We strongly reject the unfounded statement of the Armenian Foreign Ministry dated June 23, 2025, regarding the “Istanbul Declaration” and the resolutions adopted at the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Axar.az reports that this was stated in the comment of the Press Secretary of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Aykhan Hajizada, on the statement of the Armenian Foreign Ministry regarding the decisions adopted at the Istanbul Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

It is noted that Armenia's attempt to distort the content of these documents and falsify historical facts is another example of its efforts to undermine the peace process and confuse the international community:

"The resolutions adopted by the OIC, including the resolution entitled "The right of return of Azerbaijanis forcibly and systematically expelled from the territory of present-day Armenia", reflect historical facts and are based on the principles of international law and justice. Contrary to Armenia's claims, the systematic expulsion of Azerbaijanis from present-day Armenia was not voluntary, but was marked by violence, intimidation, and gross violations of human rights. The OIC's support for the right of return of Azerbaijanis is not an unfounded "territorial claim" by Armenia, but a call for justice and the restoration of their fundamental rights.

Taking into account the context of Armenia's nearly 30-year illegal occupation of Azerbaijani territories, which displaced more than 700,000 Azerbaijanis and culminated in the restoration of Azerbaijan's sovereignty in 2023, Armenia's 2023 anti-terrorist measures "The OIC resolution rejecting Armenia's "distorted interpretation" of the Khojaly genocide reaffirms the undeniable truth about the atrocities committed by the Armenian armed forces during the brutal massacre of 613 civilians, including women and children, in Khojaly in February 1992. This crime against humanity has been documented by international human rights organizations and recognized by many countries. Armenia's failure to acknowledge its responsibility for these and other war crimes, including the destruction of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage during the occupation, further undermines its credibility in the peace process.

Armenia's claim of commitment to peace is inconsistent with its actions. While Azerbaijan has consistently advocated for a comprehensive peace agreement based on territorial integrity and mutual respect for sovereignty, Armenia has repeatedly obstructed progress by demonstrating an unconstructive stance on critical issues.

The OIC's call on Armenia to remove the obstacles to the signing of a peace agreement without delay is in line with the international community's expectations for a solution that ensures lasting stability in the South Caucasus.

Armenia's attempts to politicize the OIC's principled position and evade responsibility for its actions will not deter Azerbaijan from its efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. We call on Armenia to abandon its revisionist rhetoric and acknowledge its historical responsibilities."