In a big development, Armenia has said that it "can't&nbsp;exclude the possibility" of Pakistani fighters on the ground fight along with "mercenaries operating in Azerbaijan".

Armenia's Deputy Foreign Minister Avet Adonts speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Yerevan said," It won't be a surprise for us", recalling how in the 1990s Pakistani nationals were present when war broke in Nagorno Karabakh. He also slammed turkey for sending Jihadis to Azerbaijan explaining "this imposed or instigated war" has been "well planned jointly with Turkey". Clashes have broken between Armenia and Azerbaijan in past few days over Nagorno Karabakh region leaving several dead and fears of spillover in the region.

WION: What is the current situation at the Armenia-Azerbaijan? 
Avet Adonts: The dictatorship of Azerbaijan backed by Turkey instigated large scale war. Large scale war is taking place on the ground. On September 27, early morning between 6 to 7 am, they — Azerbaijan with its military instruments, the airplanes, heavy artillery, tanks all possible supply to start a massive attack towards nagorno karabakh along the entire contact line between nagorno karabakh and Azerbaijan, targeting the civilian population, capital of the area and many casualties are there. Defence forces of Nagorno Karabakh has reacted in a defensive manner, but in a targetted way but in a defensive manner to the aggression by Azeri military forces jointly with the Turkish. The military operation, defensive operations of nagorno karabakh is providing security of its population, it is about 150,000 people of Armenian origin which used to live there. Its a large scale war between nagorno karabakh and Azerbaijan backed by Turkey. They are expanding the geography of this war, they are approaching Armenian as well, taking into account — on Armenian territory, the Armenia aeroplane has been down days ago. We have witnessed next to the capital to Armenia the drones of Azerbaijan. They were downed, but it is another attempt to provoke another escalation.&nbsp;

WION: What kind of global support you are getting? 
Avet Adonts: The international community is well aware, this imposed or instigated war has been well planned, well planned jointly with Turkey. So, its very obvious, obvious documentary proof. No alternative opinion. The situation needs a de escalation, its very obvious. All the international community, with its leaders, are calling to de-escalate the situation. To stop the military operation, but the destination of all these urgent calls are Azerbaijan and Turkey. &nbsp;Why I am saying Turkey, because, Turkey is very much involved, within the military operation which has been initiated by Azerbaijan. It is a new component of part of the political map, they are practically there--helping not only politically, supporting the country politically as well in a very practical way, the military presence, weapon system, starting with the planes, ending with the drones and military personnel.&nbsp;

WION: Turkey's role in the situation? Is it sending Jihadis? 
Avet Adonts: This is not a question, many people and media were questioning days ago. It is very obvious. Not only Jihadis but mercenaries from Northern Part of Syria. They have arrived in Azerbaijan, via Turkey and Turkey was very instrumental in the recruitment process. The number is very different, starting with 1000, ending with 5000. It is very very obvious, proven that they are there, there to fight against Nagorno Karabakh people.

WION: What do you expect from India? 
Avet Adonts: First, we value very much quality and dynamics of our cooperation with India. India is very much crucial partner for Armenia, not only in our bilateral agenda but also within the region and international agenda. This is very much in line with the treaty of friendship and cooperation we are implementing jointly with India. As I mentioned in beginning, the de-escalation is very important as well as the unacceptability of this is hugely important. The joint statement produced by OSCE Minsk group — Russia, US, France, Putin, Trump, macron, they have called for stopping the military operation and the 3rd party is very much involved, the name of 3rd party is Turkey.&nbsp;

WION: Reports of Pakistani support in terms of sending men on the ground? True? 
Avet Adonts: You know, the single country that has supported Azerbaijan in it, within this development. The single country is Turkey with its military and political support, and Pakistan. Many medias are reporting, Pakistani fighters have left Pakistan, and again via Turkey they have reached Azerbaijan to join the mercenaries operating in Azerbaijan. It won't be a surprise for us. Practically it will be proven very soon.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;Your think, considerable possibility of Pakistani nationals on the ground? 
Avet Adonts: We can't exclude this possibility, taking into account, they used to act in the same way at the beginning of 90s during the large scale war in Nagorno karabakh. With ceasefire agreement in 1994, these guys were there, of Pakistani origin. It would not be a surprise for us if they will be present this time as well. Since Thursday different media have been aggressive, reporting they are already there.&nbsp;

In a big development, Armenia has said that it "can't exclude the possibility" of Pakistani fighters on the ground fight along with "mercenaries operating in Azerbaijan".

