Armenia appealed for a swift U.N. intervention to oversee human rights and security in Nagorno-Karabakh, as there are indications that aid might be reaching the conflicted region following a delicate cease-fire.
Earlier on Wednesday, Azerbaijan had announced a cease-fire, having made the Armenian separatist factions concede complete control of Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian region, to Azerbaijan. Locals express concerns over potential persecution should they decide to stay.
While Nagorno-Karabakh is globally acknowledged as Azerbaijani territory, it has been under the control of a separate Armenian administration since conflicts erupted during the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. Azerbaijan reassured the Armenians of their rights but also mentioned their option to relocate.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, addressing the UN, stressed the urgency for a U.N. mission in Nagorno-Karabakh to review and ensure the human rights, humanitarian, and security situation. Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, speaking to the U.N., emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to fostering post-conflict reconciliation and peace.
Armenia, which has Russia’s support, was defeated by Azerbaijan, allied with Turkey, in a 2020 conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia has set up accommodations for numerous Armenians from this region, including border hotels. However, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed a desire for them to stay unless relocating becomes absolutely necessary.
The Security Council and several of Armenia’s Western allies have urged for peace, condemning Azerbaijan’s military actions. Following Baku’s aggressive campaign, many Karabakh Armenians found themselves without essential supplies. Consequently, an aid convoy from the International Committee of the Red Cross directed assistance to Karabakh on Saturday. Additionally, Russia delivered over 50 tons of aid to the region.
Furthermore, with its 2,000 peacekeepers stationed in the area, Russia confirmed the surrender of
significant weaponry and ammunition by armed factions, in line with the cease-fire agreement.
On his part, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken commented: “The United States will continue its steadfast support for Armenia and its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
