Armenia refuses to repatriate two Azerbaijani citizens on fabricated accusations: Minister

Instead of taking action to properly investigate the torture and degrading treatment against the two Azerbaijani nationals and bring the perpetrators to justice, the Government of Armenia refuses to repatriate them under fabricated accusations, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov said at the meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council, Report informs, citing MFA.

He noted that while remaining committed to its international obligations and open to constructive dialogue, Azerbaijan will not tolerate violations of international law and continue taking appropriate steps at the international level:

"In particular, Azerbaijan has initiated judicial proceedings to hold Armenia to account for its egregious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and to prosecute and punish the perpetrators of atrocity crimes, which are not subject to any statutory limitations. While accountability and redress serve to ensure the rights and interests of the victims and must be the inevitable consequence of the offenses committed, they are also an essential preventive tool and one of the key prerequisites on the path to genuine post-conflict normalization and reconciliation.

"Azerbaijan genuinely believes that the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia based on mutual recognition of and respect for each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international borders is the only way to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.

"We are determined and resolute to take forward the normalization agenda through direct bilateral negotiations. In this endeavor, we also rely on impartial and unbiased support and facilitation of our international partners pursuing the goal of a peaceful and prosperous South Caucasus."