Aliyev inaugurates new settlements and facilities in Armenian territories of Artsakh under Azerbaijani occupation

YEREVAN — Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visited the southern territories of Artsakh on November 6, participating in ceremonies marking the opening of new residential settlements, educational institutions and industrial facilities.

According to statements issued by the Azerbaijani presidency, the visit included the inauguration of the first phase of Soltanli village in the Jabrayil district.

Azerbaijani authorities reported that the settlement now contains 420 individual houses, along with a kindergarten, medical facilities, administrative buildings and other infrastructure.

Aliyev also attended the inauguration of the first phase of Jahangirbeyli village in the Zangilan district, where he presented keys to new homes. The day’s programme included the opening of the Zangilan City Education Complex and a beverage production facility in Jabrayil.

The developments form part of Azerbaijan’s extensive resettlement and reconstruction programme in territories brought under its control following the 2020 war.

While Baku continues to promote new settlement projects, the question of the indigenous Armenian population’s right of return remains unresolved.

More than 120,000 Armenians were displaced from Artsakh following Azerbaijan’s September 2023 military offensive. No effective internationally guaranteed mechanism has been established to secure their safe and dignified return.

The protection of Armenian cultural and religious heritage, property rights and the future status of displaced communities also remain significant concerns.

The latest inaugurations underscore the contrast between Azerbaijan’s ongoing state-backed resettlement activities and the absence of a comparable process enabling displaced Artsakh Armenians to return to their homes.

These unresolved questions remain central to the broader debate over accountability, minority rights and the consequences of Azerbaijan’s military operations in Artsakh.