Azerbaijan has regained control of the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh after a two-day military offensive, according to the country’s top diplomat. Talks are currently underway with representatives of the ethnic Armenian population to ensure their rights and freedoms are protected.
In a televised address, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared victory, stating that there is now a “historic opportunity” to improve relations with Armenia after 30 years of conflict. Nagorno-Karabakh had been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces since separatist fighting in 1994, with Armenian forces also gaining control of surrounding Azerbaijani territory. However, Azerbaijan managed to reclaim control of the surrounding territory in a six-week war in 2020, which was brokered by Russia. The conflict resulted in the deaths of over 6,700 people.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has accused Azerbaijan of launching an “unprovoked and well-planned military attack,” resulting in allegations of ethnic cleansing and mass atrocities. Mirzoyan claims that the offensive specifically targeted critical infrastructure and led to over 200 deaths, with thousands of people being forced to flee their homes.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has strongly denied these allegations and emphasized the country’s commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of Nagorno-Karabakh residents. He has called for humanitarian aid and stressed that the security and rights of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians are of utmost importance.
The international community has expressed deep concern about Azerbaijan’s military actions and is closely monitoring the humanitarian situation. The White House has specifically voiced its concerns and urged for a ceasefire. Protesters in Armenia have demanded that authorities defend Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh and called for the resignation of the Armenian Prime Minister. Regional players, such as Russia and Turkey, have also been involved, with Russia serving as a mediator and Turkey supporting Azerbaijan.
France and Germany have condemned Azerbaijan’s military assault and called for a complete cessation of violence and lasting peace. They are urging Azerbaijan to commit to negotiations instead of using or threatening the use of force.
Potential solutions to the conflict include Russia’s suggestion of a gradual roadmap to integrate the population of Nagorno-Karabakh into the constitutional order of Azerbaijan, ensuring their rights and security. The deployment of a UN mission to monitor the situation and the return of prisoners of war have also been mentioned as possible steps.
International actors stress the importance of protecting the rights and cultural heritage of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, emphasizing that their future depends on the actions taken by Azerbaijan.
In conclusion, a peaceful and negotiated solution between Armenia and Azerbaijan is needed to put an end to this long-standing conflict. This can only be achieved through discussions and a commitment to refraining from the use of force.
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