Baku, Azerbaijan, April 3. Head of the Working
Group on the Azerbaijan-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary
Relations Fariz Ismailzade has sent a letter of protest to the
All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Armenia in the Parliament
of the United Kingdom, Trend reports.
The letter states the firm rejection of the baseless accusations
aimed at discrediting the trial of the individuals responsible for
war crimes, ethnic cleansing and military aggression committed
during Armenia’s 30-year occupation. Labelling these individuals as
‘prisoners of war’ and calling for their release disregards the
severity of their crimes, the commitment of which is supported by
substantial evidence.
During the occupation, Armenia forcibly displaced around one
million Azerbaijanis and committed Khojali Genocide as well as
urbicide, culturcide and ecocide. Azerbaijani cities and villages
were destroyed, cultural and religious heritage was desecrated and
severe environmental damage was done. Armenia also planted
landmines across the occupied territories, making Azerbaijan one of
the most heavily mine-contaminated countries in the world. Those
mines continue killing and injuring civilians and delaying the
return of the displaced persons and the reconstruction efforts
alike.
It is emphasised in the letter that the fate of nearly 4,000
missing Azerbaijanis, including women and children is another
dreadful consequence. Armenia refuses to provide information on the
mass graves whereas such information could help determine their
whereabouts. Additionally, Armenian leaders have long promoted
ethnic hatred of the Azerbaijanis. The former Armenian presidents
publicly justified ethnic cleansing, with statements endorsing the
forced expulsion of Azerbaijanis and the Khojali Genocide. Despite
these crimes, no one in Armenia has been held accountable and war
criminals continue to be respected.
In contrast, Azerbaijan has been ensuring justice since having
restored her territorial integrity. While Azerbaijan did release
over 200 Armenians as a humanitarian gesture, those responsible for
war crimes are now facing trial in Baku. They are charged under
Azerbaijani law for crimes including military aggression, war
violations, enforced disappearances, torture, terrorism, etc. The
judicial process is transparent, with legal representation ensured,
and no complaints of mistreatment have been reported.