In a big development, Armenia has said that it "can't exclude the possibility" of Pakistani fighters on the ground fight along with "mercenaries operating in Azerbaijan". Armenia's Deputy Foreign Minister Avet Adonts speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Yerevan said," It won't be a surprise for us", recalling how in the 1990s Pakistani nationals were present when war broke in Nagorno Karabakh. He also slammed turkey for sending Jihadis to Azerbaijan explaining "this imposed or instigated war" has been "well planned jointly with Turkey". Clashes have broken between Armenia and Azerbaijan in past few days over Nagorno Karabakh region leaving several dead and fears of spillover in the region. WION: What is the current situation at the Armenia-Azerbaijan? Avet Adonts: The dictatorship of Azerbaijan backed by Turkey instigated large scale war. Large scale war is taking place on the ground. On September 27, early morning between 6 to 7 am, they — Azerbaijan with its military instruments, the airplanes, heavy artillery, tanks all possible supply to start a massive attack towards nagorno karabakh along the entire contact line between nagorno karabakh and Azerbaijan, targeting the civilian population, capital of the area and many casualties are there. Defence forces of Nagorno Karabakh has reacted in a defensive manner, but in a targetted way but in a defensive manner to the aggression by Azeri military forces jointly with the Turkish. The military operation, defensive operations of nagorno karabakh is providing security of its population, it is about 150,000 people of Armenian origin which used to live there. Its a large scale war between nagorno karabakh and Azerbaijan backed by Turkey. They are expanding the geography of this war, they are approaching Armenian as well, taking into account — on Armenian territory, the Armenia aeroplane has been down days ago. We have witnessed next to the capital to Armenia the drones of Azerbaijan. They were downed, but it is another attempt to provoke another escalation. WION: What kind of global support you are getting? Avet Adonts: The international community is well aware, this imposed or instigated war has been well planned, well planned jointly with Turkey. So, its very obvious, obvious documentary proof. No alternative opinion. The situation needs a de escalation, its very obvious. All the international community, with its leaders, are calling to de-escalate the situation. To stop the military operation, but the destination of all these urgent calls are Azerbaijan and Turkey. Why I am saying Turkey, because, Turkey is very much involved, within the military operation which has been initiated by Azerbaijan. It is a new component of part of the political map, they are practically there--helping not only politically, supporting the country politically as well in a very practical way, the military presence, weapon system, starting with the planes, ending with the drones and military personnel. WION: Turkey's role in the situation? Is it sending Jihadis? Avet Adonts: This is not a question, many people and media were questioning days ago. It is very obvious. Not only Jihadis but mercenaries from Northern Part of Syria. They have arrived in Azerbaijan, via Turkey and Turkey was very instrumental in the recruitment process. The number is very different, starting with 1000, ending with 5000. It is very very obvious, proven that they are there, there to fight against Nagorno Karabakh people. WION: What do you expect from India? Avet Adonts: First, we value very much quality and dynamics of our cooperation with India. India is very much crucial partner for Armenia, not only in our bilateral agenda but also within the region and international agenda. This is very much in line with the treaty of friendship and cooperation we are implementing jointly with India. As I mentioned in beginning, the de-escalation is very important as well as the unacceptability of this is hugely important. The joint statement produced by OSCE Minsk group — Russia, US, France, Putin, Trump, macron, they have called for stopping the military operation and the 3rd party is very much involved, the name of 3rd party is Turkey. WION: Reports of Pakistani support in terms of sending men on the ground? True? Avet Adonts: You know, the single country that has supported Azerbaijan in it, within this development. The single country is Turkey with its military and political support, and Pakistan. Many medias are reporting, Pakistani fighters have left Pakistan, and again via Turkey they have reached Azerbaijan to join the mercenaries operating in Azerbaijan. It won't be a surprise for us. Practically it will be proven very soon. WION: Your think, considerable possibility of Pakistani nationals on the ground? Avet Adonts: We can't exclude this possibility, taking into account, they used to act in the same way at the beginning of 90s during the large scale war in Nagorno karabakh. With ceasefire agreement in 1994, these guys were there, of Pakistani origin. It would not be a surprise for us if they will be present this time as well. Since Thursday different media have been aggressive, reporting they are already there.

