No:317/23, Commentary on allegations by Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, voiced during the meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in Minsk on June 8, 2023

On June 8, 2023, Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, claimed that Azerbaijan allegedly increases tensions on the border with Armenia and on the Lachin Road, pursues use of force policy, and indends to carry out ethnic cleansing against the Armenian residents in Karabakh region during his address at the meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization in Minsk. These baseless allegations are another manipulation of Armenia.

The fact that Armenia, instead of fulfilling its obligations as well as respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, still does not cease its attempts to intervene in internal affairs of Azerbaijan such as the reintegration of Armenian residents, demonstrates that this country is not interested in peace and stability in the region. We remind the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia that this country, contrary to its obligations under the Trilateral Statement, has not yet completely withdrawn Armenian armed forces from the territory of Azerbaijan, and the presence of these forces in the territory of Azerbaijan while being a violation of all norms and principles of international law, is a source of serious threat.

The fact that dozens of Armenian residents, following Azerbaijan’s internal legislation and relevant procedures freely pass through the Lachin border checkpoint of Azerbaijan daily in both directions once again demonstrates that Armenia's attempts to hinder the reintegration process have failed.

We demand Armenia, instead of continuing to accuse Azerbaijan and mislead the international community, refrain from dangerous rhetoric that undermines the process of securing peace and security in the region, and fulfill its obligations.