Azerbaijan on Tuesday (July 11) temporarily shut the only road which links its breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region with Armenia. Azerbaijan has accused Armenian branch of the Red Cross of smuggling.

The region has been at the centre of the dispute between the two Caucasus countries. They have fought two wars over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. &nbsp;

The closure of the road has come ahead of the European Union-mediated talks between the ex-Soviet countries.

"The passage through Lachin checkpoint of the state border is temporarily suspended" pending an investigation into the Red Cross using its medical vehicles for "smuggling", Azerbaijan's state border service said on Tuesday.

Azerbaijan said that the decision was taken after the Red Cross failed to "take necessary steps to prevent illegal actions" like smuggling mobile phones from Armenia to Karabakh. Azerbaijan is accusing that this 'smuggling' is taking place using the organisation's medical vehicles.

Armenia has urged international action and has called closure of road being part of Azerbaijan's policy of "ethnic cleansing".

"More international efforts and actions needed to lift" the Karabakh blockade and "to prevent ethnic cleansing," foreign ministry spokeswoman Ani&nbsp;Badalyan said in an English-language Twitter post.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has denied Baku's claims. It has said that "no unauthorised material has been found in any vehicle belonging to ICRC."&nbsp;

"However, we regret that without our knowledge four hired drivers tried to transport some commercial goods in their own vehicles which were temporarily displaying the ICRC emblem," it added in a statement.

The border point at the entrance to the Lachin corridor was set up by Azerbaijan in April. This had exacerbated allegations from Armenia of a Karabakh "blockade".

Armenian branch of the Red Cross said late last month that Azerbaijan was impeding access to Karabakh.

Azerbaijan's state border service said several days later that traffic through the Lachin corridor -- policed by Russian peacekeepers -- was resumed.

The latest developments followed a months-long blockade by Azerbaijani environmental activists, which Yerevan claims spurred a humanitarian crisis and food and fuel shortages.

Azerbaijan insisted at the time that civilian transport could go unimpeded through the Lachin corridor.

<h2>'Ethnic cleansing'</h2>

Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenian Prime Minister said last month that the "humanitarian situation in Karabakh has worsened dramatically".

"Food supplies to Karabakh have practically ceased and patients are not being allowed to be taken to hospitals in Armenia for medical treatment," he said.

Baku's "actions prove that Azerbaijan is pursuing a policy of ethnic cleansing in Karabakh," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Azerbaijan on Tuesday (July 11) temporarily shut the only road which links its breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region with Armenia. Azerbaijan has accused Armenian branch of the Red Cross of smuggling.

Azerbaijan on Tuesday (July 11) temporarily shut the only road which links its breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region with Armenia. Azerbaijan has accused Armenian branch of the Red Cross of smuggling. The region has been at the centre of the dispute between the two Caucasus countries. They have fought two wars over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The closure of the road has come ahead of the European Union-mediated talks between the ex-Soviet countries. "The passage through Lachin checkpoint of the state border is temporarily suspended" pending an investigation into the Red Cross using its medical vehicles for "smuggling", Azerbaijan's state border service said on Tuesday. Azerbaijan said that the decision was taken after the Red Cross failed to "take necessary steps to prevent illegal actions" like smuggling mobile phones from Armenia to Karabakh. Azerbaijan is accusing that this 'smuggling' is taking place using the organisation's medical vehicles. Armenia has urged international action and has called closure of road being part of Azerbaijan's policy of "ethnic cleansing". "More international efforts and actions needed to lift" the Karabakh blockade and "to prevent ethnic cleansing," foreign ministry spokeswoman Ani Badalyan said in an English-language Twitter post. The International Committee of the Red Cross has denied Baku's claims. It has said that "no unauthorised material has been found in any vehicle belonging to ICRC." "However, we regret that without our knowledge four hired drivers tried to transport some commercial goods in their own vehicles which were temporarily displaying the ICRC emblem," it added in a statement. The border point at the entrance to the Lachin corridor was set up by Azerbaijan in April. This had exacerbated allegations from Armenia of a Karabakh "blockade". Armenian branch of the Red Cross said late last month that Azerbaijan was impeding access to Karabakh. Azerbaijan's state border service said several days later that traffic through the Lachin corridor -- policed by Russian peacekeepers -- was resumed. The latest developments followed a months-long blockade by Azerbaijani environmental activists, which Yerevan claims spurred a humanitarian crisis and food and fuel shortages. Azerbaijan insisted at the time that civilian transport could go unimpeded through the Lachin corridor. 'Ethnic cleansing' Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenian Prime Minister said last month that the "humanitarian situation in Karabakh has worsened dramatically". "Food supplies to Karabakh have practically ceased and patients are not being allowed to be taken to hospitals in Armenia for medical treatment," he said. Baku's "actions prove that Azerbaijan is pursuing a policy of ethnic cleansing in Karabakh," he added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Azerbaijan closes key road link to Karabakh region

Azerbaijan on Sunday (April 22) set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. The move has since sparked outrage from its arch-rival Yerevan which has called it a "gross violation" of the 2020 ceasefire agreement. Azerbaijan set up the checkpoint after claims of border shootings by both Azeri and Armenian forces.&nbsp;

The checkpoint might cause an escalation in tensions between the two former Soviet Union countries which have fought two wars in 2020 and in the 1990s over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The region in question is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, however, is home to predominantly ethnic Armenians.&nbsp;

The conflict in 2020 ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire where Azerbaijan is required to guarantee safe passage on the Lachin corridor which is also patrolled by Moscow’s peacekeepers. However, Baku has argued that it had to establish the checkpoint on the road leading to Karabakh for what is seemingly suggested was Armenia’s use of the road to transport weapons.&nbsp;

<h2>War of words over the checkpoint</h2>

Azerbaijan said it built the checkpoint following “threats and provocations” from Armenia, which has since denied these claims.&nbsp;

Baku said that the checkpoint was established at 12:00 pm (local time) “to prevent the illegal transportation of manpower, weapons, mines,” adding that it will “be implemented in interaction with the Russian peacekeeping force.”

The foreign ministry, in a statement, also said, “Providing border security, as well as ensuring safe traffic on the road, is the prerogative of the government of Azerbaijan, and an essential prerequisite for national security, state sovereignty and the rule of law.”&nbsp;

Baku authorities alleged that they recorded military convoys entering Azerbaijan’s territory for&nbsp;“construction of military infrastructure...at the point closest to the territory of Azerbaijan”.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Armenian foreign ministry, in response to these allegations, said that the claim was “far-fetched” and called the checkpoint at the Hakari bridge in the Lachin corridor a "gross violation" of the 2020 ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;

“We call on the Russian Federation to ultimately implement the trilateral statement,” said Armenia’s foreign ministry. This comes as Russia is in the midst of a conflict with Ukraine as well as a confrontation with the West.

<h2>Russia urges both countries to comply with&nbsp;ceasefire agreement</h2>

Addressing the situation with arose on Sunday over the&nbsp;2020 ceasefire agreement, Russia expressed "serious concerns" over the&nbsp;escalating tensions between the two countries.&nbsp;Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters,&nbsp;there was "no alternative" to the agreement and said it was working with both&nbsp;Baku and Yerevan over the "really difficult" situation.&nbsp;

<h2>Armenia, Azerbaijan blame each other </h2>

In recent months, several servicemen have been killed from both sides amid clashes. Armenia’s defence ministry said a soldier named Artyom Poghosyan was killed at around 0750 GMT when Azeri forces opened fire on an Armenian position in&nbsp;

On the other hand, Azerbaijan denied the attack and later said it was responding to enemy fire by Armenian soldiers fired on Azeri units at around 1110 GMT in the Lachin district. The claim has since been denied by Armenia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Azerbaijan on Sunday (April 22) set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. The move has since sparked outrage from its arch-rival Yerevan which has called it a "gross violation" of the 2020 ceasefire agreement.

Azerbaijan on Sunday (April 22) set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. The move has since sparked outrage from its arch-rival Yerevan which has called it a "gross violation" of the 2020 ceasefire agreement. Azerbaijan set up the checkpoint after claims of border shootings by both Azeri and Armenian forces. The checkpoint might cause an escalation in tensions between the two former Soviet Union countries which have fought two wars in 2020 and in the 1990s over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The region in question is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, however, is home to predominantly ethnic Armenians. The conflict in 2020 ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire where Azerbaijan is required to guarantee safe passage on the Lachin corridor which is also patrolled by Moscow’s peacekeepers. However, Baku has argued that it had to establish the checkpoint on the road leading to Karabakh for what is seemingly suggested was Armenia’s use of the road to transport weapons. War of words over the checkpoint Azerbaijan said it built the checkpoint following “threats and provocations” from Armenia, which has since denied these claims. Baku said that the checkpoint was established at 12:00 pm (local time) “to prevent the illegal transportation of manpower, weapons, mines,” adding that it will “be implemented in interaction with the Russian peacekeeping force.” The foreign ministry, in a statement, also said, “Providing border security, as well as ensuring safe traffic on the road, is the prerogative of the government of Azerbaijan, and an essential prerequisite for national security, state sovereignty and the rule of law.” Baku authorities alleged that they recorded military convoys entering Azerbaijan’s territory for “construction of military infrastructure...at the point closest to the territory of Azerbaijan”. Meanwhile, the Armenian foreign ministry, in response to these allegations, said that the claim was “far-fetched” and called the checkpoint at the Hakari bridge in the Lachin corridor a "gross violation" of the 2020 ceasefire agreement. “We call on the Russian Federation to ultimately implement the trilateral statement,” said Armenia’s foreign ministry. This comes as Russia is in the midst of a conflict with Ukraine as well as a confrontation with the West. Russia urges both countries to comply with ceasefire agreement Addressing the situation with arose on Sunday over the 2020 ceasefire agreement, Russia expressed "serious concerns" over the escalating tensions between the two countries. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, there was "no alternative" to the agreement and said it was working with both Baku and Yerevan over the "really difficult" situation. Armenia, Azerbaijan blame each other In recent months, several servicemen have been killed from both sides amid clashes. Armenia’s defence ministry said a soldier named Artyom Poghosyan was killed at around 0750 GMT when Azeri forces opened fire on an Armenian position in On the other hand, Azerbaijan denied the attack and later said it was responding to enemy fire by Armenian soldiers fired on Azeri units at around 1110 GMT in the Lachin district. The claim has since been denied by Armenia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Azerbaijan sets up checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and disputed Nagorno-Karabakh

A clash was reported along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region in the Caucasus on Sunday (March 5), killing five&nbsp;people, including two&nbsp;Azeris and three Armenians.&nbsp;According to pro-Armenian separatist authorities, a sabotage group of &nbsp;Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire on the car of the Passport and Visa Department and three police officers were killed, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

Azerbaijan, however, denied this version, with the defence ministry saying that its forces were trying to stop vehicles carrying weapons, when Azerbaijani servicemen were fired at. As a result of the exchange of fire on both sides there are dead and wounded, it said.&nbsp;

Armenia then hit back by saying that Baku's version was absurd and resulted from a provocation planned and instructed by the top leadership. Following the incident, Armenia also said that it was sending an international fact-finding team to the Lachin corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh was becoming a vital necessity.&nbsp;

This comes after Azerbaijan’s defence ministry on Sunday said that&nbsp;two of its servicemen were killed after their troops stopped the vehicle and claimed that&nbsp;the convoy had used an unauthorised road. Meanwhile, Armenia's foreign ministry said&nbsp;three officials from the Karabakh interior ministry were killed.&nbsp;

Furthermore, Azerbaijan's defence ministry said that the incident showed that the government needed to create an appropriate checkpoint on the Lachin-Khankendi road.&nbsp;

AFP reported that since mid-December last year, self-styled Azerbaijani environmental activists have barred the only road linking Karabakh to Armenia, the Lachin corridor, to protest what they called illegal mining. Yerevan has accused Baku of creating a blockade there.

