We Are Not Prepared to Do Anything: Azerbaijan's Response to the UN Court's Decision

The head of the press service of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ayhan Hacizada, has commented on the decision of the UN International Court regarding the application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, issued on February 22, 2023.

"The International Court has made a decision regarding the second temporary inquiries from Azerbaijan and Armenia concerning the application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (the decisions do not constitute a resolution of the case). The court rejected 2 of the 3 temporary measures requested by Armenia, which pertained to allegations regarding 'organization and support for complaints by Azerbaijan' and 'to refrain from violations of natural gas supply and to restore it immediately...'. This information was reported by Azerbaijani media.

"Regarding the third inquiry, contrary to Armenia's assertions, the court has ruled not as the Armenian side would have liked; it excluded the terms 'free' and 'all' and added two important phrases, namely 'until the court's final decision on this case' and 'to take all measures at its disposal.' Since Azerbaijan has never blocked or hindered traffic along the Lachin road, but has taken all necessary measures to ensure safe movement along the road, it will continue to do so even after the relevant court decision.

The court reiterated its call to Armenia to refrain from any actions that may exacerbate or prolong the dispute between the two states. According to the 2021 decision, Armenia remains obligated to take urgent measures to prevent incitement and encouragement of racial hatred against Azerbaijanis.

Azerbaijan will continue to hold Armenia responsible for the ongoing historical and serious violations of the rights of Azerbaijanis,” Hacizada stated.