The International Fund expresses its grave concern over the seizure of Azerbaijanis by Armenian military in Kelbajar region of Azerbaijan occupied by Armenia, who went to their homes to honor the graves of their ancestors and instead were subjected to severe torture.
The occurred events negatively affect the process of a peaceful settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh and impede the restoration of security and stability within the entire Black Sea – Caspian region, the International Fund also emphasizes having completed its research paper entitled “The Path to Reconciliation: economic, social and political consequences of the protracted conflicts Black Sea-Caspian region and the prospects for their settlement”.
By taking such actions, the Armenian side violates international law norms and the principles of the Helsinki Final Act and the 22 years of Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan in Karabakh also indicate issues and failure to respect international principles and norms, UN Security Council resolutions, especially no. 822, which demands the immediate cessation of all hostilities and hostile acts with a view to establishing a durable cease-fire, and the immediate withdrawal of all occupying forces from Kelbajar region and other occupied regions of Azerbaijan, as well as the indifference of the international community, especially the OSCE Minsk Group to this conflict, and everyone is waiting for the vigorous activity of the OSCE Minsk Group.
The International Fund encourages the International Committee of the Red Cross within its mandate, that allows the use of all its capabilities and take as soon as possible the necessary measures to ensure normal conditions for the temporary detention of prisoners, to arrange a meeting with them and gain their speedy release.
The International Fund once again emphasizes the need for a speedy settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the basis of norms and principles of international law, respect for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, non-use of force, as well as eliminating violence against civilians.