Ombudsman: Azeri military puts up "Welcome to Azerbaijan" sign on Armenia road

News.am, Armenia
Feb 2 2021

Azerbaijani authorities continue to violate the internationally recognized rights of the border residents of Armenia; the Office of the Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Armenia (RA) has noted this in a statement.

"In particular, the Azerbaijani military have placed a sign reading ‘Welcome to Azerbaijan’ in Azerbaijani and English, as well as Azerbaijani flags on the inter-community road leading from Armenia’s Kapan city to Chakaten and a number of other villages; that is, connecting peaceful settlements.

Therefore, it is obvious that the mentioned steps of the Azerbaijani military were taken in a way that violates the rights of the residents of the RA border settlements, openly intimidating them (first of all, children, women).

This situation cannot contribute to peace in the region in any way, it only causes tension, violates the internationally recognized rights and interests of civilians, guaranteed by the RA Constitution.

Reports on these facts will be sent to international organizations—including the OSCE, the UN, the CoE [(Council of Europe)] (with the necessary evidence),” the statement message also reads in particular.