The two countries have fought two wars, which have killed thousands, for the control of Azerbaijan's Armenian-populated enclave of Karabakh. The landlocked region that still remains under Armenian separatist control is guarded by Russian peacekeepers.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A clash was reported along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region in the Caucasus on Sunday (March 5), killing five people, including two Azeris and three Armenians.

A clash was reported along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region in the Caucasus on Sunday (March 5), killing five people, including two Azeris and three Armenians. According to pro-Armenian separatist authorities, a sabotage group of Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire on the car of the Passport and Visa Department and three police officers were killed, the news agency AFP reported. Azerbaijan, however, denied this version, with the defence ministry saying that its forces were trying to stop vehicles carrying weapons, when Azerbaijani servicemen were fired at. As a result of the exchange of fire on both sides there are dead and wounded, it said. Armenia then hit back by saying that Baku's version was absurd and resulted from a provocation planned and instructed by the top leadership. Following the incident, Armenia also said that it was sending an international fact-finding team to the Lachin corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh was becoming a vital necessity. This comes after Azerbaijan’s defence ministry on Sunday said that two of its servicemen were killed after their troops stopped the vehicle and claimed that the convoy had used an unauthorised road. Meanwhile, Armenia's foreign ministry said three officials from the Karabakh interior ministry were killed. Furthermore, Azerbaijan's defence ministry said that the incident showed that the government needed to create an appropriate checkpoint on the Lachin-Khankendi road. AFP reported that since mid-December last year, self-styled Azerbaijani environmental activists have barred the only road linking Karabakh to Armenia, the Lachin corridor, to protest what they called illegal mining. Yerevan has accused Baku of creating a blockade there. The two countries have fought two wars, which have killed thousands, for the control of Azerbaijan's Armenian-populated enclave of Karabakh. The landlocked region that still remains under Armenian separatist control is guarded by Russian peacekeepers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least five killed in Azerbaijan-Armenia border clash in disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region

For the former soviet states Armenia and Azerbaijan, the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh province has been at the centre of the conflict for decades. Even though the province is internationally recognised as a part of Azerbaijan, the region has been the point of contention between the 2 countries ever since Armenia occupied the region decades ago. The province has been a contention from the time of Armenian genocide by the ottoman empire. The dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan goes back generations deeply rooted in geography, ethnicity, religion and geopolitics. For Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh is a part of their heritage with historic ethnic Armenians occupying the region dotted with Armenian churches and infrastructure. The citadel of Shusha, which is important to both Armenians and Azeris, sits in the middle of Nagorno-Karabakh making things more complicated. When the Soviets captured the territories of Armenia and Azerbaijan in 1920s, Nagorno-Karabakh was made a semi-autonomous region within the republic of Azerbaijan which went against the majority ethnic Armenian population but there was no sign of major confrontations until the 1980s when the Glasnost was announced. 

With a majority of the ethnic Armenian population, the Nagorno-Karabakh province voted a referendum to join Armenia in 1988, an unintended result of soviet era Glasnost policy and declaring independence in 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet Union intensifying the fight between the countries escalating the fighting into a war. The 1994 ceasefire agreement mediated by Russia gave de-facto control of occupied territories in Azerbaijan including Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. Following the 1994 ceasefire, both Armenia and Azerbaijan have violated the ceasefire agreement multiple times causing mass casualties of soldiers and civilians in the province. Efforts by the US, France and Russia (Minsk group) to establish peace in the regions were futile. 

However, in 2020, the conflict grew into a full-scale war that lasted for 45 days ending with the surrender of Armenia and reclaiming of most of its lost territory by Azerbaijan. Following the victory from the conflict in 2020, Azerbaijan increased its military expenditure to $2.6 billion in 2022 compared to $754 million by Armenia. The Nagorno-Karabakh region is a geopolitical melting point with the involvement of Russia, Turkey, the US and Iran. Russia, as an ally of Armenia and having a good relationship with Azerbaijan, tries to establish peace in the region as a way of maintaining its waning influence in the region and even placing Russian peacekeeping troops.

For Turkiye, the Azeri link is ethnic and cultural since they are Turkic speaking population. President Erdogan openly has supported the Azerbaijan government in the conflict against Armenia as a liberation of occupied land and protecting their homeland. Turkey even supplies weapons including advanced military drones tipping the war on Azerbaijan’s side. The Turkic support to Azerbaijan may not be purely cultural since oil and Natural gas is the largest export of Azerbaijan and is the biggest supplier of gas to Turkiye. The revenue from oil and gas has been Azerbaijan increase its military expenditure. The support from Turkey has unilaterally favoured the Azeri victory over Armenia in 2020. 

Armenia and Azerbaijan are seen as gateways to Europe. Any instability will further destabilise the region. Recently, the conflict flared up again with both sides blaming each other as the instigator. The conflict most probably flared up because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Russia is a major ally of Armenia allowing Azerbaijan to take advantage of the window of opportunity. Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has brokered yet another peace deal between the two countries. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken hosted the foreign ministers of the 2 countries on the sidelines of the UNGA to establish peace and prevent further flare-ups. The region has become so volatile that even the slightest of provocation can break out into a full-blown conflict. With Europe trying to reduce energy imports from Russia by importing from Azerbaijan, any instability in the region will be bad for business. 

All diplomatic efforts by the international community including the UN have failed to reach a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The UNSC passed a number of resolutions to establish peace and stop the fighting but has been fruitless. The Minsk group headed by Russia, including the US and France, tried to negotiate a peace plan and came close to establishing peace in the region in 2007 but the plan fell apart as both countries tried to make the plan more favourable for themselves. There is also the matter of self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. It is understandable for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh who are majority Armenian to want to unite with Armenia. While it is also practically impossible to take out a chunk of territory from the middle of Azerbaijan. Thus, a stalemate between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region. It is important that both countries compromise for crucial peace in the south Caucasus. 

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

For the former soviet states Armenia and Azerbaijan, the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh province has been at the centre of the conflict for decades. Even though the province is internationally recognised as a part of Azerbaijan, the region has been the point of contention between the 2 countries ever since Armenia occupied the region decades ago.

For the former soviet states Armenia and Azerbaijan, the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh province has been at the centre of the conflict for decades. Even though the province is internationally recognised as a part of Azerbaijan, the region has been the point of contention between the 2 countries ever since Armenia occupied the region decades ago. The province has been a contention from the time of Armenian genocide by the ottoman empire. The dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan goes back generations deeply rooted in geography, ethnicity, religion and geopolitics. For Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh is a part of their heritage with historic ethnic Armenians occupying the region dotted with Armenian churches and infrastructure. The citadel of Shusha, which is important to both Armenians and Azeris, sits in the middle of Nagorno-Karabakh making things more complicated. When the Soviets captured the territories of Armenia and Azerbaijan in 1920s, Nagorno-Karabakh was made a semi-autonomous region within the republic of Azerbaijan which went against the majority ethnic Armenian population but there was no sign of major confrontations until the 1980s when the Glasnost was announced. With a majority of the ethnic Armenian population, the Nagorno-Karabakh province voted a referendum to join Armenia in 1988, an unintended result of soviet era Glasnost policy and declaring independence in 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet Union intensifying the fight between the countries escalating the fighting into a war. The 1994 ceasefire agreement mediated by Russia gave de-facto control of occupied territories in Azerbaijan including Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. Following the 1994 ceasefire, both Armenia and Azerbaijan have violated the ceasefire agreement multiple times causing mass casualties of soldiers and civilians in the province. Efforts by the US, France and Russia (Minsk group) to establish peace in the regions were futile. However, in 2020, the conflict grew into a full-scale war that lasted for 45 days ending with the surrender of Armenia and reclaiming of most of its lost territory by Azerbaijan. Following the victory from the conflict in 2020, Azerbaijan increased its military expenditure to $2.6 billion in 2022 compared to $754 million by Armenia. The Nagorno-Karabakh region is a geopolitical melting point with the involvement of Russia, Turkey, the US and Iran. Russia, as an ally of Armenia and having a good relationship with Azerbaijan, tries to establish peace in the region as a way of maintaining its waning influence in the region and even placing Russian peacekeeping troops. For Turkiye, the Azeri link is ethnic and cultural since they are Turkic speaking population. President Erdogan openly has supported the Azerbaijan government in the conflict against Armenia as a liberation of occupied land and protecting their homeland. Turkey even supplies weapons including advanced military drones tipping the war on Azerbaijan’s side. The Turkic support to Azerbaijan may not be purely cultural since oil and Natural gas is the largest export of Azerbaijan and is the biggest supplier of gas to Turkiye. The revenue from oil and gas has been Azerbaijan increase its military expenditure. The support from Turkey has unilaterally favoured the Azeri victory over Armenia in 2020. Armenia and Azerbaijan are seen as gateways to Europe. Any instability will further destabilise the region. Recently, the conflict flared up again with both sides blaming each other as the instigator. The conflict most probably flared up because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Russia is a major ally of Armenia allowing Azerbaijan to take advantage of the window of opportunity. Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has brokered yet another peace deal between the two countries. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken hosted the foreign ministers of the 2 countries on the sidelines of the UNGA to establish peace and prevent further flare-ups. The region has become so volatile that even the slightest of provocation can break out into a full-blown conflict. With Europe trying to reduce energy imports from Russia by importing from Azerbaijan, any instability in the region will be bad for business. All diplomatic efforts by the international community including the UN have failed to reach a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The UNSC passed a number of resolutions to establish peace and stop the fighting but has been fruitless. The Minsk group headed by Russia, including the US and France, tried to negotiate a peace plan and came close to establishing peace in the region in 2007 but the plan fell apart as both countries tried to make the plan more favourable for themselves. There is also the matter of self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. It is understandable for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh who are majority Armenian to want to unite with Armenia. While it is also practically impossible to take out a chunk of territory from the middle of Azerbaijan. Thus, a stalemate between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region. It is important that both countries compromise for crucial peace in the south Caucasus. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict- History and a way forward

In his address to the UN on Thursday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accused Azerbaijan of committing "unspeakable atrocities" during the most recent fighting between the two adversaries, including dismembering the bodies of slain troops.

