Baku feels a threat from the Armenian Diaspora and tries to neutralize it — Annette Moskofian

A question was raised in the House of Lords about Azerbaijan’s mistreatment of 23 Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh who remain in captivity. The question was raised by the Bishop of Winchester. Baroness Jenny Chapman of Darlington, a Labour Party member, presented the response of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The Bishop asked what statements the British authorities had made to the Azerbaijani government and what steps were being taken in coordination with international partners to ensure that Azerbaijan complied with its international obligations. In response, Baroness Chapman noted that the UK had called on the Azerbaijani authorities to ensure a fair trial and safe detention conditions for those captured during the military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023, in accordance with Azerbaijan’s international obligations.

Alpha News discussed this matter with Annette Moskofian, Chairperson of the Armenian National Committee United Kingdom.

“Azerbaijan understands our lobbying in the Diaspora well and responds in a coordinated manner through representatives of its government. Similar examples were after the 2020 war, when the ambassadors of Turkey and Azerbaijan to the UK ‘attacked’ British MPs, wrote them letters, invited them to meetings. That is, it was more like bullying. They work in this direction very effectively because they see a threat from the Diaspora and try to neutralize this danger and force,” she said.

According to her, Azerbaijan is trying to create a good image for its country.

“Azerbaijan seeks to create an illusion of freedom for religious minorities. There are numerous international reports from the US, EU, other countries and organizations that discuss the persecution of some religious minorities and religious leaders, including ethnic cleansing in Artsakh. Azerbaijan understands this and systematically tries to create a positive image for itself,” Annette Moskofian said.