State Committee condemns setting Azerbaijani flag on fire in Yerevan

The State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons of Azerbaijan has commented on the burning of the Azerbaijani flag at the opening ceremony of the European Weightlifting Championship in Yerevan, Report informs.

The committee condemned the demonstrative act of vandalism committed against the backdrop of growing Azerbaijanophobia in Armenia in recent days.

The State Committee notes that Azerbaijan, having independently put an end to the 30-year-old Armenian occupation, demonstrates political will and determination to normalize bilateral relations as an initiator of peacebuilding in the region.

“However, the government of Armenia is not only trying to slow down this process under various pretexts, but also provides ideological support for actions aimed at increasing the feeling of hatred towards our country and people in society, not wanting to hinder such actions.

The continuation of the policy of ethnic hatred and discrimination in Armenia during the period of restoration and revival of the territories liberated from occupation, the return of the original inhabitants of these lands to their homes, while the Azerbaijani government takes the necessary measures for the reintegration of the Armenian community of Karabakh, casts doubt on the process of peacebuilding in the region which the international community also expects with great interest.

The fact that the revanchist forces in Armenia do not give up provocations and hostility, despite the goodwill of the government and the public of Azerbaijan regarding the possibility of coexistence between Azerbaijanis and Armenians, indicates that the Armenian side does not want to implement this initiative.

It is a historical fact that Armenia supports terrorism and terrorists, it is doubtful that it can safely host any international event on its territory, including sports competitions. The burning of the Azerbaijani flag and the praise of this heinous deed as the heroism of the person who committed it clearly show this.

Azerbaijani refugees and internally displaced persons call on the international community to demand that Armenia put an end to actions that cause interethnic hatred and discrimination, punish the person who set fire to the Azerbaijani flag within the framework of existing legal norms.

In addition, international sports organizations should refuse to hold any prestigious competitions in Armenia, as well as suspend the European Weightlifting Championship in Yerevan and annul its results.

The Azerbaijanis, who are preparing to return to the territories liberated from occupation - their native places in Eastern Zangazur and Karabakh, hope for the full provision of peace and security in the region, and that Armenia's attempts to disrupt this process will be resolutely suppressed by the international community," the statement says.