On September 21, Chairman of the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons Rovshan Rzayev met with the newly appointed chair of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Azerbaijan, Ariane Bauer, and the outgoing head of the mission Elena Ajmone Sessera.

Chairman of the State Committee congratulated Ariane Bauer on her new appointment.

During the meeting, the guests were informed about the difficulties and deprivations faced by 1.2 million of our compatriots displaced from their homeland due to the Armenian-Azerbaijani Daghlig-Garabagh conflict. It was noted that four resolutions of the UN Security Council on the immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces from Azerbaijan territories have not yet been implemented. Armenia continues its policy of aggression and tries to provoke a military confrontation. Today, as a result of the ceasefire violation by the Armenian armed forces, one Azerbaijani serviceman was killed, and another was wounded.

ICRC representatives were told that President Ilham Aliyev is taking essential and urgent measures to improve IDPs' living conditions and strengthen their social protection. At present, even at a time of global economic crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic, social projects related to IDPs are being implemented in Azerbaijan, and new settlements are being built. First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva pays special attention to this category of citizens and always pays attention to solving their problems.

It was noted at the meeting that a humanitarian catastrophe was prevented in our country due to the support of international organizations that visited Azerbaijan in the 1990s at the invitation of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The activity of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Azerbaijan, its active participation in providing refugees and IDPs with tents, food, and other supplies is not forgotten, our state and people highly appreciate it.

It was noted that the State Committee, together with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Society, conducts first aid training for IDPs living in frontline areas and on the line of contact. This training was postponed due to a coronavirus pandemic after being held in Tartar last year. Preparations are underway to have training in the Aghdam region.

During the conversation, the sides discussed opportunities for further expansion of cooperation between the State Committee and the International Committee of the Red Cross and discussed issues of mutual interest.

Mrs. Elena Ajmone Sessera informed about the activities of the international organization she represents in our country. He said that IDPs also participate in other training conducted by the ICRC along with the local community.

Mrs. Ariane Bauer expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome. She said she would do her best for the further development of the relations.

The Chairman of the State Committee thanked Mrs. Elena Ajmone Sessera for her fruitful work in our country and wished her success in her future endeavors.