AZERBAIJANI FM MEETS WITH UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES
UN High Commissioner said he visited refugee camps and regret about their plight.
According to the Minister, as a result of the occupation of Azerbaijani lands and pursue of ethnic purge policy over 1 million people found themselves refugees and IDPs, and this situation undermines stability and development of not only Azerbaijan but also the whole region. Saying that withdrawal of occupation forces from Azerbaijani territories, refugees’ and IDPs’ returning to their native lands are one of the major principles of the peaceful resolution of the conflict, E. Mammadyarov stressed that the occupation is inadmissible in the 21st century. He said wildfire started by Armenians along the frontline posed a serious threat to ecology and that the policy of illegal settlement Armenia pursued regardless of the Geneva convention is the big obstacle for the peace and mutual trust. E. Mammadyarov told of the work that has been done in Azerbaijan to improve the lives of refugees and internally displaced persons, Azerbaijani President’s decision to eliminate all refugee camps by 2008, stressing there is still a need for international aid. Mr. Antonio Gutteres said he is always ready for close cooperation with Azerbaijan in solving refugees’ and IDPs’ problems in the country, region and world.
The meeting also focused on other issues of mutual interest.
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