Kazakhstan Supports Azerbaijan's Territorial Integrity, Applauds Baku’s Initiative for Reintegration Talks

Kazakhstan has reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, as stated by the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan, Alim Bayel, following recent events in the Karabakh (Garabagh) region.

"We welcome the initiative of the Azerbaijani side to hold a meeting with representatives of the Armenian population of Karabakh," Report.az quoted Bayel as saying on Wednesday.

"We express hope for a speedy resolution of the current situation through peaceful dialogue within the internationally recognized borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan. We are confident that establishing an atmosphere of peace and mutually beneficial cooperation in the South Caucasus, unblocking all communications, corresponds to the interests of all countries in the region," he added.

The meeting with representatives of the Armenian residents living in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan to discuss reintegration issues was held on Thursday in Yevlakh, Azerbaijan.

The talks in Yevlakh came after the Azerbaijan Armed Forces launched local anti-terrorist measures to neutralize illegal Armenian armed formations and their military infrastructure in the Karabakh region.

The operation followed the intensifying Armenian attacks on Azerbaijani positions and the recent deadly mine incidents, resulting in the deaths of Azerbaijani police officers and road construction workers. Also, two servicemen of the Azerbaijani army stationed in the Aghdam district were wounded by Armenian armed formations illegally deployed in the Azerbaijani territories temporarily monitored by the Russian peacekeeping contingent.

By the time of the cessation of hostilities, the Azerbaijani military had effectively disabled artillery systems, radio-electronic warfare capabilities, military equipment, ammunition depots, military strongholds, and shelters belonging to Armenian army formations in the Karabakh region.

The Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan announced on Wednesday the end of the local counter-terrorism measures. According to the ministry, the appeal by the representatives of the Armenian residents living in the Karabakh region, conveyed by the Russian peacekeeping command, was considered to cease the local anti-terror activities.

The agreement was reached under a set of terms, including the requirement for Armenia's armed forces in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and illegal armed groups to disarm, withdraw from battle positions and military posts, and undergo complete disarmament. Armenia's armed forces were also obligated to leave Azerbaijani territory, and illegal Armenian armed groups were to be disbanded. Simultaneously, the surrender of all ammunition and heavy military equipment was mandated, with the process being closely coordinated with the presence of the Russian peacekeeping contingent.