In line with the joint statement signed by Presidents of Azerbaijan, Russian Federation, and Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, the district of Lachin on December 1 returned to the control of Azerbaijan following the return of the Aghdam and Kalbajar districts. Finally, the Azerbaijani army has taken full control of seven regions surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh.

On the occasion of the victory of the Azerbaijani army, prominent British journalist Neil Watson congratulated the people of Azerbaijan in his comments to Eurasia Diary portal.

“From my perspective, I am utterly delighted to have lived long enough to witness the return of Aghdam, Kalbajar and Lachin to Azerbaijan. These are three of the seven regions illegally occupied by Armenia 27 years ago and their return has been long-awaited by the internally-displaced persons from their cities,” said Watson.

“Their return upholds the UN Security Council resolutions passed against Armenia in 1993 and represents a very real and lasting conclusion to the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict,” he added.

Moreover, the British journalist condemned atrocities and cruelties illegally settled Armenians committed against the properties and environment in Kalbajar and Lachin regions, when they prepared to leave.

 “I believe that all have been shocked and surprised to witness the extent of devastation in the formerly occupied territories. This initially emanated from the first Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, which left destruction in its wake. No attempt was made by the Armenian occupiers to rebuild or renovate the buildings, as if they knew their occupation was temporary,” Watson noted.

“There has been the deliberate and systematic desecration of Azerbaijani historical buildings and cemeteries, together with using mosques as barns for farm animals. This deliberate disrespect is indicative of the extent of Armenian hatred to Azerbaijanis,” he stressed.

According to Watson, the hatred caused Armenians to ransack the houses they occupied and set fire to them, wishing to leave nothing of use to Azerbaijanis in their wake.

“This scorched earth policy was adopted by the Nazis as they retreated in World War 2 and is a final mark of defiance. They have also destroyed forests, polluted water reservoirs and killed innocent animals. This is a war crime for which Armenia should be punished. However, I am convinced that the Azerbaijani government will build new homes that are fit for the IDPs who have waited to return for so long,” he emphasized.

It should be noted that the district of Lachin was occupied by the Armenian Armed Forces 28 years ago on 18 May 1992. As a result of the occupation, over 63,000 local people were forced to leave the region, and over 300 residents were killed and missed. Besides, all monuments in the Lachin district belonging to Azerbaijani historical and cultural heritage were razed to the ground.