YouSaid · the spoken record

Elmar Maharram oglu Mammadyarov

lines on the record: 162
first: 2005-09-24
most recent: 2019-09-24
sittings or episodes: 10
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The sooner Yerevan realizes the lack of any prospects for its destructive political agenda, the sooner all peoples of the region will be able to benefit from peace, stability and cooperation and the better the chances for Armenia to overcome the serious political, economic and social burdens it is facing due to its aggressive and hostile policies in the region.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“At the same time, negotiations cannot last forever and imply a continuation and sustainment of the situation created as a result of the unlawful use of force, occupation and ethnic cleansing. Nor can they prejudice the realization of the inherent right of self-defence under the Charter and international law. Rather than wasting time on attempts to mislead the international community and its own people, Armenia must drop its losing attempts to prolong the unsustainable status quo and faithfully comply with its international obligations.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The primary objective of the ongoing peace process is to eliminate the consequences of the war unleashed by Armenia, thereby ensuring the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces from all the occupied territories of Azerbaijan — as called for in the Security Council resolutions — the restoration of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders and the return of the forcibly displaced persons to their homes and properties — again, as enshrined in the Council’s resolutions. The achievement of that objective is a must and is not subject to compromise. Azerbaijan remains committed to the earliest- possible political settlement of the conflict.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Those actions constitute a clear violation of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and the 1977 Protocol I Additional to the Geneva Conventions, amounting to war crimes and entailing State and individual criminal responsibility under international law. It is abundantly clear that such policies and practices can in no way be reconciled with the objectives of achieving a peaceful resolution of the conflict, thereby necessitating the urgent action of the United Nations and the wider international community in order to defend the values, norms and principles of rules-based and civilized inter-State relations, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Instead, despite early warnings and condemnation by the international community, and against the background of ongoing efforts to reach a political settlement to the conflict, deliberate actions are being carried out in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan with a view to changing their demographic, cultural and physical character. Such actions include the implantation of settlers, the destruction and appropriation of historical and cultural heritage, and the exploitation and pillage of, and illicit trade in, assets, natural resources and other wealth in the occupied territories.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In addition, it reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, the inviolability of international borders and the inadmissibility of the use of force for the acquisition of territory. Through its resolutions and in response to territorial claims and forcible actions, the Council confirmed that the Nagorno Karabakh region is an integral part of Azerbaijan and demanded the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces from all the occupied territories. Relevant General Assembly resolutions and numerous decisions and documents adopted by other authoritative international organizations are framed along the same lines. Nevertheless, key Security Council demands, unfortunately, remain unimplemented.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In fact, what the leadership of Armenia intends to defend is the unacceptable status quo created through the unlawful use of force and the resulting occupation of the internationally recognized territories of Azerbaijan, accompanied by heinous crimes against humanity, war crimes and acts of genocide committed against the Azerbaijani civilian population and the total ethnic cleansing of all non-Armenians within the occupied territories. In unanimously adopted resolutions 822 (1993), 853 (1993), 874 (1993) and 884 (1993), the Security Council condemned the use of force against Azerbaijan, the occupation of its territories, the attacks on civilians and the bombardment of inhabited areas.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“On the contrary, Yerevan, in words and deeds, has derailed the process and sabotaged the efforts for finding a peaceful settlement as soon as possible. The recent statements by the Prime Minister of Armenia and the members of his Government leave no doubt as to their annexationist intentions, in clear disregard of international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions. In his statements delivered recently, including at the General Assembly here in New York, the Prime Minister of Armenia publicly disclosed his Government’s strategy in negotiations — “to defend the outcomes of the war”.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“It is well known that the Republic of Armenia’s aggression against the Republic of Azerbaijan has resulted in the occupation of almost one fifth of my country’s territory and the expulsion of more than 1 million Azerbaijanis from their homes and properties. The unresolved conflict continues to undermine international and regional peace and security. It is very important to note that, since last year’s general debate, no progress has been achieved in the political settlement of the conflict. Despite direct contacts between the leaders of the two countries and meetings of Foreign Ministers over the past two years, the apparent lack of genuine interest by Armenia’s leadership impedes the conflict resolution process.