Representatives of some press outlets in the Netherlands had a briefing with the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Rahman Mustafayev, at the chancellery on 9 October 2023 concerning projects for the reintegration of Karabakh Armenians.
Further on the program: the current situation in and around the Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the anti-terror measures undertaken by Azerbaijan in this region on September 19-20 and consequences, subsequent humanitarian support and reintegration efforts concerning the Armenian residents of the Karabakh region, the position of Azerbaijan on “ethnic cleansing” claims, the role of the international community in support of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, the relations between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands in the context of current issues in the South Caucasus.
The key takeaway points of the press meeting with Ambassador H.E. Mr. Rahman Mustafayev are as follows: Azerbaijan had to intervene in Nagorno–Karabakh due to the illegal presence of the Armenian military on Azerbaijan territory. The enormous quantity of military equipment and ammunition found proves this. It is a violation of the UN. Security Council resolution and the agreement between Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia signed after the second war. Azerbaijan’s attack is, therefore, a counter-terrorism action.
Regarding ethnic cleansing, Azerbaijan facilitated free passage for the Karabakh Armenians exodos, providing food, fuel, and shelter access to the Red Cross. For those who would like to return, Azerbaijan has put in place a digital portal to enable people to apply to obtain Azerbaijan citizenship without relinquishing their Armenian passport.
Additionally, on 11 October 2023, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Affairs Hanke Bruin Slot responded to questions from members of the Foreign Affairs Committee (No.2733) that there is no ground for any allegation of ethnic cleansing.
According to the Ambassador, the Caucus region is ready for economic development. Azerbaijan proposes building a railway corridor to realize economic prosperity for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia.
Concerning the allegations that Azerbaijan is an authoritarian state with a bad human rights record, the Ambassador referred to the fact that there is opposition, free press, and (media) tolerance in the country.
There will be talks in Brussels and Russia, however, none in The Hague. Ambassador Mustafayev still sees a role for The Hague, the city of peace and justice in this conflict. The soft power of The Hague makes her an excellent mediator.
Furthermore, Ambassador Mustafayev considers it lamentable that the Netherlands is reluctant to assist with demining the territory. Ambassador qualifies the attitude of the Dutch media as biased.
A meeting has been scheduled with the Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr Nikol Pashinyan, and the President of Azerbaijan, Mr Ilham Heydar Oghlu Aliyev, in Brussels at the end of October 2023. This meeting is to be facilitated by the President of the European Council, Mr Charles Michel, who is known to be an impartial mediator. Hopefully, the talks will result in a satisfactory solution for all parties involved, leading to durable peace.
