocking of transport routes; No effective mechanisms have been  created to prevent further hostile actions by Azerbaijan, including  military aggressions," the ARF said.  At the same time, the Bureau  believes that in the current conditions, taking into account existing  realities, the regulation of relations based on the protection of  national-state interests must comply with at least six principles.

Firstly, the ARF is convinced that in order to build an environment  of trust, as a precondition it is necessary to consider the  withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from the sovereign territory of the  Republic of Armenia, as well as the return of all prisoners of war  and detainees, solving existing humanitarian problems and preserving  cultural heritage.

"Secondly, in order to establish lasting peace, it is necessary that  this agreement be an integral document regulating relations, take  into account the legitimate interests of the parties and contain  decisions on the entire range of issues to be agreed upon.

Third, any agreement must not jeopardize the perpetual and  inalienable rights of the Armenian people.  Vital concessions and  losses must be excluded, clearly establishing our interests in  accordance with the current constitutional and legal norms and  diplomatic practice of the Republic of Armenia," the Bureau  emphasized.

Fourthly, according to the ARF, the basis for demarcation and  delimitation should be the actual borders in force at the time of the  accession of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the CIS (September 24,  1993).  Demarcation and delimitation between the two countries must  be in accordance with the best international practices and norms and  must be based on the "UN Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties"  (1969), the "Helsinki Final Act" (1975) from the conceptual norms of  the OSCE Secretariat document "Delimitation and Demarcation of State  Borders, Urgent Problems and Solutions" (2017), including the  principle that any international agreement reached through the threat  or use of force is null and void.

"Fifthly, complete and simultaneous unblocking of transport and other  means of communication without any restrictions on sovereignty.

And sixth, until the final political settlement of the Artsakh issue  and the full realization of the fundamental rights of the people of  Artsakh, ensure the collective, unhindered and safe return of Artsakh  Armenians to their homeland, based on full respect for the rights of  those who were oppressed and forcibly displaced as a result of ethnic  cleansing," the ARF statement reads.

The Bureau also believes that the following should be considered as a  mandatory condition for return:  granting Artsakh an intermediate  status, ensuring in full the civil and political rights of Artsakh  Armenians guaranteed by international standards; providing effective  guarantees for the security of the people of Artsakh, including the  deployment of peacekeeping forces; ensuring unimpeded land  communications with Armenia.

"Any document signed without observing these principles will not  contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in the region,  but will confirm the precedent of resolving issues by force or the  threat of force," the ARF concluded.