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The existential threat of climate change is becoming more real with every hurricane, wildfire and centimetre of sea-level rise. Azerbaijan is highly sensitive to the effects of climate change and is already facing negative impacts, such as floods, droughts and heat waves. My country is a party to major international agreements on climate action, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, its Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Our national policies and strategies have been adapted to be in line with those international instruments. The Government has taken important steps to minimize carbon dioxide emissions and has pledged to reduce them by 35 per cent by 2030.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Those targets aim to reduce unemployment among young people, improve vocational education and training and increase employment in small and medium enterprises. Azerbaijan continues to strive to ensure gender equality and empower women in their public and social lives. I am pleased to announce that we are currently developing a national action plan for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. As an emerging donor country, Azerbaij an continues to lend international humanitarian and development assistance to a number of countries through the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijan International Development Agency. Particular attention is being paid to addressing the needs of developing and least developed countries.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In recent years, we have hosted several major global events and launched a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening dialogue and mutual understanding. Among such initiatives is the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, which has been recognized by the General Assembly and the Secretary-General as a key global platform for promoting intercultural dialogue. Having one of the youngest age distributions among the European countries, the Government places special emphasis on the full realization of the future generation’s potential by offering quality education and decent job opportunities. A new employment strategy for Azerbaijan for the period 2019 to 2030 has set 13 targets for 2030.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The World Bank’s Doing Business 2019 report lists Azerbaijan among the top 10 leading reformers. Our favourable business climate attracted investments of about $250 billion in the Azerbaijani economy over the past 15 years, half of which are foreign investments. Azerbaijan contributes to regional development efforts by promoting connectivity, bringing together continents and creating platforms for mutually beneficial cooperation. Despite being a land-locked country, Azerbaijan has transformed into an important international transportation hub. Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to the promotion of cultural diversity. All ethnic and religious groups live in Azerbaij an in peace and harmony.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Through the successful implementation of economic development programmes over the past 15 years, Azerbaijan’s economy has developed at a record pace, with a gross domestic product (GDP) 3.3 times that of its initial GDP. Over the same period, industrial production has increased 2.6 times, exports 4.7 times and foreign exchange reserves 24 times, reaching up to $45 billion. The social sphere has always been in the spotlight. This year, the Government adopted a social package that covers more than 4 million people, in a country of 10 million people. Social investments over the past 15 years resulted in a poverty rate decrease from 49 per cent in 2004 to less than 5 per cent in 2019. Over the same period, the unemployment rate dropped from 10.6 per cent to less than 5 per cent.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“As we move forward on the path to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we must regularly assess to what extent we are delivering on our commitments. Sustainable efforts backed by adequate resources are essential to secure a bright future for our people and ensure that no one is left behind. Yesterday, Azerbaijan became a member of the Group of 77 and stands ready to actively contribute to efforts to ensure sustainable development through the promotion of economic cooperation. Azerbaijan has maintained its sustainable economic growth and made consistent efforts to improve the living standards of its citizens.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Supporting that role of the United Nations is crucial to maintaining peace, stability and sustainable development. One of the strongest advocates of multilateralism in the contemporary international relations system is the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. We look forward to hosting the next Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement, which will be held in Baku next month, on 25 and 26 October. Throughout its history, the Non-Aligned Movement has played a fundamental role in strengthening international peace and security by promoting adherence to its Bandung Principles. Azerbaijan’s chairmanship will provide additional impetus for advancing the founding principles of the Movement, the sixty-fifth anniversary of which will be celebrated in 2020.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In that connection, accountability and the implementation of the resolutions adopted by the principal organs of the United Nations — the Security Council and the General Assembly — acquire significant importance. Evident disregard for Security Council resolutions containing binding demands cannot be an accepted practice if the Council is to discharge its primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. The United Nations, which was established to prevent war and human suffering by binding all its Members through a common rules-based order, plays a central role in ensuring that all involved in addressing peace and security concerns uphold the uniform application of the purposes and principles of our Organization.