Azerbaijan’s damage from Armenian occupation surpasses $300 billion
By Jamila Babayeva
The material damage inflicted on Azerbaijan as a result of occupation of its territories by Armenia has exceeded $300 billion so far, Deputy Prime Minister Ali Hasanov told journalists on December 10.
Hasanov, also the Chairman of State Committee on Deals of Refugees and IDPs, said previously the damage inflicted on Azerbaijan is estimated to be around $60 billion, but in accordance with international standards of calculation, the real extent of the damage is five times more.
"Back then we even did not know how such damage is being calculated in the world. On behalf of the President of Azerbaijan, we appealed to the International Society of Appraisers. Azerbaijan has been working with this organization for two years. The society found that to date the amount of property damage inflicted on Azerbaijan as a result of occupation of its lands by Armenia exceeds $300 billion".
Hasanov said Azerbaijan has the right at any time to demand Armenia compensate for damages. The right is secured by international law.
"If Armenia chooses the right path, Azerbaijan may make certain concessions in connection with the payment of compensation. Otherwise, Azerbaijan will naturally require Armenia to pay the damage inflicted," he explained.
Hasanov did not rule out that, if necessary, changes can be made to the country's laws in regards to the occupied territories.
"There are international legal norms, documents, conventions on the requirements for the liberation of the occupied lands and payment of damages. We joined all these conventions. The issues related to the issue are reflected in the national legislation of Azerbaijan. We have sufficient laws to address the social problems of refugees and internally displaced persons, as well as to address these issues, which are based on international conventions. But over time, if necessary, certain changes and additions can be made to these laws. This is a normal practice," Hasanov said.
The official added that Armenia always subordinated to powerful states, ask them for help.
"Azerbaijan has turned into a very strong state, which is known well in Armenia. I think that today, Armenians should not deviate from their national characteristics and traditions. Suppose now that they are leaning towards a strong Azerbaijan. If they do that, then maybe Azerbaijan could make some concessions. They know perfectly well that there is no alternative. If the Armenian people are not deprived of their minds they must change the country's mode, and then ask for help from Azerbaijan and begin to solve their problems," he stated.
Chairman of State Committee also noted that there will not be any territorial concessions.
"Azerbaijan will not give an inch of its land, which has been repeatedly stated by the President. I am sure that Azerbaijan, relying on the will of President Ilham Aliyev and under his leadership, will solve the issue," he concluded.
Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. Armenia constantly violates a ceasefire agreement signed with Azerbaijan in 1994 and refuses to implement the U.N. Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.