Zakharova on Aliyev’s demands regarding so-called ‘Western Azerbaijani community’

 
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s demand to the Armenian authorities to start negotiations with the so-called “community of Western Azerbaijan.”

“I think it is better to ask Yerevan about the Armenian authorities’ attitude towards these statements. We stated our position. One of the elements of the trilateral agreements at the highest level is the humanitarian discussion, including such issues as respect for the rights of refugees, preservation of cultural-historical monuments and religious heritage, ensuring safe and free access to them, and the search for missing persons and the exchange of prisoners of war and detainees. We have repeatedly emphasized the importance of the resumption of dialogue between Yerevan and Baku on the whole range of humanitarian issues, both on official and public affairs. We are ready to provide assistance if the sides want to use our opportunities,” she said.