Uncertain Future Looms for Nagorno-Karabakh Ethnic Armenians as Ceasefire Deal Leaves them Stranded

 The recent ceasefire agreement between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh has left the ethnic Armenian population of the breakaway region in a state of uncertainty and fear. The lightning-fast Azeri offensive has forced the ethnic Armenians into accepting the ceasefire deal, but key issues such as security guarantees and amnesty remain unresolved. The future of Nagorno-Karabakh and its 120,000 ethnic Armenians hangs in the balance, with Azerbaijan pushing for integration while ethnic Armenians fear persecution and accuse the international community of abandonment.

Thousands of Karabakh Armenians are still gathered at the local airport, seeking refuge with Russian peacekeepers stationed in the region. Azerbaijan's president, Ilham Aliyev, has pledged to protect the rights of Karabakh Armenians, but his assertion that an independent ethnic Armenian Karabakh is now history raises concerns over possible ethnic cleansing. Despite positive statements about amnesty from Azerbaijan's foreign policy adviser, Hikmet Hajiyev, there is still no concrete agreement on the matter. The situation in Karabakh is dire, with limited food, electricity, and fuel, and a large number of refugees.

The ethnic Armenian leadership has also expressed concerns over the welfare of the population, urging the international community to show its commitment and support. The military offensive launched by Azerbaijan has rewritten the history of Nagorno-Karabakh once again - a region that has seen the influence of Persians, Turks, Russians, Ottomans, and Soviets over the centuries. This latest development could have significant implications for the already delicate balance of power in the South Caucasus region, where major players like Russia, the United States, Turkey, and Iran are vying for influence.

Amidst this turmoil, the fate of Karabakh's ethnic Armenians remains uncertain. They face the daunting prospect of integration into Azerbaijan, with fears of persecution and loss of autonomy. The international community's response, or lack thereof, will shape the outcome for these vulnerable individuals in the coming days and weeks.