The biggest violence since a war in 2020 occurred last week when fighting erupted between the Caucasus republics, leaving around 300 people dead.

"There are evidences of cases of torture, mutilation of captured or already dead servicemen, numerous instances of extra-judicial <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-minneapolis-cop-thomas-lane-sentenced-to-three-years-in-prison-in-george-floyds-murder-518682">killings</a> and ill treatment of Armenian prisoners of war, as well as humiliating treatment of the bodies," he told the UN General Assembly.

"The dead bodies of Armenian female military personnel were mutilated, and then proudly video recorded with particular cruelty by the Azerbaijani servicemen."

Pashinyan went on: "No doubt, committing such unspeakable atrocities is a direct result of a decades-long policy of implanting anti-Armenian hatred and animosity in the Azerbaijani society by the political leadership."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-unsc-eam-jaishankar-slams-china-for-putting-hold-on-listing-of-pakistan-based-terrorist-518815">At UNSC, EAM Jaishankar slams China for putting hold on listing of Pakistan-based terrorist</a>

Additionally, he claimed that Azerbaijan had shelled infrastructure and facilities for civilian use deep within the borders of his nation, forcing more than 7,600 people to flee their homes and leaving three civilians dead and two missing.

Two battles between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/concerned-russians-trying-to-escape-putins-ukraine-war-call-up-to-avoid-conscription-518766">Armenia</a> and Azerbaijan, one in the 1990s and the other in 2020, were fought over Nagorno-Karabakh, an area of Azerbaijan that is home to Armenians.

In 2020, a six-week conflict that resulted in more than 6,500 deaths on both sides was put to a stop by a cease-fire mediated by Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In his address to the UN on Thursday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accused Azerbaijan of committing "unspeakable atrocities" during the most recent fighting between the two adversaries, including dismembering the bodies of slain troops.

In his address to the UN on Thursday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accused Azerbaijan of committing "unspeakable atrocities" during the most recent fighting between the two adversaries, including dismembering the bodies of slain troops. The biggest violence since a war in 2020 occurred last week when fighting erupted between the Caucasus republics, leaving around 300 people dead. "There are evidences of cases of torture, mutilation of captured or already dead servicemen, numerous instances of extra-judicial killings and ill treatment of Armenian prisoners of war, as well as humiliating treatment of the bodies," he told the UN General Assembly. "The dead bodies of Armenian female military personnel were mutilated, and then proudly video recorded with particular cruelty by the Azerbaijani servicemen." Pashinyan went on: "No doubt, committing such unspeakable atrocities is a direct result of a decades-long policy of implanting anti-Armenian hatred and animosity in the Azerbaijani society by the political leadership." Also read | At UNSC, EAM Jaishankar slams China for putting hold on listing of Pakistan-based terrorist Additionally, he claimed that Azerbaijan had shelled infrastructure and facilities for civilian use deep within the borders of his nation, forcing more than 7,600 people to flee their homes and leaving three civilians dead and two missing. Two battles between Armenia and Azerbaijan, one in the 1990s and the other in 2020, were fought over Nagorno-Karabakh, an area of Azerbaijan that is home to Armenians. In 2020, a six-week conflict that resulted in more than 6,500 deaths on both sides was put to a stop by a cease-fire mediated by Russia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Armenia accuses Azerbaijan of 'unspeakable atrocities' at UNGA

Days after deadly clashes broke out between Armenia and Azerbaijan that killed over 215 people, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Armenia on Saturday for a three-day official visit.

Days after deadly clashes broke out between Armenia and Azerbaijan that killed over 215 people, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Armenia on Saturday for a three-day official visit. In the process, she became the highest ranking US official to visit the Western Asian country since it gained independence in 1991. Taking to Twitter, Pelosi informed about her visit and stated it was a symbol of Washington's commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Armenia. "Today, I am leading a Congressional delegation to Armenia to highlight the strong commitment of the United States to security, economic prosperity, and democratic governance in Armenia and the Caucasus region." she tweeted. Today, I am leading a Congressional delegation to Armenia to highlight the strong commitment of the United States to security, economic prosperity, and democratic governance in Armenia and the Caucasus region. — Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) September 17, 2022 × Pelosi asserted that it was President Biden that formally acknowledged the Armenian genocide and that she, alongside her congressional delegation, was proud to travel to Yerevan. Adding that we shouldn't forget the Armenian genocide, Pelosi said, “It is the moral duty of all to never forget: an obligation that has taken on heightened urgency as atrocities are perpetrated around the globe, including by Russia against Ukraine.” Reportedly, Pelosi was received by the head of the Armenian National Assembly Alen Simonyan at the International Airport outside of Yerevan. Simonyan remained optimistic that Pelosi's visit will play a big role in ensuring Yerevan's security. WATCH | World at War | Episode 20: Armenia and Azerbaijan on the brink of war over Nagorno-Karabakh × Pelosi's visit comes at an incredibly delicate time. For the first time since Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a 44-day war in 2020, they have come close to engaging in another war. As reported extensively by WION, the clashes broke out earlier this week on Tuesday over hostilities related to the decades-old Nagorno-Karabakh territory dispute. After over 215 were killed in the clash, Russia stepped in and reportedly brokered ceasefire between the two nations. "We call on the parties to refrain from further escalation of the situation, exercise restraint and strictly observe the ceasefire in accordance with the trilateral statements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia of November 9, 2020, January 11 and November 26, 2021." a Russian foreign ministry statement said. Read more: Russia claims ceasefire reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan Notably, the unrest dates back to the collapse of the Soviet Union when the region declared independence from Azerbaijan with Armenia's backing. Azerbaijan has long claimed it will retake the territory, which is internationally recognised as Azerbaijani. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nancy Pelosi visits Armenia days after deadly clashes with Azerbaijan erupted

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accused&nbsp;Azerbaijan's troops on Monday of violating the border between the two countries and sacked his defence minister, the Interfax news agency reported.

Another Russian news agency, RIA, quoted Armenia's Security Council as saying the incident took place on Sunday but the Azeri troops had since left.

Interfax quoted an Azeri foreign ministry spokesperson as saying Azeri forces were operating on the country's own sovereign territory and accusing Armenia of "provocations".

The incident marked an escalation of tensions between the two former Soviet republics, which fought a 44-day war last year that killed at least 6,500 people and ended in a decisive victory for&nbsp;Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan did not say on what scale the alleged incursion had taken place but told a security council meeting that he had dismissed minister Arshak Karapetyan over the incident.

TASS news agency said Armenia had reported the episode to Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a military alliance of post-Soviet states.

Last year's war over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh was ended by a Russian-brokered deal under which Moscow deployed 1,960 peacekeepers to the region for an initial five-year period.

But the accord left many questions unresolved, including the legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh and the Armenians who live there, who numbered up to 150,000 before the war.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accused Azerbaijan's troops on Monday of violating the border between the two countries and sacked his defence minister, the Interfax news agency reported.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accused Azerbaijan's troops on Monday of violating the border between the two countries and sacked his defence minister, the Interfax news agency reported. Another Russian news agency, RIA, quoted Armenia's Security Council as saying the incident took place on Sunday but the Azeri troops had since left. Interfax quoted an Azeri foreign ministry spokesperson as saying Azeri forces were operating on the country's own sovereign territory and accusing Armenia of "provocations". The incident marked an escalation of tensions between the two former Soviet republics, which fought a 44-day war last year that killed at least 6,500 people and ended in a decisive victory for Azerbaijan. Pashinyan did not say on what scale the alleged incursion had taken place but told a security council meeting that he had dismissed minister Arshak Karapetyan over the incident. TASS news agency said Armenia had reported the episode to Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a military alliance of post-Soviet states. Last year's war over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh was ended by a Russian-brokered deal under which Moscow deployed 1,960 peacekeepers to the region for an initial five-year period. But the accord left many questions unresolved, including the legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh and the Armenians who live there, who numbered up to 150,000 before the war.

Armenian PM Pashinyan sacks defence minister after accusing Azerbaijan of border incursion

An Armenian soldier was killed Tuesday in a border shootout with Azerbaijani forces,&nbsp;Armenia's defence ministry said, with tensions still high after last September's war over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

It later said the situation was "calm" after a skirmish at the Verin Shorzha border point in&nbsp;Armenia's eastern Gegharkunik district.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/strategic-inferences-from-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-2020-post-ceasefire-347702">Strategic inferences from Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict 2020, post ceasefire</a>

The area borders&nbsp;the Kalbajar region that was retaken by Azerbaijan after the war last year.

"One serviceman has been killed as a result of a shootout that followed the opening of fire by Azerbaijani troops", the ministry said in a statement.

But the defence ministry in Baku denied its forces had opened fire.

"According to our information, the incident involving the death of an Armenian soldier was an accident and it has nothing to do with the Azerbaijani side," the ministry said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-in-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-despite-calls-for-peace-331000">Death toll rises in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict despite calls for peace</a>

A long-simmering conflict over Karabakh, a breakaway Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan, erupted into a full-blown war in late September, with some 6,000 people killed in six weeks of fighting.

It ended with a Russian-brokered ceasefire that saw&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;cede to Azerbaijan swathes of territory it had controlled for decades.

