Phone call between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Ilham Aliyev

On July 29, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a phone call to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. During the phone call, they discussed the peace process negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the current situation in the region.

The head of state highlighted that Armenia’s provocative actions are hindering the peace process and emphasized that the continued illegal presence of Armenian armed forces in Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory is a source of military tension in the region. The head of state mentioned the military provocations by the Armenian side at the Lachin state border crossing point, including the firing at Azerbaijani border guards, attempts at smuggling, and the unauthorized sending of cargo trucks into Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev stated that despite Azerbaijan’s proposal to use the Aghdam-Khankendi road to meet the needs of Armenian residents, which has been supported by the European Union and the International Committee of the Red Cross, Armenia has opposed all proposals. He described Armenia’s claims about a “humanitarian situation” and “blockade” as political manipulation. The head of state reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to the reintegration of Armenian residents, recalling that the first meeting was held in Khojaly and that Azerbaijan had proposed a second meeting.