In the wake of Azerbaijan’s military offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, ethnic-Armenian forces have accepted the terms of a ceasefire mediated by Russia. One of the central provisions of the ceasefire is the agreement to disarm completely.
Nagorno-Karabakh, recognized internationally as part of Azerbaijan, is home to approximately 120,000 ethnic Armenians. Three years ago, Azerbaijan reclaimed territories in and around Nagorno-Karabakh and, on Tuesday, demanded an unconditional surrender from the ethnic Armenian forces.
According to Karabakh officials, the Azerbaijani military’s “anti-terror” operations have resulted in the deaths of at least 32 people, including seven civilians, with an additional 200 individuals wounded.
Azerbaijan’s presidential administration announced that representatives from both sides would meet to discuss “reintegration” matters in the Azerbaijani town of Yevlakh on Thursday. This town is located roughly 100 km (60 miles) north of the regional capital of Nagorno-Karabakh, known as Khankendi to Azerbaijanis and Stepanakert to Armenians.
The leaders in Nagorno-Karabakh issued a joint statement, indicating that Russian peacekeepers had facilitated an agreement to cease hostilities entirely, effective from 13:00 local time (09:00 GMT).
Azerbaijan has claimed the capture of over 90 positions held by ethnic Armenian forces since the outset of the conflict.
