Ariel Cohen: Nagorno-Karabakh's territory and airspace belongs to Azerbaijan

Experts and diplomats have long talking about the growing threat of escalation of the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, therefore Armenia’s statements on opening of an airport in the occupied Khankendi region will exacerbate an already tense situation, Heritage Foundation's leading expert on Eurasia and Trend Expert Council member Ariel Cohen  believes.

"The territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, including its airspace, belongs to Azerbaijan in accordance with the international law and recognition of the international community," Cohen said Trend on Thursday. "That is why it is not clear why the Armenian side makes such statements, which may jeopardize the peace process around Nagorno-Karabakh. I would warn against bellicose rhetoric on both sides", Cohen said.

The Armenian side plans to open the airport in Khankendi in May. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan stated on Thursday that he will be the first passenger of an aircraft, which fly from Khankendi.

Armenia has no right to operate the airport in Khankendi, built in the Azerbaijani occupied territories, AZAL spokesman Maharram Safarli said earlier. This contradicts all international conventions and will not be allowed by any international organizations, including an influential organization such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

It is necessary to obtain relevant documents and approval from the ICAO to operate the airport.

Azerbaijan has already informed the organization about inadmissibility of carrying out flights from this airport.


/Trend/