Specifically, Amirbayov addressed a journalist’s question about the number of Armenian residents in Karabakh and their potential return. First and foremost, the ambassador reminded that they are not citizens because they have not yet applied for Azerbaijani citizenship:
“Most of them already have Armenian passports, and at least one-third are not originally from Karabakh but are those who settled there illegally in recent decades under the spirit of ‘colonialism’. Only less than a thousand people have applied for Azerbaijani citizenship and have committed to renounce separatist actions.”
Ambassador Amirbayov emphasized that “aggressive separatism, which poses a serious threat to the state, is prohibited by many constitutions, including the Italian one.”
“We understand that after 30 years of conflict, fleeing is a predictable choice, but it was their personal decision, although the Azerbaijani government urged them not to leave the country. We have created a portal that allows them to return to Azerbaijan in the shortest possible time and commit to ensuring their safety, rights, and economic well-being. We believe that the small number of remaining people, considering their contacts with those who have left, can play a positive role,” highlighted Elchin Amirbayov.
