Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev continues to blackmail Armenia, stating, “The main condition for the peace agreement is the amendment of Armenia’s constitution,” while receiving the credentials of Canada’s newly appointed Ambassador, Kevin Hamilton, to Azerbaijan, on July 1, 2024.
Aliyev turned the receiving of the credentials of Canada’s newly appointed Ambassador into his own show, using the occasion to attack and blackmail Armenia and the Armenian diaspora, without acknowledging or congratulating the Ambassador on Canada Day, which falls on July 1. Canada Day is a significant national holiday celebrating the anniversary of the confederation and reflecting Canada’s history, values, and achievements. Instead of extending any congratulations, Aliyev used the meeting with the Ambassador, which also took place on July 1, to attack Armenia and undermine the new Canadian Ambassador.
Aliyev demanded changes to Armenia’s constitution twice, saying, “The main condition for the peace agreement is the amendment of Armenia’s constitution. Because it contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan, and until this is addressed, a peace agreement will not be signed. This is a known fact.”
Aliyev also said, despite this, he believes that “we are making considerable progress in the negotiation process,” adding that, “I believe we can finalize the text of the peace agreement, or at least its main principles, within a few months.” Aliyev again noted that this will happen if Armenia amends its constitution, framing this demand as a prerequisite for any treaty.
This demand is nothing short of blackmail, creating unnecessary hurdles in the peace process and reflecting Aliyev’s reluctance for genuine peace.
Aliyev attacked the Armenian diaspora, accusing it of influencing Western countries against Azerbaijan.
Aliyev reiterated the notion of the “Western Azerbaijan Community,” falsely claiming that ethnic Azerbaijanis were subjected to ethnic cleansing from Armenia. Aliyev stated that the right of return should be mutually ensured, including for the representatives of the so-called Western Azerbaijan Community, continuing his narrative of fabricated grievances. This narrative is part of Aliyev’s strategy to fabricate historical grievances and further complicate the peace process.
Around 70% of Aliyev’s statement focused on Armenia, while only 10% addressed Azerbaijan-Canada relations and 20% discussed broader international diplomatic efforts. The event concluded with the Ambassador thanking Aliyev for the information, with no further comment.
This latest diatribe from Aliyev underscores his strategy of imposing unreasonable demands on Armenia to obstruct genuine peace efforts. Azerbaijan seeks to prolong the conflict and increase instability in the region.
In stark contrast, the Armenian Prime Minister sent a congratulatory message to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Canada Day
