|
The situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan
11 November 2004
Excellency,
On 29 October 2004 the UN General Assembly decided to include the item entitled "The situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan" to the agenda of its current session. The matter was brought by the Delegation of Azerbaijan in view of dangerous development in the occupied territories which undermines the negotiations on the settlement of the conflict in and around the Nagorny-Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan carried on under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group.
As you are aware, the ongoing conflict has resulted in the occupation of a significant part of the Azerbaijan's territory and expulsion of a large portion of its population. I enclose a map depicting the major results of the Armenian aggression, as well as information on illegal settlements in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.
Responding to the occupation of the Azerbaijani territories the Security Council has adopted four resolutions - 822 (1993), 853 (1993), 874 (1993) and 884 (1993) - demanding the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and the creation of necessary conditions for the return of displaced persons to their homes in security and dignity. Those provisions of the resolutions remain unimplemented.
While negotiation are going on, the Armenian side without any hesitation tries to consolidate the current status quo of the occupation through illegal activities in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, in particular by transfer of settlers. Sources, including Armenian ones, report on 23,000 settlers who moved into the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, including districts adjacent to the Nagorno-Karabakh region, particularly districts of Lachin, Kelbajar, Zangelan and Jabrail. Armenia intends to increase the Armenian population on the occupied territories from currently reported 143,000 to 300,000 by year 2010. Facts testify that this is being done in an organized manner with the purpose of annexation of these territories.
These activities constitute gross violation of the relevant provisions of international humanitarian law and should be dealt with by the Assembly in all its aspects in order to stop and reverse them. It is obvious that without strong pressure on the part of the international community Armenia will not change its belligerent and destructive stance.
I would like to reassure that Azerbaijan remains committed to the negotiation process under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group. By bringing the matter in question to the attention of the international community Azerbaijan intends to halt illegal activities in its occupied territories and reverse them so as to eliminate the obstacles in negotiations in the quest for peace.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration.
Sincerely,
Elmar Mammadyarov
H.E. Mr. Jean Ping
President of the Fifty-ninth session
of the UN General Assembly
New York
|
Welcome to our web site
