25 years pass since occupation of 3 Azerbaijani districts

August 23-31 are marked in Azerbaijan as a week of tragic events. Since 1988, Armenian army and guerrilla groups occupied several districts in Azerbaijan expelling ethnic Azeris from their ancestral homes.

After occupation of Kelbajar and Agdam districts, condemned by international community in UN SC’s resolutions 822 and 853, Armenian forces continued their assault against Fizuli, Jabrayil and Gubadly, occupying a territory of combined 3,238 mi and expelling 157 thousands Azeri civilians.

The UN SC passed its 3rd resolution 874 condemning Armenian conquests, reaffirming Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and demanding withdrawal of Armenian forces from these districts (http:// www.unhcr.org/refworld/ docid/3b00f1684.html). On March 14, 2008, the UN General Assembly reiterated its position on territorial integrity of Azerbaijan: resolution A/62/L.42 called for immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian forces “from all the occupied territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan.” Armenia is yet to comply.

USG must be proactive is exerting pressure on Armenia to take a constructive stance, force it to comply with UN SC and GA resolutions, withdraw from internationally recognized Azerbaijani territories and allow return of Azeri refugees to their homes.

— levent oklu, Matawan, NJ

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