Aliyev speaks on peace treaty and the right of return for Artsakh residents
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has stated that the establishment of full peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is possible in the near future. He made these remarks during an interview with France 24 television.
According to Aliyev, the agreements reached between Yerevan and Baku at the White House on August 8, in his assessment, mean that the conflict is over. He noted that the situation at the border has been calm for more than six months, and no exchanges of fire, fatalities, or injuries have been recorded.
Touching upon the topic of the return of Artsakh residents, Aliyev stated that if an application is submitted by Armenia, Azerbaijan is ready to consider it on the principle of reciprocity. He said that, according to the Azerbaijani side’s position, the right of return is a universal right and should also apply to Azerbaijanis who, as he phrased it, previously left the territory of present-day Armenia.
He also informed that restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia through the territory of Azerbaijan have been lifted, and the supply of petroleum products to Armenia has begun, which, according to Aliyev, marks the start of commercial relations.
The President of Azerbaijan noted that only a few formal steps remain for the signing of the peace treaty and expressed hope that the official agreement could be concluded as early as this year. At the same time, he reiterated that it is necessary to make changes to the Constitution of Armenia.
Speaking about the meeting with US Vice President J.D. Vance, Aliyev noted that the “TRIPP” project was also discussed, and he is confident that it will be implemented. According to him, Vance also raised the issue of Armenians held in Azerbaijan, to which he presented Baku’s position in response.
