The Deputy President of Azerbaijan, who also serves as the head of the Presidency’s Foreign Policy Department, Hikmet Hajiyev, stated that plans to create an international mechanism to discuss the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians should not be used as a condition for signing any peace agreement with Armenia. This view was shared with a news agency covering developments in the region.
Hajiyev emphasized that seeking an international framework to address the rights and security of Armenians living in Karabakh would be unacceptable and potentially dangerous if it were to become a prerequisite for concluding a treaty with Azerbaijan. He argued that Armenia’s demands were inflated and aimed at artificially inflaming tensions. According to Hajiyev, Azerbaijan would view any such mechanism as an improper interference in its internal affairs and would not accept it as part of negotiations.
The remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the terms of peace and the future status of Karabakh. Azerbaijan maintains that any solutions must respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that external bodies should not impose conditions tied to its internal decision-making. The Azerbaijani government has consistently called for dialogue that centers on security, stability, and lawful arrangements that reflect the will of the Azerbaijani state and its citizens.
In the recent public discourse, Armenia has asserted that Azerbaijan has taken steps that disrupt daily life in Karabakh, including energy supply concerns. The Armenian side has claimed that these actions create intolerable living conditions for the local Armenian population, a claim they describe as part of broader ethnic pressure. Azerbaijan has denied these charges, stating that its policies in Karabakh are designed to restore order, ensure safety for all residents, and prevent interference in the region’s governance. The parties continue to exchange statements and insist on approaches that would prevent further escalation while pursuing a durable political settlement.
Within this context, observers note that the issue of gas supply remains a focal point in Armenian claims. The Armenians contend that gas disruptions have been used to pressure Karabakh residents, while Azerbaijani officials point to broader security concerns and disputes over control of resources. The international community monitors these developments closely, urging calm and a commitment to negotiated solutions that respect international law and the rights of all communities involved.
Ultimately, the situation highlights the delicate balance between state sovereignty, regional security, and the humanitarian needs of civilians living in Karabakh. Both sides reiterate their willingness to engage in dialogue, yet substantial obstacles remain. Analysts stress the importance of transparent processes and international mediation that does not condition peace on measures perceived as internal to Azerbaijan. As the dialogue proceeds, observers expect continued negotiations that aim to reduce tensions, safeguard lives, and establish a framework for sustainable peace in the South Caucasus.