Azerbaijan has announced the cessation of military operations in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. This follows an agreement by Armenian authorities in the territory to disband their defense forces and engage in talks with Baku’s authorities. Mediated by Russian peacekeeping forces, this truce marks a significant development in the long-standing conflict.
A Resolute Conclusion:
Both the Defense Ministry in Baku and Armenian authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh independently declared that they have reached an agreement on a cease-fire. Notably, Armenian armed formations in Nagorno-Karabakh have committed to complete disarmament and dissolution, while official representatives from both sides will meet for talks in the coming days.
President Aliyev’s Defiance:
Given Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev’s earlier rejection of US and European calls to halt the military campaign, this rapid resolution has surprised many. President Aliyev had vowed to persist with the “local anti-terrorist operation” until the Armenians surrendered fully. However, a shift in stance appears to have occurred, leading to the current truce.
Understanding the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict:
Nagorno-Karabakh, though internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, has a majority Armenian population. The region declared its independence over three decades ago in the wake of the Soviet Union’s disintegration. In the 2020 war, Azerbaijan took control of portions of Nagorno-Karabakh and its surrounding districts, leading to widespread loss of life.
Russian Mediation and Peacekeeping:
To stabilize the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Russian President Vladimir Putin played a vital role in negotiating a truce between Azerbaijan and Armenia in 2020. As part of the agreement, Russia currently has almost 2,000 troops deployed in the region to maintain peace. Their presence has been instrumental in fostering dialogue and preventing further escalation.
Turkey’s Support and International Appeals:
Turkey, as a defense pact ally of Azerbaijan, has provided staunch support to its offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the significance of the region within Azerbaijan’s territory during his address to the United Nations General Assembly. In contrast, the United States, France, Germany, and the European Union have consistently called for an immediate cessation of the attack and a return to negotiations.
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