The ceasefire, monitored by some 2,000 Russian peacekeepers, has largely held but tensions have continued and there have been several border incidents.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenian-leader-accuses-azerbaijan-of-fresh-infiltration-385043">Armenian leader accuses Azerbaijan of fresh 'infiltration'</a>

Earlier this month&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;accused Azerbaijan's military of crossing the southern border in an "infiltration" to "lay siege" to a lake that is shared by the two countries.

'Diplomatic' border solution

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the time asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for military support. Moscow said it would help with the delimitation of the two neighbours' borders.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-calls-putin-after-azerbaijan-infiltration-385095">Armenia calls Putin after Azerbaijan 'infiltration'</a>

Baku rejected claims it was occupying any Armenian territory, but Pashinyan said up to 600 Azerbaijani troops remained on Armenian territory.

The United States and France have called on Azerbaijan to pull back its forces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-azerbaijan-ceasefire-broken-again-hours-after-us-backed-truce-338053">Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire broken again hours after US-backed truce</a>

Pashinyan told a May 20 parliament session that Russia was helping&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;and Azerbaijan hammer out an agreement to resolve any border incidents through "diplomatic means, not through the movement of troops".

Facing a snap parliamentary election next month, Pashinyan said the draft agreement was "100 percent in line with&nbsp;Armenia's interests".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-bidens-recognition-of-armenian-genocide-reflects-dispensability-of-turkey-382022">Opinion: Biden's recognition of Armenian genocide reflects dispensability of Turkey</a>

He also said the two governments might discuss possible territorial swaps between the two countries.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said the same day that the time had come for the two arch-enemies to start working on a peace agreement after decades of conflict.

&nbsp;

Ethnic Armenian separatists declared independence for Nagorno-Karabakh and seized control of the mountainous enclave and several surrounding regions in a war in the 1990s that left tens of thousands dead and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

Last year's ceasefire agreement saw&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;return the surrounding regions to Azerbaijan while separatist forces retained control of most of Karabakh itself.

An Armenian soldier was killed Tuesday in a border shootout with Azerbaijani forces, Armenia's defence ministry said, with tensions still high after last September's war over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

An Armenian soldier was killed Tuesday in a border shootout with Azerbaijani forces, Armenia's defence ministry said, with tensions still high after last September's war over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. It later said the situation was "calm" after a skirmish at the Verin Shorzha border point in Armenia's eastern Gegharkunik district. Also read | Strategic inferences from Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict 2020, post ceasefire The area borders the Kalbajar region that was retaken by Azerbaijan after the war last year. "One serviceman has been killed as a result of a shootout that followed the opening of fire by Azerbaijani troops", the ministry said in a statement. But the defence ministry in Baku denied its forces had opened fire. "According to our information, the incident involving the death of an Armenian soldier was an accident and it has nothing to do with the Azerbaijani side," the ministry said in a statement. Also read | Death toll rises in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict despite calls for peace A long-simmering conflict over Karabakh, a breakaway Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan, erupted into a full-blown war in late September, with some 6,000 people killed in six weeks of fighting. It ended with a Russian-brokered ceasefire that saw Armenia cede to Azerbaijan swathes of territory it had controlled for decades. The ceasefire, monitored by some 2,000 Russian peacekeepers, has largely held but tensions have continued and there have been several border incidents. Also Read | Armenian leader accuses Azerbaijan of fresh 'infiltration' Earlier this month Armenia accused Azerbaijan's military of crossing the southern border in an "infiltration" to "lay siege" to a lake that is shared by the two countries. 'Diplomatic' border solution Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the time asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for military support. Moscow said it would help with the delimitation of the two neighbours' borders. Also Read | Armenia calls Putin after Azerbaijan 'infiltration' Baku rejected claims it was occupying any Armenian territory, but Pashinyan said up to 600 Azerbaijani troops remained on Armenian territory. The United States and France have called on Azerbaijan to pull back its forces. Also read | Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire broken again hours after US-backed truce Pashinyan told a May 20 parliament session that Russia was helping Armenia and Azerbaijan hammer out an agreement to resolve any border incidents through "diplomatic means, not through the movement of troops". Facing a snap parliamentary election next month, Pashinyan said the draft agreement was "100 percent in line with Armenia's interests". Also read | Opinion: Biden's recognition of Armenian genocide reflects dispensability of Turkey He also said the two governments might discuss possible territorial swaps between the two countries. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said the same day that the time had come for the two arch-enemies to start working on a peace agreement after decades of conflict. Ethnic Armenian separatists declared independence for Nagorno-Karabakh and seized control of the mountainous enclave and several surrounding regions in a war in the 1990s that left tens of thousands dead and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes. Last year's ceasefire agreement saw Armenia return the surrounding regions to Azerbaijan while separatist forces retained control of most of Karabakh itself.

Armenia says soldier killed in shootout with Azerbaijani forces

Armenia's leader on Thursday accused Azerbaijani troops of crossing the southern border and trying to stake claim to territory, in a new escalation of tensions between the arch-foes.

Last year&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Azerbaijan&nbsp;went to war over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.&nbsp;The six-week&nbsp;conflict&nbsp;claimed some 6,000 lives and ended after&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;ceded swathes of territory it had controlled for decades.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-in-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-despite-calls-for-peace-331000">Death toll rises in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict despite calls for peace</a>

In the early hours of Thursday,&nbsp;Armenia's acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan accused&nbsp;Azerbaijan&nbsp;of new transgressions as he&nbsp;convened an emergency meeting of his security council.

Pashinyan said&nbsp;Azerbaijan's troops had advanced more than three kilometres (two miles) into southern&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;and were trying to "lay siege" to Lake Sev Lich that is shared by the two countries.&nbsp;

"It is an encroachment on the sovereign territory of the Republic of&nbsp;Armenia," Pashinyan said. "This is an act of subversive infiltration."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-azerbaijan-ceasefire-broken-again-hours-after-us-backed-truce-338053">Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire broken again hours after US-backed truce</a>

He said Armenian soldiers had responded with "appropriate tactical manoeuvres" but stressed that the latest tensions should be settled through negotiations.

Azerbaijan's foreign ministry termed Pashinyan's claims provocative, saying the country's "border troops are taking positions that belong to&nbsp;Azerbaijan, in the Lachin and Kalbajar districts."

The reaction of&nbsp;Armenia, "which makes provocative statements, is astonishing," the ministry said in a late-night statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-bidens-recognition-of-armenian-genocide-reflects-dispensability-of-turkey-382022">Opinion: Biden's recognition of Armenian genocide reflects dispensability of Turkey</a>

"Azerbaijan&nbsp;is committed to defusing the tensions in the region and urges to take steps in that direction."

Armenia, which had controlled Lachin and Kalbajar since the 1990s, handed the districts to Baku last year under the ceasefire agreement.

'Withdraw immediately'&nbsp;

The United States, one of the three nations in the so-called Minsk Group that leads diplomacy on Nagorno-Karabakh,&nbsp;said it was "closely following" the rising tensions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/strategic-inferences-from-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-2020-post-ceasefire-347702">Strategic inferences from Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict 2020, post ceasefire</a>

"We understand communication between the parties is ongoing and urge restraint in de-escalating the situation peacefully," State Department spokesman Ned Price wrote on Twitter.

French President Emmanuel Macron, in an Armenian-language post on Facebook,&nbsp;expressed France's "solidarity" with&nbsp;Armenia, saying "Azerbaijani armed forces invaded Armenian territory."&nbsp;

"They must withdraw immediately," Macron said.

Pashinyan has been under huge pressure over his handling of the&nbsp;conflict. He resigned in April while staying on in a caretaker capacity, setting the stage for June 20 parliamentary elections aimed at defusing the political crisis at home.

Moscow brokered a peace deal between&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Azerbaijan&nbsp;but tensions persist.

Last month, Yerevan and Baku traded accusations of opening fire in Karabakh and along their shared border.

Ethnic Armenian separatists declared independence for&nbsp;Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region and seized control of the mountainous enclave in a brutal war in the 1990s that left tens of thousands dead and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

Armenia's leader on Thursday accused Azerbaijani troops of crossing the southern border and trying to stake claim to territory, in a new escalation of tensions between the arch-foes.

Armenia's leader on Thursday accused Azerbaijani troops of crossing the southern border and trying to stake claim to territory, in a new escalation of tensions between the arch-foes. Last year Armenia and Azerbaijan went to war over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The six-week conflict claimed some 6,000 lives and ended after Armenia ceded swathes of territory it had controlled for decades. Also read | Death toll rises in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict despite calls for peace In the early hours of Thursday, Armenia's acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan accused Azerbaijan of new transgressions as he convened an emergency meeting of his security council. Pashinyan said Azerbaijan's troops had advanced more than three kilometres (two miles) into southern Armenia and were trying to "lay siege" to Lake Sev Lich that is shared by the two countries. "It is an encroachment on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia," Pashinyan said. "This is an act of subversive infiltration." Also read | Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire broken again hours after US-backed truce He said Armenian soldiers had responded with "appropriate tactical manoeuvres" but stressed that the latest tensions should be settled through negotiations. Azerbaijan's foreign ministry termed Pashinyan's claims provocative, saying the country's "border troops are taking positions that belong to Azerbaijan, in the Lachin and Kalbajar districts." The reaction of Armenia, "which makes provocative statements, is astonishing," the ministry said in a late-night statement. Also read | Opinion: Biden's recognition of Armenian genocide reflects dispensability of Turkey "Azerbaijan is committed to defusing the tensions in the region and urges to take steps in that direction." Armenia, which had controlled Lachin and Kalbajar since the 1990s, handed the districts to Baku last year under the ceasefire agreement. 'Withdraw immediately' The United States, one of the three nations in the so-called Minsk Group that leads diplomacy on Nagorno-Karabakh, said it was "closely following" the rising tensions. Also read | Strategic inferences from Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict 2020, post ceasefire "We understand communication between the parties is ongoing and urge restraint in de-escalating the situation peacefully," State Department spokesman Ned Price wrote on Twitter. French President Emmanuel Macron, in an Armenian-language post on Facebook, expressed France's "solidarity" with Armenia, saying "Azerbaijani armed forces invaded Armenian territory." "They must withdraw immediately," Macron said. Pashinyan has been under huge pressure over his handling of the conflict. He resigned in April while staying on in a caretaker capacity, setting the stage for June 20 parliamentary elections aimed at defusing the political crisis at home. Moscow brokered a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan but tensions persist. Last month, Yerevan and Baku traded accusations of opening fire in Karabakh and along their shared border. Ethnic Armenian separatists declared independence for Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region and seized control of the mountainous enclave in a brutal war in the 1990s that left tens of thousands dead and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

Armenian leader accuses Azerbaijan of fresh 'infiltration'

Armenia's President Armen Sarkisian has refused to sign the prime minister's order dismissing the chief of the military's general staff, deepening the country's political crisis.

