Ariel Cohen, the leading expert of the Heritage Foundation on Russia, Eurasia and international energy security, holds the opinion that Azerbaijan has the right to use force to settle the Karabakh conflict.

According to him, the long-lasting occupation of its territory as a result of a military conflict in 1988-1994 gives Azerbaijan an opportunity to use force to restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Trend reported.

He believes that, in theory, a future conflict over Karabakh, if it happens, will be an operation aimed at restoration of sovereignty. In case Armenian troops are involved, it will be self-defense in conformity with the UN Charter.   

The expert notes the UN Charter grants the right to resist aggression and the UN member states are subject to this document. Thus, real or alleged inconsistency between Azerbaijan’s constitution and Military doctrine is not that important.

June 8, the Azerbaijani Parliament adopted a military doctrine. One of the provisions says that Azerbaijan has the right to use all necessary measures, including force, to liberate occupied territories and restore its territorial integrity and sovereignty.