Exclusive: 'Can't exclude the possibility', says Armenia on Pakistani fighters on ground amid clashes

An Armenian woman and child were killed Sunday when heavy fighting erupted between Azerbaijan and Armenian separatists, with the two foes accusing each other of starting fighting that led to casualties on both sides.

Ethnic Armenian separatists seized the Nagorny Karabakh region from Baku in a 1990s war that claimed 30,000 lives.

Talks to resolve the Karabakh dispute -- one of the worst conflicts to emerge from the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union -- have been largely stalled since a 1994 ceasefire agreement.

Armenia said Sunday Azerbaijan attacked civilian settlements in Nagorny Karabakh including its main city Stepanakert.

Azerbaijan's defence ministry said it launched a "counter offensive to suppress Armenia's combat activity and ensure the safety of the population," using tanks, artillery missiles, combat aviation and drones.

"There are reports of dead and wounded among civilians and military servicemen," the spokesman for the Azerbaijani presidency, Hikmet Hajiyev, said in a statement.

Karabakh's ombudsman Artak Beglaryan said "there are civilian casualties" among the region's population.

Separately, a spokesman for the Armenian defence ministry said an Armenian woman and child were killed in Karabakh.&nbsp;

The worst clashes since 2016 have raised the spectre of a fresh large-scale war between arch-foes Azerbaijan and Armenia that have been locked for decades in a territorial dispute over Nagorny Karabakh.

A major confrontation between the ex-Soviet Caucasus neighbours would draw in big regional players Russia and Turkey.

On Sunday morning, Azerbaijan started "active bombing" along Karabakh's frontline and of civilian targets, including in the main city Stepanakert, Karabakh's presidency said.

The rebel defence ministry claimed its troops shot down two Azerbaijani helicopters and three drones.

- 'We will win' - 
The claims were denied by the defence ministry in Baku which said its forces were responding to an Armenian offensive.

Hajiyev said Armenian forces in Karabakh "blatantly violated the ceasefire regime and, using large-caliber weapons, mortar launchers and artillery have launched an intensive attack on the positions of the armed forces of Azerbaijan along the frontline."

"Let us stand firmly behind our state, our army... and we will win. Long live the glorious Armenian army!" Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Facebook.

Azerbaijan's transport ministry said it has "put restrictions on internet traffic" in the country "in order to prevent Armenian provocations."

On Friday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accused Armenia of undermining Karabakh peace talks.

In July, heavy clashes along the two countries shared border -- hundreds of kilometres from Karabakh -- claimed the lives of at least 17 troops from both sides.

Raising the stakes, Azerbaijan at the time threatened to strike Armenia's atomic power station if Yerevan attacked strategic facilities.

During the most recent serious clashes in April 2016, some 110 people were killed.&nbsp;

France, Russia and the United States have mediated peace efforts as the "Minsk Group" but the last big push for a peace deal collapsed in 2010.

An Armenian woman and child were killed Sunday when heavy fighting erupted between Azerbaijan and Armenian separatists, with the two foes accusing each other of starting fighting that led to casualties on both sides.