"The president of the republic, within the framework of his constitutional powers, returned the draft decree with objections," the presidency said in a statement on Saturday, adding that the crisis "cannot be resolved through frequent personnel changes".

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accused the military of a coup attempt on Thursday and tried to sack the chief of staff, after the army issued a written statement calling for him to resign.

On Friday, hundreds of demonstrators rallied in the capital Yerevan to demand his downfall, and a leading opposition figure called on the army to rebel against him. Two former presidents have already said he must step down. He has faced calls to quit since November from countrymen who blame him for a disastrous six-week war that saw ethnic Armenian forces lose swathes of territory in neighbouring Azerbaijan they had held for decades.

Pashinyan told his supporters on Thursday he was firing Onik Gasparyan, the chief of the army's general staff. But by Friday the dismissal had not yet been approved by the president, a step needed for it to enter force.

President Armen Sarkissian held a meeting with Gasparyan. Vazgen Manukyan, a politician who has been touted by the opposition as a possible interim prime minister to replace Pashinyan, told hundreds of supporters at a rally that the army would never allow Gasparyan to be sacked.

Pashinyan, a former journalist and lawmaker, came to power in a peaceful popular uprising in May 2018 known as Armenia's velvet revolution. But the loss of territory in and around the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh last year was a bitter blow for Armenians, who had won control of the area in the 1990s in a war which killed at least 30,000 people.

The conflict was brought to a halt by a ceasefire deal brokered by Russia. Moscow, which has deployed peacekeepers to enforce the ceasefire, said on Friday it was vital the agreements be fully implemented despite Armenia's crisis.

(with inputs from agencies)

Armenia's President Armen Sarkisian has refused to sign the prime minister's order dismissing the chief of the military's general staff, deepening the country's political crisis.

Armenia's President Armen Sarkisian has refused to sign the prime minister's order dismissing the chief of the military's general staff, deepening the country's political crisis. "The president of the republic, within the framework of his constitutional powers, returned the draft decree with objections," the presidency said in a statement on Saturday, adding that the crisis "cannot be resolved through frequent personnel changes". Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accused the military of a coup attempt on Thursday and tried to sack the chief of staff, after the army issued a written statement calling for him to resign. On Friday, hundreds of demonstrators rallied in the capital Yerevan to demand his downfall, and a leading opposition figure called on the army to rebel against him. Two former presidents have already said he must step down. He has faced calls to quit since November from countrymen who blame him for a disastrous six-week war that saw ethnic Armenian forces lose swathes of territory in neighbouring Azerbaijan they had held for decades. Pashinyan told his supporters on Thursday he was firing Onik Gasparyan, the chief of the army's general staff. But by Friday the dismissal had not yet been approved by the president, a step needed for it to enter force. President Armen Sarkissian held a meeting with Gasparyan. Vazgen Manukyan, a politician who has been touted by the opposition as a possible interim prime minister to replace Pashinyan, told hundreds of supporters at a rally that the army would never allow Gasparyan to be sacked. Pashinyan, a former journalist and lawmaker, came to power in a peaceful popular uprising in May 2018 known as Armenia's velvet revolution. But the loss of territory in and around the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh last year was a bitter blow for Armenians, who had won control of the area in the 1990s in a war which killed at least 30,000 people. The conflict was brought to a halt by a ceasefire deal brokered by Russia. Moscow, which has deployed peacekeepers to enforce the ceasefire, said on Friday it was vital the agreements be fully implemented despite Armenia's crisis. (with inputs from agencies)

Armenian president refuses to sign PM's order dismissing army chief

Azerbaijan said Friday its troops had entered a district bordering Nagorno-Karabakh that was previously home to Armenian separatists, as part of a Russian-brokered deal to end weeks of fighting in the region.

Troops moved into the district of Aghdam, one of three to be ceded, the Azerbaijan defence ministry said, a day after Armenian soldiers and tanks withdrew from the territory.

Azerbaijan is also to recover the Kalbajar district wedged between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia on November 25 and the Lachin district by December 1.&nbsp;

Armenian residents of Aghdam hurriedly picked pomegranates from trees around their homes and packed vans with furniture before fleeing ahead of the deadline to cede the mountainous province.

Ahead of the handover, residents set their homes on fire, leaving nothing behind for their bitter rivals.

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Fierce clashes between Azerbaijan's forces and Armenian separatists broke out in late September in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The fighting lasted six weeks, leaving thousands dead and displacing many more.

The ex-Soviet adversaries agreed to end hostilities last week within the framework of a accord brokered by Moscow that includes deployment of Russian peacekeepers and the cession by Armenia of swathes of territory.

Turkey has said that some of its forces would also observe the ceasefire arrangements from a coordination centre in Azerbaijan, but Putin has emphasised that Turkish troops would not be present in Nagorno-Karabakh.

'Wild enemy'

In a televised address, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev called Armenians who destroyed property as they fled a "wild enemy".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenian-prime-minister-nikol-pashinyan-calls-for-halt-to-violence-over-peace-deal-343486">Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan calls for halt to violence over peace deal</a>

"They are embarrassing themselves in front of the whole world," he said.

On Thursday, people celebrated in Baku, with cars parading through the city with flags of Azerbaijan ally Russia and Turkey.

Separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh and several surrounding districts had captured the territory and claimed independence following a post-Soviet 1990s war that left around 30,000 dead.

Their claim was not recognised internationally, however, even by Armenia.&nbsp;

As part of the peace accord, Armenia agreed to return 15 to 20 per cent of Nagorno-Karabakh territory captured by Azerbaijan in recent fighting, including the historic town of Shusha.

Return of refugees

A Russian peacekeeping force totalling 1,960 troops has now deployed to the region, the defence ministry said Friday, and set up checkpoints and observation posts along the strategic Lachin corridor that connects Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia.

While Armenians in the provinces to be handed over to Azerbaijan have left in an exodus, the Russian mission on Thursday said it had bussed 3,000 residents back to the regional capital Stepanakert and other areas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that providing humanitarian aid to residents of "severely hit" Nagorno-Karabakh was now a priority, and called on the UN and the World Health Organization to send delegations to the region.

He maintained that the peacekeepers had "helped end the bloodshed and prevent further casualties."

Most of Azerbaijan's south-western district of Aghdam has been under the control of Armenian separatists since 1993. Before the post-Soviet war it was inhabited by 130,000 people -- mostly ethnic Azerbaijanis who were expelled from their homes.

'Ancestral lands'

In his national address Friday, Aliyev promised Azerbaijanis that they would return to "ancestral lands".&nbsp;

UNESCO on Friday said that Director General Audrey Azoulay had proposed a preliminary field mission to the region during a meeting with representatives of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ensure the protection of cultural heritage sites.

Armenia's health ministry said this week that more than 2,400 troops had been killed in the fighting. Azerbaijan has not revealed its military fatalities.

The agreement to cede disputed territory spurred a political crisis in Armenia with the opposition flooding the streets of the capital Yerevan and calling for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's resignation.

The presidency announced Friday the replacement of defence minister David Tonoyan.

Armenian police told AFP they had detained dozens of protesters Friday at a rally in Yerevan where demonstrators calling for Pashinyan to resign formed a human chain and blocked major roads.&nbsp;

Azerbaijan said Friday its troops had entered a district bordering Nagorno-Karabakh that was previously home to Armenian separatists, as part of a Russian-brokered deal to end weeks of fighting in the region.

Azerbaijan said Friday its troops had entered a district bordering Nagorno-Karabakh that was previously home to Armenian separatists, as part of a Russian-brokered deal to end weeks of fighting in the region. Troops moved into the district of Aghdam, one of three to be ceded, the Azerbaijan defence ministry said, a day after Armenian soldiers and tanks withdrew from the territory. Azerbaijan is also to recover the Kalbajar district wedged between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia on November 25 and the Lachin district by December 1. Armenian residents of Aghdam hurriedly picked pomegranates from trees around their homes and packed vans with furniture before fleeing ahead of the deadline to cede the mountainous province. Ahead of the handover, residents set their homes on fire, leaving nothing behind for their bitter rivals. × Fierce clashes between Azerbaijan's forces and Armenian separatists broke out in late September in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The fighting lasted six weeks, leaving thousands dead and displacing many more. The ex-Soviet adversaries agreed to end hostilities last week within the framework of a accord brokered by Moscow that includes deployment of Russian peacekeepers and the cession by Armenia of swathes of territory. Turkey has said that some of its forces would also observe the ceasefire arrangements from a coordination centre in Azerbaijan, but Putin has emphasised that Turkish troops would not be present in Nagorno-Karabakh. 'Wild enemy' In a televised address, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev called Armenians who destroyed property as they fled a "wild enemy". Also read| Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan calls for halt to violence over peace deal "They are embarrassing themselves in front of the whole world," he said. On Thursday, people celebrated in Baku, with cars parading through the city with flags of Azerbaijan ally Russia and Turkey. Separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh and several surrounding districts had captured the territory and claimed independence following a post-Soviet 1990s war that left around 30,000 dead. Their claim was not recognised internationally, however, even by Armenia. As part of the peace accord, Armenia agreed to return 15 to 20 per cent of Nagorno-Karabakh territory captured by Azerbaijan in recent fighting, including the historic town of Shusha. Return of refugees A Russian peacekeeping force totalling 1,960 troops has now deployed to the region, the defence ministry said Friday, and set up checkpoints and observation posts along the strategic Lachin corridor that connects Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia. While Armenians in the provinces to be handed over to Azerbaijan have left in an exodus, the Russian mission on Thursday said it had bussed 3,000 residents back to the regional capital Stepanakert and other areas. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that providing humanitarian aid to residents of "severely hit" Nagorno-Karabakh was now a priority, and called on the UN and the World Health Organization to send delegations to the region. He maintained that the peacekeepers had "helped end the bloodshed and prevent further casualties." Most of Azerbaijan's south-western district of Aghdam has been under the control of Armenian separatists since 1993. Before the post-Soviet war it was inhabited by 130,000 people -- mostly ethnic Azerbaijanis who were expelled from their homes. 'Ancestral lands' In his national address Friday, Aliyev promised Azerbaijanis that they would return to "ancestral lands". UNESCO on Friday said that Director General Audrey Azoulay had proposed a preliminary field mission to the region during a meeting with representatives of Armenia and Azerbaijan to ensure the protection of cultural heritage sites. Armenia's health ministry said this week that more than 2,400 troops had been killed in the fighting. Azerbaijan has not revealed its military fatalities. The agreement to cede disputed territory spurred a political crisis in Armenia with the opposition flooding the streets of the capital Yerevan and calling for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's resignation. The presidency announced Friday the replacement of defence minister David Tonoyan. Armenian police told AFP they had detained dozens of protesters Friday at a rally in Yerevan where demonstrators calling for Pashinyan to resign formed a human chain and blocked major roads.

