Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's attempt to draw parallels between the issue of Western Azerbaijan and the fabricated concept of "Western Armenia" is unacceptable, stated a declaration of the Initiative Group for the Return to Western Azerbaijan of the Milli Majlis, APA reports.
It was noted that the issue of Western Azerbaijan is a matter of human rights aimed at ensuring the peaceful, safe, and dignified return of Azerbaijanis who were subjected to ethnic cleansing in Armenia. The term "Western Armenia" reflects Armenia's territorial claims as reflected in its Constitution, key documents, and political actions:
"The Prime Minister’s rhetorical questioning of the so-called fabricated concept of 'Western Armenia' and his statements about transitioning 'from mythical Armenia to real Armenia' are steps that should have been taken long ago. However, this should not come at the expense of the right of Western Azerbaijanis, who faced ethnic cleansing, to peacefully return to their homes."
It is unacceptable to compare our legitimate cause, which is based on human rights, with territorial claims. Let us remind once again that the Western Azerbaijan Community has repeatedly addressed the government of Armenia, proposing to initiate a dialogue regarding the return of the Western Azerbaijanis in full compliance with the norms and principles of international law, including the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states. However, Armenia ignored these calls and deliberately misrepresented the Community's actions as a threat to its territorial integrity.
Instead of making such erroneous comparisons, Prime Minister Pashinyan should respond to the Community's calls for dialogue, ensure the safe and dignified return of the Western Azerbaijanis, work towards the immediate and unconditional removal of territorial claims against Azerbaijan and other neighboring countries from Armenia’s Constitution and other documents, and put an end to the dangerous policy of militarization.