An Armenian woman and child were killed Sunday when heavy fighting erupted between Azerbaijan and Armenian separatists, with the two foes accusing each other of starting fighting that led to casualties on both sides. Ethnic Armenian separatists seized the Nagorny Karabakh region from Baku in a 1990s war that claimed 30,000 lives. Talks to resolve the Karabakh dispute -- one of the worst conflicts to emerge from the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union -- have been largely stalled since a 1994 ceasefire agreement. Armenia said Sunday Azerbaijan attacked civilian settlements in Nagorny Karabakh including its main city Stepanakert. Azerbaijan's defence ministry said it launched a "counter offensive to suppress Armenia's combat activity and ensure the safety of the population," using tanks, artillery missiles, combat aviation and drones. "There are reports of dead and wounded among civilians and military servicemen," the spokesman for the Azerbaijani presidency, Hikmet Hajiyev, said in a statement. Karabakh's ombudsman Artak Beglaryan said "there are civilian casualties" among the region's population. Separately, a spokesman for the Armenian defence ministry said an Armenian woman and child were killed in Karabakh. The worst clashes since 2016 have raised the spectre of a fresh large-scale war between arch-foes Azerbaijan and Armenia that have been locked for decades in a territorial dispute over Nagorny Karabakh. A major confrontation between the ex-Soviet Caucasus neighbours would draw in big regional players Russia and Turkey. On Sunday morning, Azerbaijan started "active bombing" along Karabakh's frontline and of civilian targets, including in the main city Stepanakert, Karabakh's presidency said. The rebel defence ministry claimed its troops shot down two Azerbaijani helicopters and three drones. - 'We will win' - The claims were denied by the defence ministry in Baku which said its forces were responding to an Armenian offensive. Hajiyev said Armenian forces in Karabakh "blatantly violated the ceasefire regime and, using large-caliber weapons, mortar launchers and artillery have launched an intensive attack on the positions of the armed forces of Azerbaijan along the frontline." "Let us stand firmly behind our state, our army... and we will win. Long live the glorious Armenian army!" Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Facebook. Azerbaijan's transport ministry said it has "put restrictions on internet traffic" in the country "in order to prevent Armenian provocations." On Friday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accused Armenia of undermining Karabakh peace talks. In July, heavy clashes along the two countries shared border -- hundreds of kilometres from Karabakh -- claimed the lives of at least 17 troops from both sides. Raising the stakes, Azerbaijan at the time threatened to strike Armenia's atomic power station if Yerevan attacked strategic facilities. During the most recent serious clashes in April 2016, some 110 people were killed. France, Russia and the United States have mediated peace efforts as the "Minsk Group" but the last big push for a peace deal collapsed in 2010.

Child, woman among casualties in Nagorny Karabakh heavy fighting

Armed men who seized a police station in the Armenian capital Yerevan surrendered to the authorities on Sunday (July 31) after a two-week stand-off, the country&#39;s National Security Service said.

A group of around 30 gunmen had originally seized the police station on July 17, killing a police officer, wounding two others and taking nine people hostage.

A second policeman, outside the building, was killed on Saturday (July 30), when the police had given the men an ultimatum to surrender. Several gunmen were also wounded during the 14 days of the stand-off.

The hostage-takers&#39; main demand was the release of Jirair Sefilian, an opposition leader accused by the authorities of plotting civil unrest. Sefilian was jailed in June over allegations of illegally possessing weapons.

The armed men included veterans of the war in Nagorno-Karabakh with neighbouring Azerbaijan, and were seen as national heroes by their supporters, who want the government to pursue a harder line on the issue.

Within a week, the group had released all its hostages, including two senior police officers, but they then took four doctors hostage and refused to surrender. The doctors were also eventually released. 
 
?(Reuters)

Thirty gunmen, who had seized a police station on July 17 killing one and wounding two others, had demanded release of an opposition leader

Armed men who seized a police station in the Armenian capital Yerevan surrendered to the authorities on Sunday (July 31) after a two-week stand-off, the country's National Security Service said. A group of around 30 gunmen had originally seized the police station on July 17, killing a police officer, wounding two others and taking nine people hostage. A second policeman, outside the building, was killed on Saturday (July 30), when the police had given the men an ultimatum to surrender. Several gunmen were also wounded during the 14 days of the stand-off. The hostage-takers' main demand was the release of Jirair Sefilian, an opposition leader accused by the authorities of plotting civil unrest. Sefilian was jailed in June over allegations of illegally possessing weapons. The armed men included veterans of the war in Nagorno-Karabakh with neighbouring Azerbaijan, and were seen as national heroes by their supporters, who want the government to pursue a harder line on the issue. Within a week, the group had released all its hostages, including two senior police officers, but they then took four doctors hostage and refused to surrender. The doctors were also eventually released. ?(Reuters)

Armenia seige ends as gunmen surrender