British envoy visits frontline district
Carolyn Browne, British Ambassador in Baku, has
visited Azerbaijan`s western Tovuz district located on the
frontline with Armenia. The diplomat was in the Aghdam and Alibayli
villages and conducted observations on the contact line between the
two countries troops.
Browne told reporters afterwards that London supports Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity, noting that the Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict must be settled peacefully and in compliance with international law. She emphasized that Britain has repeatedly stated its backing of Azerbaijan`s sovereignty.
"It is crystal clear to us where the borders of countries in this region start and end," a local TV channel quoted her as saying.
The ambassador, who met with rural residents during the visit, was told that local residents frequently come under Armenian fire during agricultural work and that arson is being committed by Armenians in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Having seen a school building and houses that were heavily damaged by shootings, she noted that the Garabagh problem should be referred to not as a "frozen" conflict, but rather as an unresolved war.
"What`s happening here is terrible. It is unfortunate that a number of Western countries are unaware of such steps being taken during the ceasefire period."
Armenia and Azerbaijan waged a war over the Upper Garabagh region in the early 1990s, which claimed some 30,000 lives and displaced about one million Azerbaijanis. Armenia has been occupying over 20% of Azerbaijan`s internationally-recognized territory since then. The ceasefire accord was signed in 1994, but the OSCE-brokered peace talks have been fruitless so far.
During her stay in Tovuz, Browne met with local officials and visited a local mosque. Also, she was presented with Saz, Azerbaijan`s ancient musical instrument.
Browne told reporters afterwards that London supports Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity, noting that the Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict must be settled peacefully and in compliance with international law. She emphasized that Britain has repeatedly stated its backing of Azerbaijan`s sovereignty.
"It is crystal clear to us where the borders of countries in this region start and end," a local TV channel quoted her as saying.
The ambassador, who met with rural residents during the visit, was told that local residents frequently come under Armenian fire during agricultural work and that arson is being committed by Armenians in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Having seen a school building and houses that were heavily damaged by shootings, she noted that the Garabagh problem should be referred to not as a "frozen" conflict, but rather as an unresolved war.
"What`s happening here is terrible. It is unfortunate that a number of Western countries are unaware of such steps being taken during the ceasefire period."
Armenia and Azerbaijan waged a war over the Upper Garabagh region in the early 1990s, which claimed some 30,000 lives and displaced about one million Azerbaijanis. Armenia has been occupying over 20% of Azerbaijan`s internationally-recognized territory since then. The ceasefire accord was signed in 1994, but the OSCE-brokered peace talks have been fruitless so far.
During her stay in Tovuz, Browne met with local officials and visited a local mosque. Also, she was presented with Saz, Azerbaijan`s ancient musical instrument.