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The threats and challenges facing the world today demand our joint efforts to strengthen the international legal order and rekindle faith in multilateralism and confidence in the United Nations. Preserving the values of multilateralism and international cooperation, which underpin the Charter of the United Nations, is fundamental to promoting and supporting the three pillars of our Organization, namely, peace and security, development and human rights. It is our common duty, therefore, to promote and support a reformed, reinvigorated and strengthened multilateral system. The objective of ensuring a peaceful, just and prosperous world is hardly achievable if the universally accepted fundamental values, norms and principles are overtly disregarded so as to whitewash aggression and other illegal actions.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“First of all, I would like to congratulate His Excellency Mr. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande on his assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly and to wish him every success in discharging his important duties. Mr. Muhammad- Bande can count on full support of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the duration of his tenure. My delegation is also grateful to Her Excellency Ms. Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces for her tremendous work in presiding over the Assembly during its seventy-third session. We are also grateful to the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres, for his efforts to reform the Organization and make it more integrated, effective and efficient.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The resolution of the conflict is possible only on the basis of the respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“If the new Armenian leadership is calling itself democracy, then they have to act in accordance with the rule of law and democratic values. It must let those uprooted people return to their homes, and it must withdraw its armed forces from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, as demanded by relevant resolutions of the Security Council and other international organizations. Azerbaijan sincerely believes that there is no alternative to peace, stability and mutually beneficial regional cooperation, and is the most interested party in the earliest possible political settlement of the conflict. At the same time, no settlement of the conflict can be reached if it violates the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan and is inconsistent with international law.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Armenia’s new leadership should understand that their promises to the Armenian people to make Armenia an economically developed and prosperous State cannot be possible without peace, good-neighbourly relations and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours. The earlier Armenia puts aside its territorial claims and withdraws troops from the territories of Azerbaijan, the sooner peace can come to our region and the sooner prospects for Armenia’s development will improve. There is now much talk of democracy and the Armenians of the Nagorno Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. But what about the Azerbaijani population of Nagorno Karabakh and the Azerbaijanis from the seven surrounding districts who were subjected to brutal ethnic cleansing and forced to leave their places of origin, homes and property?”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Armenia has consistently obstructed the conflict- settlement process and, at the same time, refuses to conduct results-oriented negotiations and regularly resorts to various provocations designed to escalate the situation on the ground. Armenia is trying to consolidate its occupation of the seized territories by changing their demographic, cultural and physical character and preventing the hundreds of thousands of forcibly displaced Azerbaijanis from returning to their homes. In flagrant violation of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, Armenia continues to implement its policy of illegally settling Armenians, particularly those from Syria, in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“That is why we cannot and will not rule out the notion that the latest statements and actions of the Armenian Prime Minister are aimed at further escalating the situation on the ground and provoking armed hostilities along the line of contact and on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. But one thing is clear: full responsibility for the consequences of this negative scenario will lie entirely with the Republic of Armenia. We therefore call upon the international community to send a strong message to and exert pressure on Armenia to ensure its full compliance with international law and to immediately and unconditionally start implementing the relevant Security Council resolutions adopted with regard to the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Such an annexationist claim not only shows utter disrespect for the norms and principles of international law and the resolutions adopted by the Security Council, but also undermines the peace process mediated by the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and its Chairs. Therefore, at the highest political level, Armenia demonstrates that its real intentions are not the settlement of the conflict through negotiations, but the continuation of the illegal occupation of the Azerbaijani territories. There are continual internal political developments in Armenia of an unstable nature, with no understanding by the international community of what is going on in there.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“On the contrary, Armenia’s policy and practices clearly demonstrate its intention to secure the annexation of Azerbaijani territories it captured through military force and in which it has carried out ethnic cleansing on a massive scale. Initially, after changes in the Government of Armenia, there were some expectations that the new leadership would uphold democratic values and the norms and principles of international law, including the relevant resolutions and decisions of international organizations, particularly those adopted by the Security Council. Unfortunately, so far no progress has been observed in that regard. Contrary to his earlier statements, the Prime Minister of Armenia now does not even shy away from overtly attempting to regard the Nagorno Karabakh region of Azerbaijan as part of Armenia.