Hajizada argued that the statement overlooks instances of violence, mass expulsion of Azerbaijanis from Armenia, and terror against Azerbaijani people, framing these as part of Armenia’s unfounded territorial claims against Azerbaijan dating back to the late 1980s.
He highlighted that the unrest in Sumgayit should be seen as part of deliberate provocations by Soviet and Armenian leaders, Armenian nationalist ideologues, and extremist groups. Hajizada noted the Soviet prosecutor general’s office had conducted an investigation into the events, identifying rioters and conspirators and confirming 32 casualties, including 6 Azerbaijanis, which he argues indicates that Azerbaijanis were not the instigators.
The spokesperson pointed out that an Armenian, Eduard Grigoryan, was identified as having incited the violence, leading to deaths and assaults. Despite being sentenced to 12 years in prison, Grigoryan was transferred to Armenia, where he was eventually released.
Hajizada contrasted the legal actions taken following the Sumgayit events, where 92 individuals were imprisoned and one received a death sentence, with the lack of accountability for the forced deportation of Azerbaijanis from Armenia in the 1980s and for crimes committed by Armenia against Azerbaijanis during the conflict.
He concluded by urging the Armenian Foreign Ministry to acknowledge the crimes committed against Azerbaijanis and Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, rather than making unfounded claims of “ethnic cleansing” against Armenians, reminding them of Azerbaijan’s recent reclamation of its territories following Armenia’s long-standing military occupation.
