Cahit Bagci: Return of Lachin - important step towards restoring territorial integrity

The transfer of Lachin to Azerbaijan's control was somewhat late, as according to the tripartite statement, this should have happened earlier. The return of Lachin is a very important event in terms of restoring Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and its sovereignty over the entire territory that was previously under occupation, Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Cahit Bagci told journalists in Shusha, where an international conference on the restoration of the liberated territories was held.

"According to the tripartite agreement, this (the return of Lachin ) should have happened earlier. But despite this, thanks to the will and perseverance of Azerbaijan, Lachin returned under the control of the country," the ambassador said.

He noted that given the importance of the event, the absence of a number of ambassadors in Shusha can be regarded as "disrespect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, which was also noted by presidential aide Hikmat Hajiyev."

Bagci also said that the first commercial direct flight from Ankara to Fuzuli airport, which took place on August 26, was a very exciting event.

"Of course, the first such flight was made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. But it was the first commercial flight, and this is a very exciting and joyful event," the Turkish ambassador said.

In Fuzuli and at the conference in Shusha, the participants saw with their own eyes that Azerbaijan is rapidly restoring the lands destroyed as a result of long-term occupation and building infrastructure, which will allow the return of former internally displaced persons there in the coming years, Bagci said.

"Azerbaijan fulfills all its promises to restore the territories as soon as possible," the Turkish diplomat added.

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