Azerbaijan's Military Operation in Nagorno-Karabakh Sparks International Concern and Demands for Peace
Azerbaijan's military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh has sparked concern and condemnation globally, with calls for immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to negotiations. International involvement is crucial for resolving the conflict.
Azerbaijan's military operation in the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region has sparked international concern and condemnation. The conflict, which comes just three years after a previous war between Azerbaijan and Armenia, has led to renewed fighting and a demand for the withdrawal of Armenian forces from the area. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has called on Russia and the United Nations to intervene and stop the fighting. He has expressed concern about potential coup attempts in Armenia as a result of the escalating tensions.
Armenia's defense ministry has denied the presence of its troops in Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed full support for Azerbaijan's military operation, stating that it is necessary to defend Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. Turkey has been vocal about its concerns regarding the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and has called for comprehensive talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Russia has called for an end to the fighting and has urged both parties to return to the negotiating table. As the broker of a previous ceasefire in 2020 and with peacekeepers in the region, Russia plays a crucial role in the resolution of the conflict.
The European Union has condemned the escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh and called on Azerbaijan to cease its military activities. The EU's foreign policy chief has emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the resumption of negotiations. The United Nations has also expressed concern about the situation and called for a return to dialogue to avoid further clashes. Iran has offered to mediate the conflict and has called for compliance with the 2020 ceasefire agreement. Germany's Foreign Minister has criticized Azerbaijan for resorting to military action and has called for an immediate end to the shelling and a return to negotiations.
The United States, meanwhile, has expressed deep concern about the military operation and has urged Azerbaijan to end it immediately. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will hold talks with all sides to address the crisis urgently. France has requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting to address the situation and has called Azerbaijan's actions illegal and unjustifiable. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an immediate resumption of discussions and an end to the offensive. Meanwhile, the United States, while unable to directly engage with Russia on the Karabakh issue, is aware of Russia's invitations for talks.
The US prioritizes the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and supports the European Union's efforts in this regard. The US leaves the decision to participate in Russian-mediated talks to the involved parties. Overall, the international community is deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in Nagorno-Karabakh and is calling for an immediate end to the fighting and a return to negotiations. The involvement of global powers and regional actors will play a crucial role in resolving the conflict and ensuring a lasting peace in the region.