On February 16, the RA Foreign Minister Aivazian met with Wendy Morton (and the delegation headed by her), the UK Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Neighborhood and American Affairs, who arrived in Armenia on a working visit.
Welcoming the guests, Minister Aivazian noted that this visit is a good opportunity to reflect on the bilateral agenda. "We appreciate the cooperation established between Armenia and the United Kingdom and are full of hope that we will be able to give a new impetus to the Armenian-British bilateral agenda through joint efforts", he said.
In particular, regional security and stability issues were discussed at the meeting. Minister Aivazian noted in this regard: "The current situation in our region is a consequence of the use of force by Azerbaijan with the direct involvement of Turkey. As you rightly pointed out, it cannot be considered a solution to the conflict. Only a negotiated political settlement that respects the rights of all, paves the way for the elimination of the causes and consequences of war, can bring stability, lasting peace and, ultimately, reconciliation to the South Caucasus.
The settlement of the Karabakh conflict is based on the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination. Azerbaijan's attempt to forcibly suppress the right to self-determination, accompanied by war crimes, is not only a violation of human rights, but also a serious, continuing threat to regional security".
In the context of addressing the humanitarian issues caused by the Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh, the RA Foreign Minister drew the interlocutor's attention to the policy pursued by Azerbaijan towards the Armenian captives (including women), noting that it is a challenge not only for Armenia, but for all those who stand for the protection of human rights in the international arena".
