Azerbaijan Calls on Britain to Respect Country's Sovereignty
The investigation launched in the British Parliament regarding cultural heritage in the Karabakh region is viewed in Baku as direct interference in Azerbaijan's sovereign affairs.
The discussion of processes on internationally recognized territory of the country has provoked a sharp reaction and has been characterized as a politicized initiative capable of damaging the fragile post-conflict agenda.
Against this backdrop, a response has emerged from civil society in Baku. Several Azerbaijani non-governmental organizations have issued an open letter to the British Ambassador Fergus Auld, drawing attention to the terminology and formulations used in the investigation. The appeal emphasizes that these do not take into account the internationally recognized legal status of the territories and may be perceived as one-sided.
The authors of the letter also stress that the topic of cultural heritage requires a particularly balanced approach based on international law, verifiable facts, and professional expertise. In the post-conflict period, such issues, as noted, need to be assessed by specialists capable of providing an objective picture of the situation.
Adviser to the Baku International Multiculturalism Center, Aytan Gahraman, in a comment to 1news.az, stated that the British Parliament's holding of hearings or investigations on matters concerning the situation on Azerbaijan's sovereign territory without official engagement with the Azerbaijani side raises serious questions.
According to her, discussing processes occurring on Azerbaijan's sovereign lands without official interaction with the Azerbaijani side does not align with the principle of sovereign equality of states.
"The territories in question are an integral part of Azerbaijan and are recognized by the international community. All issues related to cultural heritage on these lands fall within the internal competence of the state and are regulated by national legislation and international obligations to which Azerbaijan is a party," she noted.
Responding to a question about possible retaliatory steps, A. Gahraman emphasized that initiating an investigation into the destruction of Azerbaijani monuments during the occupation period is entirely legitimate.
"Azerbaijan has the legal right to document and investigate the damage caused to its cultural, religious, and historical heritage on internationally recognized territory. Such an investigation, if based on facts, expert opinions, and transparent procedures, will be legally justified and convincing on the international stage," she said.
Commenting on the impact of such initiatives on the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the adviser noted that one-sided and politicized approaches do not contribute to building trust.
"The problem lies not in the discussion of cultural heritage issues itself, but in its methodology and rhetoric. When such initiatives are promoted without considering Azerbaijan's official position and rely on materials from interested groups, it creates tension and undermines the atmosphere of dialogue," A. Gahraman stressed.
At the same time, she noted that Azerbaijan remains open to constructive and non-politicized international cooperation on the protection of cultural heritage, provided there is respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
It should be noted that the editorial team of 1news.az also reached out for a comment to the British Embassy in Azerbaijan, but no response was received at the time of publication.
Afterword
In Baku, there is a firm belief that ignoring the principle of sovereign equality of states and promoting one-sided initiatives inevitably undermines the atmosphere of dialogue and casts doubt on the sincerity of mediation efforts. In a region at the stage of consolidating a peace agenda, any politicized actions from outside may have long-term negative consequences. This is why, as emphasized, respect for sovereignty and legal realities must be the unconditional foundation of any international activity.
Vusala Azimzade
