On December 13, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs Fuad Huseynov delivered a lecture to the diplomats from Latin American countries and Algeria at ADA University.
The diplomats were informed in detail about the history and current state of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It was noted that Armenia still keep 20 percent of Azerbaijan`s territory, failing to comply with the resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council in 1993 and requiring full, immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the Armenian troops from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, so the problem of IDPs in our country cannot be solved.
It was stated that relations with Latin American countries have a special place in Azerbaijan`s foreign policy. It was underlined that these countries support Azerbaijan`s interests in the international arena. Latin American countries, particularly Colombia, Peru, Panama, Honduras, Paraguay and Guatemala adopted a resolution on Khojali genocide at the level of legislative authorities.
It was informed that the Azerbaijani government constantly keeps the solution of the social problems of IDPs who suffered severe deprivation as a result of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under control. Instructions given by the President Ilham Aliyev to improve the housing and living conditions of IDPs, provide their employment and improve their material welfare are consistently being fulfilled. At the initiative and under the leadership of the First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, large-scale projects are being implemented. Azerbaijan is an exemplary country in the world regarding the state care for refugees and IDPs and is ready to share its experience with other countries facing such a problem.
The diplomats were also informed about the program “Great Return” made considering opinions and proposals of government agencies and international organizations, and international practice. It was noted that there is already a first experience in this area, these are the liberated village Jojug Marjanli of Jabrayil and Shikharkh settlement of Tartar. Jojug Marjanli is also a unique model of post-conflict rehabilitation and provision of sustainable peace in the region. Resettlement of IDPs to Jojug Marjanli following its restoration using their right of voluntary return shows their wish to return to their homeland at any time.
Restoration of Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity and full implementation of the program “Great Return” is an important task facing our state. Thus, the right of IDPs to return to their homeland in a dignified, voluntary and safe manner, pursuant to international law will be provided.
Then the questions of training participants were answered.
Diplomats from Mexico, Uruguay, Chile, Ecuador, Gambia, Argentina, Venezuela, Suriname and Algeria were trained at ADA University within the program “Study of the Caspian Sea Basin Countries”. Trainings cover December 7-14.
