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Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society responds to Armenian Red Cross Society

25 August 2023 16:23 (UTC +04:00)

The biased response of the Armenian Red Cross Society to the statement of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society arouses deep regret, the Azerbaijani Red Crescent Society told APA.

The society noted that while the statement of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, which is based on the principle of humanism, includes the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Armenian residents of the Garabagh region of Azerbaijan, the inadequate reaction of the Armenian Red Cross Society is incomprehensible. “Contrary to what they said, the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society fully adheres to the main principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, especially the principle of neutrality, impartiality and unity, without pursuing any political intentions, Azerbaijan expressed its intention to help people in need in accordance with the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society's charter, the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society", the Geneva Conventions and the Seville Agreement.

Making a statement and expressing a position on the provision of humanitarian aid to this category of persons is fully consistent with our mandate and does not contradict the principles of the Movement. This action does not mean a violation of the principles and values of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, on the contrary, it serves humanity. With this statement, we have affirmed our readiness to provide assistance to people in need through the Aghdam-Khankandi road in accordance with the Seville Agreement. We wonder what kind of violation of the law is here?! On the other hand, the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society is fully authorized to carry out any humanitarian mission in the entire territory of the republic, including the Garabagh economic region, for which it does not need anyone’s permission. As for the position of the Armenian Red Cross Society regarding Vagif Khachatryan, we are obligated to note that V. Khachatryan murdered innocent civilians - children, women, and elderly people - in Meshali village, Khojaly district in 1991, and was directly involved in war crimes. V. Khachatryan must answer for his crimes against humanity. The fact that such a terrorist, a murderer is supported by the Armenian Red Cross Society arouses regret. This is completely contrary to the Geneva Conventions."

The statement notes that the remarks by the Armenian Red Cross Society regarding the Lachin road do not reflect the reality.

"Our observations give ground to say that there is no "humanitarian crisis" in the region. If this were the case, the Armenian Red Cross Society would welcome this good intention of ours, and the International Committee of the Red Cross could ensure the delivery of aid through the Aghdam-Khankandi road. Voicing groundless remarks only serves to create confusion. As for the reference to the decision of the International Court of Justice in the statement of the Armenian Red Cross Society, the establishment of the Lachin border checkpoint by the Republic of Azerbaijan serves to protect its sovereign rights within its own borders.

Currently, Armenian residents move freely from Khankandi to Armenia and back. There are no restrictions for Armenian residents. In their interviews, they repeatedly expressed their satisfaction. The response letter of the Armenian Red Cross makes us doubt that it is involved in politics contrary to the humanitarian principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and faces the danger of becoming a tool in the hands of the Armenian government. The statement by Armenian Red Cross Society, which has not yet made any statement or position regarding the occupation of 20% of the lands of Azerbaijan by the armed forces of Armenia in a period of almost 30 years, about one million people from both Armenia and the Garabagh region of Azerbaijan became refugees and internally displaced persons, thousands of people were killed, historical, cultural and religious monuments were destroyed, the unconditional non-implementation by Armenia of resolutions No 822, 853, 874, 884 adopted by the UN Security Council in 1993 rightfully arouses feeling of regret and surprise., rightfully arouses feeling of regret and surprise.

We advise the Armenian Red Cross Society to be accurate and responsible in their statements, expressions and remarks, and to show impartiality and unbiased attitude. They should not become a tool of political processes and political adventures. While issuing this statement, it would be better for the Armenian Red Cross Society to carefully review the mentioned statement of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society. In that case, they would not allow unverified, inaccurate prejudices in the statement they issued, and would not accuse the other side unjustly. We reiterate that by issuing this statement the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society aimed to affirm our readiness to provide urgent, immediate humanitarian aid to people who need real assistance. This is our direct mission.

The fact that the Armenian Red Cross Society expresses views related to the issues in the territory of another state raises question. These issues are not in accordance with their mandate and mission. It is also a gross interference in the work of another national society. It would be better if the Armenian Red Cross Society takes time to address the humanitarian issues in its territory.

Under the 5.1; 5.3; 5.4 articles of the Seville agreement, we once again state that in accordance with the operational plans and capabilities of the Movement, the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society plays the central role in joint creation and implementation of the collective response of the Movement,” said the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society."

It was noted that the humanitarian operations are carried out in coordination with the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society in accordance with the mentioned agreement: “We regularly discuss our steps in our humanitarian mission with our partners - the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Regional and local representatives of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society once again states that, unlike the Armenian Red Cross Society, it does not join politics and political processes, and remains committed to the principles that the charter envisages and international humanitarian values. We reiterate that we are ready to deliver any humanitarian cargo to Armenian residents through the Aghdam-Khankandi road as soon as possible in accordance with the Azerbaijani legislation, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s principles, and the Seville agreement. Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society once again emphasizes that it will always stay committed to the humanitarian values and principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement."