RA Permanent Representative issues statement on arbitration  proceedings initiated by Azerbaijan against  Armenia within Berne Convention

ArmInfo.The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia in international  organizations made a statement regarding the arbitration proceedings  initiated by Azerbaijan against Armenia within the framework of the  Berne Convention.

The statement notes: "On 18 January 2023, the Republic of Armenia  received notice that the Republic of Azerbaijan ("Azerbaijan") is  commencing an arbitration against Armenia under the Bern Convention  on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (the  "Bern Convention"). Armenia regrets that Azerbaijan has chosen to  pursue an adversarial process under an international instrument the  very purpose of which is "to promote : cooperation" among States "to  conserve wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats." Armenia  has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to the conservation of the  region's wildlife and preservation of the environment, including  through its close engagement with the Bern Convention's monitoring  and other bodies. Armenia's environmental record also speaks for  itself. Armenia is concerned that Azerbaijan's pursuit of a  contentious path for reasons that appear to have no relation to the  Bern Convention's objectives may have detrimental impacts for the  region's environment, which was significantly harmed as a result of  Azerbaijan's aggressive wars in the last two years. Armenia is  committed to the protection and conservation of the environment and  will continue to comply with its obligations under international  environmental instruments, including the Bern Convention?  Armenia's  environmental record also speaks for itself. Armenia is concerned  that Azerbaijan's pursuit of a contentious path for reasons that  appear to have no relation to the Bern Convention's objectives may  have detrimental impacts for the region's environment, which was  significantly harmed as a result of Azerbaijan's aggressive wars in  the past years. "