Azerbaijan troops enter first district ceded by Armenia

An Armenian opposition leader was arrested on Saturday (local time) under allegations that he was plotting to kill Armenian prime minister. The development has come amid political turmoil in Armenia that started when the prime minister signed a peace deal with Azerbaijan that did not go down too well domestically.

Artur Vanetsyan, the opposition leader was arrested after he was summoned to headquarters of the Armenian security forces. His lawyers, who told AFP of the allegations Vanetsyan faced, refuted them.

Armenia Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced violent street protests and&nbsp;displeasure from political parties after he signed a peace deal with Azerbaijan to end the fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Armenia faced heavy losses by technologically superior Azeri troops and Pashinyan agreed to cede large parts of the mostly Christian and ethnically Armenian region to Muslim-majority Azerbaijan in order to bring an end to the hostilities.

Vanetsyan, a former boss of Armenia's security services known for his links to Russia, was also briefly detained last week along with other senior opposition figures during anti-government protests which saw the prime minister called a "traitor".

Armenian security services announced the arrest late on Saturday of another unnamed man "with anti-government views" who was allegedly found in possession of a "large number of weapons."

He was preparing "an assassination attempt against a public figure and the seizure of power" in step with "politicians with anti-government views and their supporters."

(With AFP inputs)

An Armenian opposition leader was arrested on Saturday (local time) under allegations that he was plotting to kill Armenian prime minister. The development has come amid political turmoil in Armenia that started when the prime minister signed a peace deal with Azerbaijan that did not go down too well domestically.

An Armenian opposition leader was arrested on Saturday (local time) under allegations that he was plotting to kill Armenian prime minister. The development has come amid political turmoil in Armenia that started when the prime minister signed a peace deal with Azerbaijan that did not go down too well domestically. Artur Vanetsyan, the opposition leader was arrested after he was summoned to headquarters of the Armenian security forces. His lawyers, who told AFP of the allegations Vanetsyan faced, refuted them. Armenia Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced violent street protests and displeasure from political parties after he signed a peace deal with Azerbaijan to end the fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh region. Armenia faced heavy losses by technologically superior Azeri troops and Pashinyan agreed to cede large parts of the mostly Christian and ethnically Armenian region to Muslim-majority Azerbaijan in order to bring an end to the hostilities. Vanetsyan, a former boss of Armenia's security services known for his links to Russia, was also briefly detained last week along with other senior opposition figures during anti-government protests which saw the prime minister called a "traitor". Armenian security services announced the arrest late on Saturday of another unnamed man "with anti-government views" who was allegedly found in possession of a "large number of weapons." He was preparing "an assassination attempt against a public figure and the seizure of power" in step with "politicians with anti-government views and their supporters." (With AFP inputs)

Armenian politician arrested over alleged plot to assassinate PM

Villagers in Kalbajar District outside of Nagorno-Karabakh region set their houses on fire on Saturday. The district is part of the territory previously controlled by Armenian Separatists which will now be handed over to Azerbaijan as a part of the peace agreement.&nbsp;

"This is my house, I can't leave it to the Turks," as Azerbaijanis are often called by Armenians, said one resident as he threw burning wooden planks and rags soaked in gasoline into a completely empty house. He was quoted by AFP.

"Everybody is going to burn down their house today... We were given until midnight to leave," he said.

"We also moved our parents' graves, the Azerbaijanis will take great pleasure in desecrating our graves. It's unbearable," he added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-peacekeepers-enter-nagorno-karabakh-as-kremlin-seeks-un-presence-343168">Russian peacekeepers enter Nagorno-Karabakh as Kremlin seeks UN presence</a>

Armenia and Azerbaijan entered into an armed conflict in late September. The fight lasted for six weeks.

Armenia on Saturday said that 2,317 of it fighters were killed in the clashes, an increase of nearly 1,000 deaths compared to the last confirmed death toll among Armenian fighters.

Azerbaijan has not revealed its military casualties and the real toll after weeks of fighting is expected to be much higher.

(With AFP inputs)

Villagers in Kalbajar District outside of Nagorno-Karabakh region set their houses on fire on Saturday. The district is part of the territory previously controlled by Armenian Separatists which will now be handed over to Azerbaijan as a part of the peace agreement.

Villagers in Kalbajar District outside of Nagorno-Karabakh region set their houses on fire on Saturday. The district is part of the territory previously controlled by Armenian Separatists which will now be handed over to Azerbaijan as a part of the peace agreement. "This is my house, I can't leave it to the Turks," as Azerbaijanis are often called by Armenians, said one resident as he threw burning wooden planks and rags soaked in gasoline into a completely empty house. He was quoted by AFP. "Everybody is going to burn down their house today... We were given until midnight to leave," he said. "We also moved our parents' graves, the Azerbaijanis will take great pleasure in desecrating our graves. It's unbearable," he added. Also Read | Russian peacekeepers enter Nagorno-Karabakh as Kremlin seeks UN presence Armenia and Azerbaijan entered into an armed conflict in late September. The fight lasted for six weeks. Armenia on Saturday said that 2,317 of it fighters were killed in the clashes, an increase of nearly 1,000 deaths compared to the last confirmed death toll among Armenian fighters. Azerbaijan has not revealed its military casualties and the real toll after weeks of fighting is expected to be much higher. (With AFP inputs)

Armenian villagers burn their houses just ahead of Azerbaijan takeover

Residents of Kalbajar district, formerly under the control of Armenian separatists are gathering their belongings and vacating their homes as the date of takeover by Azerbaijan comes closer. Kalbajar District will be handed over to Azerbaijan as part of a Russian-brokered peace agreement that put a stop to weeks of fierce fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Both the countries clashed with each other as hostilities broke out at the end of September over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. This region broke away from Azerbaijan in 1990s. More than 1400 people have died so far in the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Nobody has ordered residents in the region to leave their homes but they fear retaliatory attacks from Azerbaijan once the takeover takes place on Sunday (November 15).

"I cried all night when I heard the news," says 68-year-old Hayastan Yeghiazaryan told AFP. Her 82 year-old husband Zohrab said that they were not even sure where they will go.

"With the help of the children, we'll try to rent a small apartment in Yerevan," he says, referring to the capital of Armenia, which has been rocked by political unrest since the country's leadership agreed to the peace accord that cedes swathes of territory in Karabakh to Azerbaijan.

"We might be able to come back, don't you think?" he says with a hopeful look.

Kalbajar's residents were encouraged to settle in this region of Azerbaijan by separatist leaders who had grabbed control of the area.

(With AFP inputs)

Residents of Kalbajar district, formerly under the control of Armenian separatists are gathering their belongings and vacating their homes as the date of takeover by Azerbaijan comes closer.

Residents of Kalbajar district, formerly under the control of Armenian separatists are gathering their belongings and vacating their homes as the date of takeover by Azerbaijan comes closer. Kalbajar District will be handed over to Azerbaijan as part of a Russian-brokered peace agreement that put a stop to weeks of fierce fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Both the countries clashed with each other as hostilities broke out at the end of September over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. This region broke away from Azerbaijan in 1990s. More than 1400 people have died so far in the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Nobody has ordered residents in the region to leave their homes but they fear retaliatory attacks from Azerbaijan once the takeover takes place on Sunday (November 15). "I cried all night when I heard the news," says 68-year-old Hayastan Yeghiazaryan told AFP. Her 82 year-old husband Zohrab said that they were not even sure where they will go. "With the help of the children, we'll try to rent a small apartment in Yerevan," he says, referring to the capital of Armenia, which has been rocked by political unrest since the country's leadership agreed to the peace accord that cedes swathes of territory in Karabakh to Azerbaijan. "We might be able to come back, don't you think?" he says with a hopeful look. Kalbajar's residents were encouraged to settle in this region of Azerbaijan by separatist leaders who had grabbed control of the area. (With AFP inputs)

Armenians flee homes as takeover by Azerbaijan looms

Armenia and Azerbaijan have repeatedly accused each other of swiftly and seriously violating the terms of two Russia-brokered ceasefires in Nagorno-Karabakh -- even as they continue to fight in what is being termed as the deadliest fighting in the mountain enclave for over a quarter of a century.

World powers want to prevent a wider war that draws in Turkey, which has voiced strong support for Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a defence pact with Armenia.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Saturday said he saw no diplomatic resolution of the conflict at this stage, but hoped the international community, including India, would acknowledge the existential threat his country is currently facing.

"I expect of India as I do of the international community -- to acknowledge that Turkey organised the mobilisation of mercenaries and terrorists to the conflict zone, and that without Turkey this war would not have been initiated; to acknowledge that the Armenians are facing an existential threat, and that a remedial secession is required to find a solution," Pashinyan told WION in an exclusive conversation.

Differences over the conflict have further strained relations between Turkey and its NATO allies.&nbsp;Ankara, however, has denied it has inflamed the conflict.

Two major Russia-brokered truces had failed when the United States stepped up diplomatic efforts to try to end the fighting.

In Washington, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met separately with the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia in a new attempt.

But Pashinyan said&nbsp;it would have been better had US supported Russia in its efforts -- and separate talks were not initiated.

"Russia is not directly engaged in the war. It is engaged as a mediator from the&nbsp;OSCE group. I think the group should bring together their efforts and not initiate separate talks. They should support Russia for it has more access to the region, and it is present in the region," he said.

