US diplomat: Azerbaijan showed generosity by sending humanitarian aid to Khankandi

The events in the South Caucasus, including the game of the political authorities of Armenia on two fronts, impede peace and stability in the region. Yerevan doesn’t respond to Baku’s sincere efforts. Moreover, it continues destructive steps, trying to gain time.

Former US State Department official, political scientist Paul Goble has answered Report’s questions about developments in the South Caucasus region:

- Recently, the military provocations of Armenia on the border with Azerbaijan and in Karabakh have become more intense. What do you think is the purpose of these provocations?

- It would be wrong to regard these provocations as the beginning of a possible war. Now the parties are simply testing each other. Military clashes are part of the negotiation process. The parties also want to warn each other.

- The ongoing attempts at military provocations don’t coincide with the statements of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan about peace. Do you think Yerevan really wants peace?

- Currently, Armenia is politically divided into two parts. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan believes peace is the best option. Others, on the contrary, try to resist it.

- Armenia claims that Azerbaijan allegedly created a "blockade" on the Lachin road and that a "humanitarian catastrophe" continues in Khankandi. But the facts say otherwise. If their claims are true, why don't the Armenians agree with the proposal to deliver goods along the Aghdam-Khankandi road?

- Armenia is trying to attract the attention of the international community. So even if an even larger volume of humanitarian aid is delivered via other routes, this is not a solution for Yerevan.

- The Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society sent humanitarian aid from Baku to meet the needs of Armenians living in Karabakh. How do you regard this step?

- Baku showed its generosity. Of course, this is a dividend in favor of Azerbaijan.

- On August 28, in connection with committing insulting actions against the State Flag of Azerbaijan, Armenian football players were arrested at the Lachin border checkpoint. However, later applying the principle of humanism, Azerbaijan dropped the criminal prosecution, and they were subjected to administrative arrest for 10 days. After the execution of the court decision, the deportation of these persons from Azerbaijan will be ensured. What do you think of this humanitarian step?

- This is a positive step. Thanks to such steps, the support of Azerbaijan by the international community may increase.

- Does France want to send humanitarian cargo to Karabakh without agreement with Azerbaijan? What do you think is the purpose of Paris?

- Karabakh is located within the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan. If France plans to carry out some activity there, it must inform Azerbaijan about it. The opposite of this, that is, unauthorized activity, is illegal.