Discussions begin between the Azerbaijani authorities and Armenian representatives in Karabakh
The official Azerbaijan News Agency reported the launch of discussions between Azerbaijan and representatives of the Armenian population of the Karabakh region, in the city of Yevlakh, after Baku regained control of the region in a military operation it launched to combat terrorism.
On Thursday, discussions between Azerbaijan and representatives of the Armenian population of the Karabakh region began in the city of Yevlakh, after Baku regained control of the region in a military operation it launched to combat terrorism, according to what was published by the official Azerbaijani “AZERTAC” news agency .
Scenes broadcast by the agency showed six men in formal clothes sitting around a table to negotiate the reintegration of this region under the sovereignty of Azerbaijan.
The agency reported that the person responsible for communications with the Armenian population living in the Karabakh region, Ramen Mammadov, and the Deputy Special Envoy of the Azerbaijani President to the lands of the economic zone liberated from the occupation of Armenia, with the exception of Shusha Governorate, Bashir Hajiyev, and the employee of the Special Mission, Elkin Sultanov, are participating in the meeting from the Azerbaijani side.
The Armenian population of Karabakh is represented by Sergey Martirosyan and David Melkomyan. A representative of the Russian peacekeeping contingent attended the meeting as a participant, according to the same source.
Earlier (Wednesday), Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced that his country had regained its sovereignty after its operation against terrorism in the Karabakh region.
Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijani soldiers showed great heroism in the anti-terrorism operation.
He said: “Great military successes were achieved in all directions in a short time. A large part of the army that Armenia illegally deployed on Azerbaijani territory was destroyed and it has not completely withdrawn it yet, despite its obligations.”
He explained that he issued instructions to all forces before the operation to prevent the Armenian residents of Karabakh from being exposed to any harm.
He added: “Instructions were also issued not to fire on civilian infrastructure. The professionalism and technical capabilities of our army enabled us to accomplish this mission in an honorable manner.”
Earlier (Wednesday), the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense announced that representatives of the Armenian population in Karabakh submitted a request through the Russian peace force, according to which an agreement was reached for Baku to stop its operation against terrorism in the region, and to evacuate the illegal Armenian armed groups and the Armenian armed forces stationed in Karabakh disarmed and evacuated its military sites.
Türkiye congratulates Azerbaijan on the success of the military operation in Karabakh
The Turkish Defense Minister congratulated his Azerbaijani counterpart on the success of the military operation in the Karabakh region and the successful completion of anti-terrorism measures, noting that Turkey, as always, is close to Azerbaijan.
Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Guler made a phone call on Thursday with his Azerbaijani counterpart Zakir Hasanov and congratulated him on the successful completion of anti-terrorism measures in the Karabakh region.
Guler pointed out that Turkey, as always, is close to Azerbaijan, according to a statement by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense.
The Turkish Minister of Defense expressed his sincere condolences to the families of the martyred soldiers, and wished a speedy recovery to all the wounded.
The Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan spoke about the military successes achieved in the context of local anti-terrorism measures in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan in all directions in a short period of time.
“During anti-terrorism measures, the heroism, courage and professionalism of our soldiers were highly appreciated by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev,” he said.
During the phone call, the two ministers also exchanged views on a number of other issues of common interest.
On Wednesday, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense announced the cessation of combat measures it had taken to combat terrorism in the Karabakh region after meeting Baku’s conditions for the withdrawal of Armenian forces, the surrender of weapons, and the dissolution of illegal Armenian armed groups.
Earlier Tuesday, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense announced the launch of an anti-terrorism operation “with the aim of establishing constitutional order in the Karabakh region.”
On September 27, 2020, the Azerbaijani army launched an operation to liberate its occupied territories in Karabakh, and after fierce battles that lasted 44 days, Azerbaijan and Armenia reached a Russian-brokered ceasefire agreement, stipulating that Baku would regain control over its occupied territories.
