EU Special Representative for South Caucasus and crisis in Georgia Philippe Lefort “must explain” the purpose of his planned visit to Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister said.

“Azerbaijan isn’t against OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs’ visits to the territory, as it’s their responsibility. As for different political forces’ intentions to visit the territory for certain purposes, we don’t grant them permit,” Araz Azimov said.

“EU is not directly involved in the settlement of the conflict. It just supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group. If Lefort wants to visit Nagorno Karabakh, he must announce his aim.”,” Azerbaijani deputy minister said.

Does Baku truly believe itself authorized to grant permits for visits to de facto independent Nagorno Karabakh Republic?