Tokyo, 16 August, /AJMEDIA/
To: The United Nations Office in Japan
Subject: A Call for Recognition and Support for Peace in Azerbaijan
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to draw your attention to the ongoing and pressing concerns regarding the post-war situation between Azerbaijan and Armenia that unfolded in 2020.
In the aftermath of the hostilities in 2020, Azerbaijan extended an olive branch, advocating for a peaceful agenda aimed at fostering regional stability and cooperation. Our nation’s persistent commitment to establishing enduring peace and harmony between our countries has been unwavering. Our strong partnership and cooperation with our neighbor, Georgia, exemplify the potential for fruitful collaboration in our region.
Regrettably, despite our sincere efforts, certain revanchist sentiments continue to prevail in Armenia, posing challenges to the pursuit of lasting peace. The influence of the Armenian diaspora worldwide has further complicated the peace process, especially in this era of rapid information dissemination, where separating fact from fiction is increasingly challenging.
An alarming concern that has been overshadowed in global discussions is the peril faced by civilians and military personnel in the Karabakh region. The planting of mines by Armenian forces has transformed the entire area into a dangerous minefield, resulting in the tragic loss and injury of over 300 innocent lives. Furthermore, over the past three years, we have struggled to garner the attention of relevant international bodies towards the environmental catastrophe unfolding in the Karabakh region. Vast swaths of forests have been decimated, rivers are polluted, and the unique flora and fauna of the region are under threat.
This environmental degradation not only endangers the natural ecosystems but also jeopardizes the livelihoods and cultural heritage of the local inhabitants, with potentially irreversible consequences for generations to come.
Contrary to claims from the Armenian side, communication lines to Karabakh remain open from Azerbaijan. Our only demand is to uphold sovereignty over our own territories, including communication routes. The desire for regulated movement of people and goods within our recognized borders is both rational and fair.
For decades, our people have borne the burden of occupation, as Armenia disregarded United Nations resolutions. This prolonged period of stifled Azerbaijani voices culminated in the tragic conflict we recently experienced.
Recent actions by the Armenian side suggest the potential for yet another confrontation. It is crucial for the international community to recognize Azerbaijan’s lack of interest in unrest and our firm commitment to rebuilding and rejuvenating our liberated territories. Evidence of this commitment lies in the substantial investments we are making in these regions – new cities, airports, schools, roads, and tunnels are under construction, alongside significant demining efforts. Such extensive developmental initiatives would not be pursued by a nation genuinely seeking conflict.
In stark contrast, Armenian forces maintained the occupied territories in a state of neglect and decline for three decades, underscoring their lack of genuine interest in peace. Sadly, this neglect culminated in the outbreak of war.
Our fervent desire for peace remains unwavering. We believe this sentiment should be universally shared, especially by esteemed institutions like the United Nations. Amidst the sea of information, often amplified by diaspora lobbying, reason and international law should always prevail.
With the hope of being heard, we earnestly seek the UN’s support in our pursuit of lasting peace and urge all involved parties to rise above divisive rhetoric and embrace a future of harmony and cooperation.
In light of the aforementioned concerns, we respectfully request the United Nations Office at Geneva to acknowledge these issues and facilitate constructive dialogue between the parties involved. Through understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect, we can work towards the lasting peace our region so desperately needs.
We extend our gratitude for your attention to this matter and look forward to a more peaceful future.
Yours sincerely,
K. Käläntär, President of Azerbaijan-Japan Friendship Association
Aug.18, 2023
