Uruguay not going to apologize for sending delegation to Artsakh

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay has replied to Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry's “note of protest” regarding the visit of the delegation headed by President of Uruguayan House of Representatives, Mr. Jorge Orrico, to the Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic, Trend news agency reported.

“Uruguay's international activity is based on strong and traditional principles and values such as respect for states' sovereignty, territorial integrity, people's right to self-determination, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful resolution of conflicts and international law, as well as other fundamental principles of the UN, of which Uruguay is a founding member,” the statement said.

It also said that the maintenance of international peace and security is one of the major principles of the UN Charter strongly supported by Uruguay.

"Uruguay has deep and traditional ties with the Republic of Armenia and cordial and constructive friendship with the Republic of Azerbaijan. Therefore, the biggest desire of Uruguay's government can be nothing but to make efforts to solve the conflict between its two friendly states only through dialogue, understanding and other peaceful ways that will ensure coexistence and cooperation of the relevant nations and governments, this will of course be reflected in the future prosperity and welfare of the entire region. Uruguay's behavior or position must by no means be interpreted outside this framework, other goals or intentions are out of the question," the statement said.

During a visit to Artsakh, Mr. Orrico emphasized that the right of nations to self-determination is an accepted principle in Uruguay.

“Though our country holds no official position on the issue, we accept the reality,” the official said, adding that his country stands ready to back Nagorno Karabakh Republic, despite its small size.

“We advocate peaceful settlement of conflicts and stand ready to assist in the process,” he said.