Armenians living in Karabakh should obtain Azerbaijani citizenship: Aliyev

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that Armenians living in Karabakh should either accept Azerbaijani citizenship or find another place to live.

'KARABAKH IS AZERBAIJAN'S DOMESTIC ISSUE'

Speaking to AzTV channel, Aliyev stated that they have repeatedly stated that they will not discuss internal affairs with any country and said, "Karabakh is our domestic issue." He reminded that "Armenians living in Karabakh will either have to obtain Azerbaijani citizenship or look for another place of residence."

Expressing that there is an atmosphere of complete freedom in the region and that all democratic services are provided, Aliyev said, "This problem must be resolved on the basis of human rights."

TENSION IN AZERBAIJAN-ARMENIA RELATIONS

Relations between the two former Soviet republics of Armenia and Azerbaijan have been strained since 1991, when the Armenian army occupied Karabakh and seven neighboring regions, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.

In the fall of 2020, during the 44-day conflict, Azerbaijan liberated many cities, villages and settlements from Armenian occupation.

The peace agreement signed under the mediation of Russia is celebrated as a victory in Azerbaijan.

(AA)