Russia, France and the United States belong to the Minsk Group, which has attempted to help resolve the conflict under the umbrella of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

About 30,000 people were killed in a 1991-94 war over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenians regard the enclave as part of their historic homeland; Azeris consider it illegally occupied land that must be returned to their control.

The collapse of two Russia-brokered ceasefires have dimmed the prospect of a quick end to fighting that broke out on September 27 over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have repeatedly accused each other of swiftly and seriously violating the terms of two Russia-brokered ceasefires in Nagorno-Karabakh -- even as they continue to fight in what is being termed as the deadliest fighting in the mountain enclave for over a quarter of a century.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have repeatedly accused each other of swiftly and seriously violating the terms of two Russia-brokered ceasefires in Nagorno-Karabakh -- even as they continue to fight in what is being termed as the deadliest fighting in the mountain enclave for over a quarter of a century. World powers want to prevent a wider war that draws in Turkey, which has voiced strong support for Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a defence pact with Armenia. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Saturday said he saw no diplomatic resolution of the conflict at this stage, but hoped the international community, including India, would acknowledge the existential threat his country is currently facing. "I expect of India as I do of the international community -- to acknowledge that Turkey organised the mobilisation of mercenaries and terrorists to the conflict zone, and that without Turkey this war would not have been initiated; to acknowledge that the Armenians are facing an existential threat, and that a remedial secession is required to find a solution," Pashinyan told WION in an exclusive conversation. Differences over the conflict have further strained relations between Turkey and its NATO allies. Ankara, however, has denied it has inflamed the conflict. Two major Russia-brokered truces had failed when the United States stepped up diplomatic efforts to try to end the fighting. In Washington, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met separately with the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia in a new attempt. But Pashinyan said it would have been better had US supported Russia in its efforts -- and separate talks were not initiated. "Russia is not directly engaged in the war. It is engaged as a mediator from the OSCE group. I think the group should bring together their efforts and not initiate separate talks. They should support Russia for it has more access to the region, and it is present in the region," he said. Russia, France and the United States belong to the Minsk Group, which has attempted to help resolve the conflict under the umbrella of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). About 30,000 people were killed in a 1991-94 war over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenians regard the enclave as part of their historic homeland; Azeris consider it illegally occupied land that must be returned to their control. The collapse of two Russia-brokered ceasefires have dimmed the prospect of a quick end to fighting that broke out on September 27 over Nagorno-Karabakh.

International community, including India, should recognise Karabakh's existential threat: Armenian PM to WION

New skirmishes have been broken out between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces over Nagorno-Karabakh a day after talks in Washington to try to end the deadliest fighting in the mountain enclave in more than a quarter of a century.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nagorno-karabakh-conflict-continued-fighting-shuttled-diplomatic-efforts-before-washington-talks-337547">Also read | Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Continued fighting, shuttled diplomatic efforts before Washington talks</a>

Hopes of ending nearly a month of bloodshed in the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh were looking slim even before the Washington talks. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nagorno-karabakh-ceasefire-hopes-diminish-after-turkey-reaffirms-support-for-azerbaijan-337214">Also read | Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire: Hopes diminish after Turkey reaffirms support for Azerbaijan</a>

Azerbaijan's Defence Ministry reported fighting in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, a part of Azerbaijan populated and controlled by ethnic Armenians.

Local officials accused Azerbaijan's forces of shelling buildings in Stepanakert, the largest city in the region, which Baku denied.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met separately with the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia on Friday in a new attempt to end nearly a month of bloodshed that Russian President Vladimir Putin said may have killed 5,000 people.

The collapse of two Russia-brokered ceasefires had already dimmed the prospect of a quick end to fighting that broke out on September&nbsp;27 over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azeri forces say they have made territorial gains, including full control over the border with Iran, which Armenia denies. Nagorno-Karabakh's ethnic Armenian administration says its forces have repulsed attacks.

Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan had said more than 90,000 people became refugees over the recent escalation of tensions in Azerbaijan's breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

About 30,000 people were killed in a 1991-94 war over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenians regard the territory as part of their historic homeland and accuse Azerbaijan of making a land grab in the recent fighting.

(With inputs from agencies)

New skirmishes have been broken out between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces over Nagorno-Karabakh a day after talks in Washington to try to end the deadliest fighting in the mountain enclave in more than a quarter of a century.

New skirmishes have been broken out between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces over Nagorno-Karabakh a day after talks in Washington to try to end the deadliest fighting in the mountain enclave in more than a quarter of a century. Also read | Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Continued fighting, shuttled diplomatic efforts before Washington talks Hopes of ending nearly a month of bloodshed in the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh were looking slim even before the Washington talks. Also read | Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire: Hopes diminish after Turkey reaffirms support for Azerbaijan Azerbaijan's Defence Ministry reported fighting in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, a part of Azerbaijan populated and controlled by ethnic Armenians. Local officials accused Azerbaijan's forces of shelling buildings in Stepanakert, the largest city in the region, which Baku denied. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met separately with the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia on Friday in a new attempt to end nearly a month of bloodshed that Russian President Vladimir Putin said may have killed 5,000 people. The collapse of two Russia-brokered ceasefires had already dimmed the prospect of a quick end to fighting that broke out on September 27 over Nagorno-Karabakh. Azeri forces say they have made territorial gains, including full control over the border with Iran, which Armenia denies. Nagorno-Karabakh's ethnic Armenian administration says its forces have repulsed attacks. Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan had said more than 90,000 people became refugees over the recent escalation of tensions in Azerbaijan's breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. About 30,000 people were killed in a 1991-94 war over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenians regard the territory as part of their historic homeland and accuse Azerbaijan of making a land grab in the recent fighting. (With inputs from agencies)

Fresh clashes erupt in Nagorno-Karabakh after Washington talks 

Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other on Sunday of violating a new humanitarian ceasefire in fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, hours after it was agreed.

The truce agreed on Saturday came into force at midnight (2000 GMT) after a week-old Russian-brokered ceasefire failed to halt the worst fighting in the South Caucasus since the 1990s.

The new truce was announced on Saturday after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov talked to his Armenian and Azeri counterparts by phone and called on sides to observe the truce that he mediated a week ago.

At 1010 GMT, the Azeri defence ministry said the Aghdam region, adjacent Nagorno-Karabakh, was under Armenian shelling. It said overnight Armenian military units opened fire from large-caliber weapons along the border.

Armenia has, however, denied this. It, in fact, said the Azeri army had fired twice during the night and used artillery and accused Baku of rejecting its request to withdraw the wounded soldiers from the battlefield.

The Azeri defence ministry said the enemy fired at the vicinity of the Jabrail city, as well as the villages of this region using mortars and artillery. It added that the Azeri army "took adequate retaliatory measures".

The ministry said that Azeri military units downed Armenian Su-25 warplane, "which was attempting to inflict airstrikes on the positions of the Azeri army in Jabrail region." Yerevan swiftly denied that.

Officials in Nagorno-Karabakh said Azeri forces had launched an attack on the enclave's military positions and there were casualties and wounded on both sides.

Nagorno-Karabakh is a mountain territory that is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated and governed by ethnic Armenians.

The ceasefire earlier this month was aimed at letting the sides swap detainees and bodies of those killed in the clashes, but it had little impact on the fighting around the enclave.

At least 750 people have been killed since fighting began on September 27.

Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other on Sunday of violating a new humanitarian ceasefire in fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, hours after it was agreed. The truce agreed on Saturday came into force at midnight (2000 GMT) after a week-old Russian-brokered ceasefire failed to halt the worst fighting in the South Caucasus since the 1990s.

Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other on Sunday of violating a new humanitarian ceasefire in fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, hours after it was agreed. The truce agreed on Saturday came into force at midnight (2000 GMT) after a week-old Russian-brokered ceasefire failed to halt the worst fighting in the South Caucasus since the 1990s. The new truce was announced on Saturday after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov talked to his Armenian and Azeri counterparts by phone and called on sides to observe the truce that he mediated a week ago. At 1010 GMT, the Azeri defence ministry said the Aghdam region, adjacent Nagorno-Karabakh, was under Armenian shelling. It said overnight Armenian military units opened fire from large-caliber weapons along the border. Armenia has, however, denied this. It, in fact, said the Azeri army had fired twice during the night and used artillery and accused Baku of rejecting its request to withdraw the wounded soldiers from the battlefield. The Azeri defence ministry said the enemy fired at the vicinity of the Jabrail city, as well as the villages of this region using mortars and artillery. It added that the Azeri army "took adequate retaliatory measures". The ministry said that Azeri military units downed Armenian Su-25 warplane, "which was attempting to inflict airstrikes on the positions of the Azeri army in Jabrail region." Yerevan swiftly denied that. Officials in Nagorno-Karabakh said Azeri forces had launched an attack on the enclave's military positions and there were casualties and wounded on both sides. Nagorno-Karabakh is a mountain territory that is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated and governed by ethnic Armenians. The ceasefire earlier this month was aimed at letting the sides swap detainees and bodies of those killed in the clashes, but it had little impact on the fighting around the enclave. At least 750 people have been killed since fighting began on September 27.

Armenia and Azerbaijan fresh ceasefire breaks down within hours

Azerbaijan and Armenia Saturday continued accusing each other of fresh attacks in violation of a week-old Russian-brokered truce that has failed to halt the ensuing war.

Baku said 13 civilians were killed and more than 50 were wounded in the city of Ganja by an Armenian missile attack, while Yerevan accused Azerbaijan of continued shelling.

The fighting is the worst in the region since Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces went to war in the 1990s over Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountain territory that is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated and governed by ethnic Armenians.

The Azeri Prosecutor General's office said a residential area in Ganja, the country's second-largest city and miles away from Nagorno-Karabakh, was shelled by missile strikes and around 20 apartment buildings had been hit. Armenia denied the claim.

Azeri President Ilham Aliyev accused Armenia of committing a war crime by shelling Ganja.

"They will be held responsible for that ... If the international community does not punish Armenia, we will do it," he said.

Aliyev said the Azeri army has completely taken over two regions previously held by separatists, Fizuli and Jabrail.

"We are dominating the battlefield," he said, adding that Azeri armed forces never targeted civilian settlements.

Aliyev also questioned Armenia's ability to keep replacing military hardware destroyed in battles, a thinly veiled jab at Yerevan's ally Moscow.

He reiterated his stance that Baku would only stop its offensive once Armenia withdraws from Nagorno-Karabakh.

