Elchin Amirbayov: Armenian residents who left Karabakh retain their right to return

Armenian residents who left Karabakh reserve their right to return, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Special Assignments Elchin Amirbayov said in an interview with the French radio channel Radio J, Report informs.

In response to the host's question, 'You effectively explain that Armenians living in Karabakh are free to leave and stay... Why did they all choose to leave?' Elchin Amirbayov said:

"Yes, that is a very good question. Because we, the government of Azerbaijan, announced to the civilian population since the beginning of the anti-terrorist measures that they are not the target of these military measures. On the contrary, efforts were made to convince them to stay. I don't know. It is possible that after the illegal separatist organization handed over all the weapons, the civilian population was not sure about their safety. Even over the past week, there were many attempts to keep them from leaving their place. Necessary humanitarian aid was provided to them. Medicines, ambulances, and other supplies were sent. Electricity was restored. Similar appeals were made through radio and television so that there would be no panic among the population. It is true that the decision to leave their home is their own personal and voluntary decision. We regret it. Again, of course, these people reserve the right to return to their homes."