The Economist publishes letter of response of Azerbaijani ambassador
London, September 20 (AZERTAC). British magazine The Economist has published a letter of response from the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the United Kingdom Tahir Tagizade in regard with the article about Nagorno-Karabakh. The letter says: “I welcome the fact that The Economist has shone a spotlight on the long-protracted dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh (“A mountainous conflict”, September 6th). But calling Nagorno-Karabakh a “republic” plays into the hands of the separatists who strive to gain international legitimacy. In reality, Nagorno-Karabakh was created in violation of Azerbaijan’s internationally recognised territorial integrity and hundreds thousands of ethnic Azerbaijanis were forced from the region.
Other conflicts happening right now demonstrate how vital is to protect territorial integrity of states. But there is now a dangerous trend in the West where disengagement has become the norm and it is widely accepted that borders can change through the use of force. If this mindset continues it will cause irreparable damage to the international system.
With regards to Nagorno-Karabakh, only international engagement and respect for territorial integrity can bring about lasting peace and prosperity to our region. Allowing a “frozen conflict” to remain frozen will not produce a solution”.
