Armenia must fulfill its obligations – MP

Azerbaijan has always been interested in establishing peace, security and stability in its territories liberated from occupation. However, ensuring genuine and lasting peace in the South Caucasus does not end with political agreements. It also requires clarifying the fate of our missing persons whose whereabouts have remained unknown for years and ensuring that the other side recognizes the moral and political responsibility incumbent upon it.

Against the backdrop of President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the 4th International Conference within the framework of the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons, Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament Tahir Rzayev spoke to TodayPress TV about the harsh realities surrounding the issue and the demands placed on Armenia.

The MP stressed that despite the end of military operations and the liberation of Azerbaijan’s territories, the fate of missing compatriots remains firmly on the country’s leadership agenda:

“President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev’s address to the participants of the 4th International Conference held within the framework of the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons is an expression of the great respect and reverence shown for missing persons, those who were killed in the war, and people who lost their health. Despite the end of the war, the fate of missing persons has been repeatedly raised by the head of state, and serious issues in this area have been brought before international organizations. This issue is once again clearly reflected in Mr. Ilham Aliyev’s address.”

The MP said that the Baku Dialogue serves to address the consequences of the humanitarian disaster:

“The address states that despite the end of the conflict, investigating the fate of missing persons remains one of the most important issues for the Azerbaijani state. The Baku Dialogue itself stems from precisely this important issue. Because in order to establish lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus, many issues must be clarified, and Armenia must fulfill the obligations it has undertaken.”

The parliamentarian added that, in order to create an atmosphere of trust in the region, the authorities in Yerevan must provide Azerbaijan with truthful and accurate information about the fate of people whose whereabouts remain unknown:

“In this regard, the necessary and accurate information about the fate of missing or unaccounted-for persons must be provided, and responsibility must be demanded for determining their fate. The measures taken by the President of Azerbaijan in this area deserve attention. In every speech, at every event and at international forums, our head of state, based on the national position of our people, speaks about the courage and heroism of those who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland and those who lost their physical health, and expresses his respect for these people.”

Tahir Rzayev noted that the Azerbaijani state will continue its determined policy aimed at restoring the rights of every citizen who went missing and clarifying their fate:

“The address states that Azerbaijan will continue to mobilize all its capabilities to clarify the fate of people whose whereabouts remain unknown. No missing citizen of ours is forgotten, and determining their fate remains a constant focus of the state. The Baku Dialogue held in Baku is a very important and significant platform in this regard. The tasks set out give reason to believe that the fate of all missing persons will be determined and detailed information about their whereabouts will be provided. This is undoubtedly a serious demand addressed to the Armenian leadership. Resolving these issues is extremely important for ensuring peace, tranquility and cooperation in the region, as well as establishing security and stability in the South Caucasus,” Tahir Rzayev said.

Turkan Iskandarli