Ilham Aliyev: Restoration and protection of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage in Armenia is a legitimate demand of the Azerbaijani people

Today it is important to intensify efforts to ensure the return of forcibly expelled Azerbaijanis from Armenia within the framework of the right to return, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on the Status of Refugees and other important international acts, as well as to begin a process to restore and protect cultural heritage with the participation of the international community, including specialized UN structures. After all, the right to return is one of the fundamental principles of human rights. Ensuring this right means not only physical return to one's native land, but also the restoration of spiritual integrity, cultural heritage and historical memory of society.

As reported by BAKU.WS, this was stated in the address of President Ilham Aliyev to the participants of the international conference "Cultural Heritage and the Right to Return" being held in Baku.

"The restoration and protection of Azerbaijani cultural heritage in Armenia, being a legitimate demand of the Azerbaijani people, is necessary for the respect of universal human values, closing the page of enmity and achieving mutual understanding between peoples.

The restrained, constructive approach of the Western Azerbaijan Community, which has united people directly affected by deportations and massacres, its openness to reconciliation and dialogue, building its activities in accordance with the norms of international law, as well as respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states deserves high appreciation.

The meeting of Azerbaijan and Armenia on August 8, 2025 in Washington with the mediation of the United States of America, the signing of the Joint Declaration and the initialing of the draft peace agreement inspire hope and faith in ensuring the future coexistence of the two peoples," the address states.