BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 24. The Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation, later called the “Iron Fist”, on September 27, 2020, in response to the large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces along the frontline.

The 44-day second Karabakh war ended with the liberation of Azerbaijan’s territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, recently sat down for an interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro, where he discussed the ongoing situation in the region.

Trend presents key excerpts from the interview:

Key Points:

President Aliyev clarified that the offensive was a response to Armenia’s repeated military provocations and defended Azerbaijan’s right to self-defense.

He highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a regional hub for energy and transportation, emphasizing the importance of projects like the Trans Adriatic Pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor.

President Aliyev provided insights into the current military operations, detailing the successful liberation of territories and the ongoing push against Armenian forces.

Responding to questions about Turkish involvement, President Aliyev dismissed claims of Turkish fighters in the conflict and stressed Azerbaijan’s capacity to defend itself.

President Aliyev expressed readiness to halt the conflict if Armenia agrees to a ceasefire and commits to peaceful negotiations. He outlined a vision for a prosperous future in the region, where Azerbaijanis and Armenians can coexist peacefully.

The interview shed light on various aspects of the conflict, including international mediation, military equipment procurement, and Azerbaijan’s relations with neighboring countries like Georgia. President Aliyev also addressed concerns about religious tolerance in Azerbaijan.

In conclusion, President Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to restoring territorial integrity and achieving a lasting peace in the region through diplomatic means.