Shamil Ayrim: Concept of Return to Western Azerbaijan is based on peace and law

Today Azerbaijan derives its strength not only from its military power but also from its position based on international law, said Shamil Ayrim, Head of the Türkiye–Azerbaijan Inter-Parliamentary Working Group and Member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Report informs.

Speaking at the international scientific conference titled Return to Western Azerbaijan: As a New Stage of the National Idea, Ayrim noted that the issue of Western Azerbaijan is not merely a geographical dispute:

"This is the matter of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis having the right to return to their native lands in a dignified, safe, and honorable way. We know that throughout history Azerbaijanis lived in the territories now called Armenia. From Iravan to Goycha, from Zangazur to Daralayaz, this geography is an inseparable part of our historical and spiritual heritage. Here lie the graves of our ancestors, traces of our culture, memories, and roots."

He emphasized that today the flag of Azerbaijan also waves in Karabakh: "In this new stage, the Concept of Return to Western Azerbaijan is not about revenge, but is an approach based on law and peace. At the core of this approach is not war, but the right of people to return to their native lands in a dignified way. Because people want to go back to the lands where they were born. Because it is impossible to erase the historical memory of a nation."

Shamil Ayrim stated that the policy pursued by Azerbaijan is not a revanchist policy.