In Ganja, rescuers worked at the scene on Saturday morning, picking through rubble, a Reuters photographer said. Some houses had been almost levelled. An excavator was clearing the debris.

The Armenian defence ministry denied the Azeri claim on shelling cities in Azerbaijan and accused Baku of continuing to shell populated areas inside Nagorno-Karabakh, including Stepanakert, the region's biggest city.

Three civilians were wounded as a result of Azeri fire, the Armenian foreign ministry said. 
A Reuters cameraman in Stepanakert said he had heard several explosions on Friday night and in the early hours of the morning.

Armenia also said several Azeri drones flew over settlements in Armenia, attacked military installations and damaged the civilian infrastructure.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called attacks "an attempted genocide of the Armenian people".

"We must defend ourselves, like any nation that is threatened with extermination," he told the French newspaper Liberation.

Baku said on Saturday that 60 Azeri civilians had been killed and 270 wounded since the fighting flared on Sept. 27. Azerbaijan has not disclosed military casualties.

Nagorno-Karabakh says 633 of its military personnel have been killed, and 34 civilians.

(with inputs)

Azerbaijan and Armenia Saturday continued accusing each other of fresh attacks in violation of a week-old Russian-brokered truce that has failed to halt the ensuing war.

Azerbaijan and Armenia Saturday continued accusing each other of fresh attacks in violation of a week-old Russian-brokered truce that has failed to halt the ensuing war. Baku said 13 civilians were killed and more than 50 were wounded in the city of Ganja by an Armenian missile attack, while Yerevan accused Azerbaijan of continued shelling. The fighting is the worst in the region since Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces went to war in the 1990s over Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountain territory that is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated and governed by ethnic Armenians. The Azeri Prosecutor General's office said a residential area in Ganja, the country's second-largest city and miles away from Nagorno-Karabakh, was shelled by missile strikes and around 20 apartment buildings had been hit. Armenia denied the claim. Azeri President Ilham Aliyev accused Armenia of committing a war crime by shelling Ganja. "They will be held responsible for that ... If the international community does not punish Armenia, we will do it," he said. Aliyev said the Azeri army has completely taken over two regions previously held by separatists, Fizuli and Jabrail. "We are dominating the battlefield," he said, adding that Azeri armed forces never targeted civilian settlements. Aliyev also questioned Armenia's ability to keep replacing military hardware destroyed in battles, a thinly veiled jab at Yerevan's ally Moscow. He reiterated his stance that Baku would only stop its offensive once Armenia withdraws from Nagorno-Karabakh. In Ganja, rescuers worked at the scene on Saturday morning, picking through rubble, a Reuters photographer said. Some houses had been almost levelled. An excavator was clearing the debris. The Armenian defence ministry denied the Azeri claim on shelling cities in Azerbaijan and accused Baku of continuing to shell populated areas inside Nagorno-Karabakh, including Stepanakert, the region's biggest city. Three civilians were wounded as a result of Azeri fire, the Armenian foreign ministry said. A Reuters cameraman in Stepanakert said he had heard several explosions on Friday night and in the early hours of the morning. Armenia also said several Azeri drones flew over settlements in Armenia, attacked military installations and damaged the civilian infrastructure. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called attacks "an attempted genocide of the Armenian people". "We must defend ourselves, like any nation that is threatened with extermination," he told the French newspaper Liberation. Baku said on Saturday that 60 Azeri civilians had been killed and 270 wounded since the fighting flared on Sept. 27. Azerbaijan has not disclosed military casualties. Nagorno-Karabakh says 633 of its military personnel have been killed, and 34 civilians. (with inputs)

Armenia and Azerbaijan again accuse each other of ceasefire violation

After Azerbaijan said it had destroyed ballistic missile launch sites inside <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-azerbaijan-continue-fighting-amid-rising-death-toll-335094">Armenia</a>, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev warned Armenia over potential attacks on its oil pipelines.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-azerbaijan-destroys-armenias-two-missile-launch-sites-335345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"If Armenia wishes to fulfill its plans and damage the export pipelines on Azerbaijani territory, the response will be really harsh for Yerevan," President Ilham Aliye told a Turkish broadcaster.

"Armenia is trying to attack and take control of our pipelines," President Ilham Aliye said.

The fighting between Armenia and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reports-of-new-armenia-azerbaijan-clashes-dent-ceasefire-hopes-334643">Azerbaijan</a> has continued despite a ceasefire agreement reached between the two sides in Moscow last week. Armenian defence ministry confirmed the military sites in the area had been hit.

"The attack was carried out based on the mere assumption that the subject equipment was allegedly going to strike at Azerbaijan's civilian settlements," defence ministry spokesman said. The conflict broke out on September 27 over the Nagorno-Karabakh region which is heavily populated by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-and-azerbaijan-accuse-each-other-of-violating-fragile-truce-334365">Armenians</a> which had broken away from Baku's control after the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991.

President Ilham Aliyev reiterating his tough stand said: "The TAP pipeline also has European stakeholders. These projects are highly important for European energy security. This is why we all should be interested in preventing any damage to these pipelines."

"We have made a warning. European countries starting to receive gas through the TANAP pipeline in 2021 should also warn Armenia. TANAP is not an exclusively Azerbaijani project, there are other stakeholders," Aliyev asserted.

The Minsk group comprising of France, Russia and the United States have tried to keep tensions at bay as both sides met in Moscow last week, but just hours into the agreement there were reports of shelling as both sides accused each other of firing at each other's positions.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan ally Turkey said it wants a permanent solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. President Tayyip Erdogan called up Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to reiterate the peace move.

After Azerbaijan said it had destroyed ballistic missile launch sites inside Armenia, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev warned Armenia over potential attacks on its oil pipelines.

After Azerbaijan said it had destroyed ballistic missile launch sites inside Armenia, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev warned Armenia over potential attacks on its oil pipelines. Watch: "If Armenia wishes to fulfill its plans and damage the export pipelines on Azerbaijani territory, the response will be really harsh for Yerevan," President Ilham Aliye told a Turkish broadcaster. "Armenia is trying to attack and take control of our pipelines," President Ilham Aliye said. The fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan has continued despite a ceasefire agreement reached between the two sides in Moscow last week. Armenian defence ministry confirmed the military sites in the area had been hit. "The attack was carried out based on the mere assumption that the subject equipment was allegedly going to strike at Azerbaijan's civilian settlements," defence ministry spokesman said. The conflict broke out on September 27 over the Nagorno-Karabakh region which is heavily populated by Armenians which had broken away from Baku's control after the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. President Ilham Aliyev reiterating his tough stand said: "The TAP pipeline also has European stakeholders. These projects are highly important for European energy security. This is why we all should be interested in preventing any damage to these pipelines." "We have made a warning. European countries starting to receive gas through the TANAP pipeline in 2021 should also warn Armenia. TANAP is not an exclusively Azerbaijani project, there are other stakeholders," Aliyev asserted. The Minsk group comprising of France, Russia and the United States have tried to keep tensions at bay as both sides met in Moscow last week, but just hours into the agreement there were reports of shelling as both sides accused each other of firing at each other's positions. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan ally Turkey said it wants a permanent solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. President Tayyip Erdogan called up Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to reiterate the peace move.

Armenia trying to attack and take control of our pipelines: Azerbaijan President

The European Union on Sunday expressed "extreme concern" over reports of continued military activity in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-ceasefire-armenia-says-azerbaijan-launching-attacks-towards-karakhanbeyli-334256">Nagorno-Karabakh</a> region despite a ceasefire between warring Armenia and Azerbaijan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/truce-too-fragile-pope-francis-calls-for-dialogue-as-karabakh-ceasefire-under-severe-strain-334515">Also Read:&nbsp;Pope Francis calls for dialogue as Karabakh ceasefire under severe strain</a>

"We note with extreme concern the reports of continued military activities, including against civilian targets, as well as civilian casualties," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.

The EU's latest statement comes as heavy shelling was reported in civilian areas after a ceasefire was brokered between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-and-azerbaijan-accuse-each-other-of-violating-fragile-truce-334365">Armenia </a>and Azerbaijan in Moscow.

Armenia meanwhile accused Azerbaijan of shelling civilian areas although Nagorno-Karabakh's leader Arayik Harutyunyan described the situation as "calmer" on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Canada said that Turkey and all external parties should stay out of the conflict after the Erdogan regime said peace efforts by Russia, US and France was bound to fail unless they Armenian forces withdrew from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Turkey has been a firm ally of Azerbaijan and has openly backed its forces on the ground. Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar had earlier said that Azerbaijan's offensive will not stop until Armenia withdrew its forces.

"Until the occupation is over, until the terrorists and mercenaries are taken out of there, nobody should expect our Azeri brothers to stop," Akar said.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had said that there was a threat of a "regional war" if the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh wasn't controlled. &nbsp;Peace is the basis of our work and we hope to restore stability to the region in a peaceful way," Rouhani said.

The European Union on Sunday expressed "extreme concern" over reports of continued military activity in the Nagorno-Karabakh region despite a ceasefire between warring Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The European Union on Sunday expressed "extreme concern" over reports of continued military activity in the Nagorno-Karabakh region despite a ceasefire between warring Armenia and Azerbaijan. Also Read: Pope Francis calls for dialogue as Karabakh ceasefire under severe strain "We note with extreme concern the reports of continued military activities, including against civilian targets, as well as civilian casualties," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. The EU's latest statement comes as heavy shelling was reported in civilian areas after a ceasefire was brokered between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Moscow. Armenia meanwhile accused Azerbaijan of shelling civilian areas although Nagorno-Karabakh's leader Arayik Harutyunyan described the situation as "calmer" on Sunday. Meanwhile, Canada said that Turkey and all external parties should stay out of the conflict after the Erdogan regime said peace efforts by Russia, US and France was bound to fail unless they Armenian forces withdrew from Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey has been a firm ally of Azerbaijan and has openly backed its forces on the ground. Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar had earlier said that Azerbaijan's offensive will not stop until Armenia withdrew its forces. "Until the occupation is over, until the terrorists and mercenaries are taken out of there, nobody should expect our Azeri brothers to stop," Akar said. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had said that there was a threat of a "regional war" if the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh wasn't controlled. Peace is the basis of our work and we hope to restore stability to the region in a peaceful way," Rouhani said.

Extremely concerned over civilian casualties in Nagorno-Karabakh: EU