On April 9, an international forum on the topic “Facing the New World Order” was held at the ADA University. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev delivered the welcoming speech. The head of state also answered numerous questions from the participants, some of which concerned the Armenia-Azerbaijan settlement.
In general, the president addressed this topic from the perspective of cooperation across the entire South Caucasus region. He noted that the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories prevented this part of the world from becoming a more integrated region and deprived Armenia itself of the opportunity to become an important transit country for Azerbaijan’s energy resources and transport routes. “It’s their fault that they miscalculated the future development and sacrificed their economic future, their real independence for this dream of ‘great Armenia,'” the head of state remarked.
It may seem like a simple fact, but it actually helps to understand much about the current destructive psychology of the Armenian establishment. While Karabakh was in their hands, they deluded themselves into thinking it was a worthy compensation for missing out on the dividends from participating in joint projects with Azerbaijan. Now, having lost both Karabakh and the dividends, they have nothing left but to comfort themselves with thoughts of revenge – for how bitter it must be to realize that their sacrifice was in vain!
However, although Armenia has lost hope of participating in the transit of oil and gas, it still retains the prospect of participating in cargo transit through the Trans-Caspian Corridor, though not exclusively, but as a parallel route to the Georgian one. For example, through the Zangezur Corridor.
As a condition for Armenia’s inclusion in cooperation projects, Aliyev mentioned a peace agreement, and as a condition for the peace agreement – a change in Armenia’s Constitution. “On many occasions, I have already made it public what we expect from Armenia regarding our territorial integrity and their constitution,” the head of state emphasized.
Thus, President Aliyev once again reminded that the Armenian constitution is the key and undeniable condition under which Armenia could be considered ready for peace and cooperation.
Reflecting on this context and defining Azerbaijan as the geographical, political, economic, and transport bridge between Central Asia and Europe, Aliyev also highlighted the destructive role of certain forces in Europe trying to separate Azerbaijan from the process of interregional cooperation through attempts to draw dividing lines in the South Caucasus.
From this perspective, the president also pointed to the “large process of militarization of Armenia.” “Deadly weapons, which have been supplied by new Armenian friends actually will not truly lead to peace and stability. It will only lead to potential tensions in the future,” the head of state noted.
One of the most important points made by the head of state was his statement that there is no division in Armenia’s political establishment on the issue of Azerbaijan and that it is unified: “It’s just a matter of vocabulary, matter of behavior and matter of tactics. So, we must be ready for that from military and political point of view.” Indeed, the actions of Prime Minister Pashinyan, who positions himself as the main proponent of peace in Armenia, are more focused on attempting revenge than on establishing lasting peace. His discussions about the “real Armenia” seem more aimed at gauging public sentiment and testing the mood of society to navigate the complexities of Armenian politics. The consistent course of military cooperation with France and India points to a desire to wait for the right moment to launch a new aggression against Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijani leader once again reminded Armenian revanchists and their patrons that our country will not passively wait for an attack. “We restored our territorial integrity, sovereignty, and put an end to separatism and took control of our borders. And for us, this issue is done. It doesn’t mean that we will just ignore potential threats and potential danger,” the head of state emphasized, stressing that we must always be prepared to repel any aggression.
To summarize the points made by President Aliyev, it can be concluded that Azerbaijan’s position is clear and uncompromising – we are ready for a peace agreement and the gradual restoration of trust with Armenia, but only if Armenia unequivocally renounces its territorial claims against Azerbaijan. For this, constitutional reform is essential.
It is also worth citing another statement from Ilham Aliyev’s responses: “Until a peace agreement is signed and Armenia puts down completely all territorial claims to Azerbaijan, which still exists in the Constitution, and demonstrates sincere behavior to normalize relations with Azerbaijan there will always be a threat of new military standoff.”
Murad Abiyev
Caliber.az