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“In its resolutions 822 (1993), 853 (1993), 874 (1993) and 884 (1993), the Security Council acknowledged the fact that military force was used against Azerbaijan, that such actions are unlawful and in contradiction with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and that they constitute an obvious violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Numerous decisions and documents adopted by other authoritative international organizations have been framed along the same lines. However, the Security Council’s key demands, including, first of all, the withdrawal of Armenian forces from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, have yet to be implemented.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Unresolved armed conflicts, existing and emerging security challenges and related humanitarian crises threaten to reverse much of the development progress made. The ongoing armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan continues to represent a major threat to international and regional peace and security. The conflict has resulted in the occupation of one fifth of the territory of Azerbaijan and has turned approximately one out of every nine persons in the country into an internally displaced person or refugee. Since the very first day of the conflict, combat operations have been conducted exclusively inside the territory of Azerbaijan — virtually in the middle of the country — affecting its civilian population and infrastructure.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Baku Process, and a series of events will be organized on this occasion, including the sixth high-level Humanitarian Forum, to be held from 25 to 26 October in Baku. From this rostrum, I am pleased to announce that Azerbaijan will assume the chairmanship of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries next year. Throughout its history, the Non-Aligned Movement has played a fundamental role in strengthening international peace and security by promoting adherence to the principles adopted at the Bandung Conference. The chairmanship of Azerbaijan will provide further impetus for advancing the founding principles of the Movement, the sixty-fifth anniversary of which will be celebrated in 2020.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We have hosted numerous international events aimed at strengthening intercultural dialogue. As a member of both the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Council of Europe, Azerbaijan launched, in 2008, the Baku Process, whose main goal is to strengthen dialogue, partnership and cooperation between the Muslim world and Europe. Implemented under the patronage of the Azerbaijani leadership, the Baku Process provides a large-scale platform for the exchange of knowledge through interreligious and intercultural dialogue. In his most recent report on the promotion of a culture of peace and interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace (A/72/488), the Secretary-General specifically mentions the important role being played by the Baku Process in advocating dialogue among cultures.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Earlier this year, the Human Rights Council unanimously adopted resolution 37/7, on promoting human rights and the SDGs through the transparent, accountable and efficient delivery of public services, which was introduced by Azerbaijan and aims to promote the Azerbaijan Service and Assessment Network brand concept of public service. In early May, Azerbaijan successfully presented its periodic report within the framework of the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review. We remain committed to enhancing dialogue and interaction with other United Nations human rights mechanisms, based on mutual respect and understanding. Azerbaijan is one of the world’s recognized centres of multiculturalism. All ethnic and religious groups living in Azerbaijan coexist in peace and harmony.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“It is also worth noting that, as we live in a digital age, currently about 80 per cent of the country’s population has unimpeded access to the Internet, which has become the most favoured and practical vehicle for information, media, communications and the free flow of ideas and thoughts. Combating corruption lies at the heart of SDG implementation in Azerbaijan. The implementation of innovative approaches and technological innovations has enabled Azerbaijan to make significant progress in curbing corruption in the public sector.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Education is a top priority in our domestic policy because a well-established and educated society is a guarantee of successful and sustainable development. The right to health is fully ensured in Azerbaijan. Every year, more than 5 million people — half the country’s population — undergo medical check- ups that are fully subsidized by funds from the State budget. Azerbaijan was the first country in the Muslim world to grant women the right to vote, as early as 1918. Azerbaijan strives to ensure gender equality and empower women in public and social life.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Azerbaijan has provided international humanitarian and development assistance to a number of countries through the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijan International Development Agency under the auspices of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Particular attention has been paid to addressing the needs of the developing and least- developed countries, as well as those recovering from natural disasters. As we celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening democracy and protecting human rights as top priorities for the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Government is implementing large-scale programmes so as to create the necessary conditions for all the citizens of Azerbaijan to fully enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The region that encompasses Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and the Caspian has never hosted a World Expo. Accordingly, World Expo 2025 Baku will be truly universal in the way it goes beyond traditional geography and presents a vivid example of a country achieving remarkable results within a historically short period of time — it has only been 27 years since Azerbaijan’s independence — and proposing to host an event of the scale of World Expo. