AZERBAIJAN USES ITS REFUGEES AS POLITICAL HOSTAGES, US CONGRESSMAN CONSIDERS

In consequence of Nagorno Karabakh conflict about 570 000 forcedly displaced persons, 250 000 of which now live with the refugees’ status, numbered in Azerbaijan in 2002. As reported by “Arminfo” agency according to the US State Department site, US House of Representatives member Christopher Smith, speaking at the hearings in Helsinki Committee of the US stated. In his words, an impression is being created that the Azeri leadership does not wish these people to integrate into the society, and that is why does not allow them to settle outside the camps which are hardly fit for living. Per se the refugees have become in a sense political hostages of this “frozen” conflict, as their resettlement would mean “surrender of Nagorno Karabakh” for Azerbaijan”, – the congressman emphasized.