He also denied that Azerbaijan had actually blocked the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia.
“I have said it and I say it again that all conditions will be created for those who want to live there (Nagorno-Karabakh) under the flag of Azerbaijan. Just like the citizens of Azerbaijan, their rights will be ensured,” the president promised.
If there was no separatist movement in Karabakh, the Armenians of the region would live in better conditions than at present, Aliyev said.
“Those who do not want to become our citizens, the road is not closed, but open,” he said. “They can leave, no one will disturb them, but they can drive under [Krievijas] for peacekeepers truckers’ sheds, but you can go by bus. Road [uz Armēniju] is open.”
2,000 Russian peacekeepers are stationed between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan.
As Aliyev stated in the interview, the peacekeepers’ mandate will end in 2025.
However, it can be extended with the consent of Azerbaijan.