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to kindly ask States members of the International Exhibitions Bureau to vote for Baku at this year’s elections, which are to be held in Paris on 23 November. Sustainable economic growth has enabled Azerbaijan not only to focus on its national development strategy, but also to actively support international development efforts.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Today, Azerbaijan is providing the world with its own development model, backed by internal stability, civil unity, solidarity in society and an environment of peace and tolerance among the various peoples and religions living together in a liberal, sustainable and dynamic economy. Inspired by its achievements in economic development, successful social policy, rich human capital and traditional values of multiculturalism, Azerbaijan decided to nominate its capital, the city of Baku, to host the World Expo 2025. Our theme — “Developing human capital, building a better future” — is of universal interest and has a particular significance for Azerbaijan. It is also fully aligned with the international development agenda, in particular, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Other important projects include the South- North and South-West corridors, which, thanks to our efforts combined with those of neighbouring countries, have become a reality. Azerbaijan invests substantially in those corridors and is an active participant in both initiatives. The first phase of the construction of the Baku International Sea Trade Port complex was begun in May. The handling capacity of the port will be 15 million tons of cargo per year, with the possibility of increasing it to 25 million tons in time. Azerbaijan has also initiated a transnational broadband project, namely, the Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway, which aims to build a transnational fibre-optic line between Hong Kong and Frankfurt. It will be the shortest connecting line between East and West, in an era of competition where every single second counts.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The poverty rate in the country is 5.4 per cent, while the unemployment rate is 5 per cent. The Davos World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report for 2017-2018 ranked Azerbaijan 35 out of 137 countries with respect to competitiveness. Among the developing countries, the World Economic Forum ranked Azerbaijan third on its 2018 Inclusive Development Index. Azerbaijan contributes to regional development efforts through promoting connectivity. It plays an important role in bringing continents together and creating a platform for mutually beneficial collaboration. The East-West transportation corridor, which was inaugurated in October 2017, is a transportation corridor that saves at least two weeks of time in transporting goods from Asia to Europe or the reverse.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“As we embark upon a path of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we need to regularly ask ourselves to what extent we are delivering on our commitments. Coordinated efforts and shared responsibilities among States, backed by adequate resources, are essential to securing a sustainable future and ensuring that no one is left behind. In adopting its national development strategy, Azerbaijan has taken into account the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and continues to implement large-scale programmes for improving good governance, ensuring sustainable growth, strengthening the rule of law, promoting respect for human rights, facilitating access to public services and providing for inclusive societies. We are consistent in our efforts aimed at improving the living conditions of our citizens.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“His legacy will remain a true inspiration for all of us. The theme of this year’s general debate is very timely and embodies those issues of utmost significance for all of us. We live in a globalized world where the interactions among people from different countries are growing in intensity as they become increasingly extensive. Azerbaijan fully supports the Secretary- General’s determination to genuinely contribute to preventing wars and sustaining peace, as well as his efforts aimed at responding to conflicts and crises in an early and effective manner, assisting Member States in their endeavours to sustain peace and build resilient and prosperous societies, making the United Nations more coherent, integrated, effective and efficient.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“I am pleased to begin my statement by congratulating Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés on her assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly, as the fourth-ever woman elected to this position of great responsibility, and wish her every success in discharging her important duties. Ms. Espinosa Garcés may count on the full support of Azerbaijan during her tenure. We are also grateful to His Excellency Mr. Miroslav Lajčák for his outstanding work in presiding over the Assembly at its seventy-second session. I express my profound respect for and gratitude to the Secretary- General, His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, for his dedicated leadership and efforts aimed at improving the efficiency of the Organization. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to former Secretary- General Kofi Annan — a man of peace.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The conflict can be resolved only on the basis of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, as reflected, incidentally, in the resolutions of the Security Council. The sooner Armenia reconciles itself to this reality and withdraws its armed forces from the occupied territory of Azerbaijan, the earlier the conflict will be resolved. Armenia and its population will then benefit from the prospects of cooperation and economic development. My country will spare no effort to achieve the settlement of the conflict and ensuring peace, justice and development in the region.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Meanwhile, Armenia has continued to challenge and attempt to undermine the efforts of the international community, including those of the co-Chair countries of the OSCE Minsk Group, namely, the United States, Russia and France, which have been aimed at achieving a breakthrough in the peace talks and withdrawing Armenia’s troops from the sovereign lands of Azerbaijan. Armenia must realize that exploiting the status quo and armed provocations is a grave miscalculation. Its hypocritical attempts to mislead the international community on the root causes of the conflict by representing themselves as the suffering party is doomed to fail. Azerbaijan expects Armenia to halt its military build-up in the occupied territory and engage in negotiations with Azerbaijan in good faith, so as to find a long-overdue political solution to the conflict.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Having received an effective response from Azerbaijan, Armenia was forced to request a ceasefire, which was agreed pursuant to the mediation efforts of the Russian Federation on 5 April, in Moscow, at the meeting of the chiefs of defence of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Despite that agreement, Armenia continued to violate the ceasefire. After amassing forces in seized Azerbaijani territory and building heavily reinforced military fortifications, on 19 September, Armenia began intensive military activity in the occupied Aghdam district.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Substantial damage was inflicted upon private and public property, including critical civilian infrastructure. In particular, hundreds of civilian buildings, among them residences, schools, kindergartens, cultural centres and other civilian facilities, were ruined. Armenia’s direct and deliberate attacks against the Azerbaijani civilian population, as well as inhuman acts against Azerbaijani military servicemen during its offensive action in April, constitute yet another serious violation of international humanitarian and human rights law. By its deliberate offensive actions, Armenia has undermined the ceasefire regime established in 1994 and endangered the prospects for the political settlement of the conflict.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Recently, in early April 2016, Armenia conducted large-scale attacks against the civilian population of Azerbaijan. It subjected densely populated areas of Azerbaijan, including schools, hospitals and places of worship, to intensive fire from heavy artillery and large-calibre weapons. As a result of these reckless attacks, large numbers of Azerbaijani civilians, including children, women and the elderly, were killed or seriously wounded. Had effective civil defence measures not been used in a timely manner, the number of casualties would have been significantly higher. Armenia also systematically mutilated the bodies of fallen Azerbaijani soldiers. During those attacks, 34 towns and villages in Azerbaijan suffered severe destruction.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“In total disregard of Security Council demands and in flagrant violation of international law, Armenia refuses to withdraw its troops from Azerbaijan, prevents hundreds of thousands of forcibly displaced Azerbaijanis from returning to their homes and tries to further consolidate the status quo by altering the physical, demographic and cultural character of the occupied territories — a worrying development that was confirmed by a number of fact-finding missions conducted by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Furthermore, Armenia frequently resorts to armed provocations in an attempt to divert attention from the core, substantive issues of the peace process, trying, instead, to put focus on the technical aspects of the ceasefire.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Further continuation of this situation is intolerable. Armenia’s policy and practices in the occupied territory of Azerbaijan undermine the prospects of achieving a political settlement of the conflict and pose an imminent threat to the peace, security and stability of the region. The Republic of Azerbaijan has made it clear on numerous occasions that the unlawful presence of Armenia’s armed forces in the occupied Azerbaijani territory is a major factor in destabilizing the region. It has the potential of escalating at any time, with unpredictable consequences. It is also the main cause of tensions and incidents in the conflict zone. Instead of engaging in negotiations in good faith, Armenia demonstrably disrupts any attempt to settle the conflict by peaceful means.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Azerbaijan does not have access to the economic potential of the occupied territory. The disruption of communications — as a direct consequence of the military occupation of our territory — is a serious obstacle to the full-fledged socioeconomic development of the country as a whole. Further, the region’s untapped prospects for economic development are going unfulfilled, particularly in terms of intra- and transregional connectivity. The humanitarian consequences of the conflict have been equally grim, which makes urgent solutions necessary. As a direct impact of the massive displacement of people from their places of origin, close to 1 million refugees and internally displaced persons continue to be deprived of their basic human rights and fundamental freedoms, most notably the right to have access to their homes and property.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The outcome document of the United Nations summit at which the post-2015 development agenda was adopted states that there can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development, recalling the rights and obligations of States under international law and reaffirming the need to respect the territorial integrity and political independence of States. Since the last general debate, no substantive progress has been made in the settlement of the Armenia- Azerbaijan conflict. Armenia continues to occupy Azerbaijani territory, including the Nagorno Karabakh region and seven adjacent districts, in flagrant violation of international law and Security Council resolutions 853 (1993), 874 (1993) and 884 (1993). It is unfortunate that its engagement in the conflict-settlement process is nothing but a travesty.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)