Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that there will be no bilateral talks or meetings between Armenia & Azerbaijan during the Geneva talks on (Friday) October 30, 2020.

Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict: No bilateral talks between diplomats during Geneva

For many, the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh has erupted suddenly. But the dispute is old. There are various geopolitical and ethnic reasons why the dispute has gone on for far too long. WION's Manas Joshi interviewed Achal Malhotra, IFS (Retd.), India's former ambassador to Armenia and Georgia about the conflict and its contours.

Malhotra has distilled his experience in the region in his new book 'The South Caucasus: Transition from subjugation to independence (Tracing India’s Footprints)' published by Indian Council of World Affairs. In his interaction with WION, he touched upon many aspects of the conflict currently unfolding in the Caucasus.

Manas Joshi: Tell us about your insights on this conflict. You say that this conflict has been decades in the making

Achal Malhotra: The Armenia –Azerbaijan armed conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is almost three decades old. Its seeds were however sown almost one hundred years ago. In July 1921, during the incorporation of the South Caucasus region into then evolving USSR, a Christian Armenian majority autonomous enclave was created on the territory of a Muslim majority Azerbaijan.

It was a flawed decision by any standards as logically Nagorno-Karabakh should have been a part of the neighbouring Armenia with which it shares ethnic, religious and linguistic links. Several petitions from Nagorno-Karabakh to central authorities in Moscow during the next seventy years for its merger with Armenia were rejected.

Nagorno-Karabakh’s decision to declare its independence in September 1991 in the backdrop of imminent disintegration of USSR &nbsp;and emergence of its constituent Republics as independent States resulted in a war between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh in which the latter was supported whole-heartedly by Armenia.

By the time a ceasefire was brokered by Russia in 1994, the Armenians had established control not only over Nagorno-Karabakh but also surrounding seven districts of Azerbaijan. Since then the USA, Russia and France as co-chairs of the Minsk Group of the OSCE have engaged both Armenia and Azerbaijan extensively to resolve the conflict, albeit without success. Russia also has been mediating in a parallel triangular format.

Manas Joshi: During your years as Ambassador of India to Armenia and Georgia, what was the situation? Was the tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan palpable even then?

Achal Malhotra: The Nagorno-Karabakh issue has remained etched in the hearts and minds of the leaders as well as people in Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan for several decades. It evokes strong nationalist fervour on both sides of the divide. The young generations of Armenians and Azeris have been fed on hatred for each other.

There have been several incidents of ceasefire since 1994, some of which were extremely serious for example the Four Days War of April 2016. The international interlocutors, however, managed to control the flare-up and to resume the dialogue process. The flare-up this time on 27th September is however unprecedented in terms of scope and scale, and the three ceasefire agreements brokered by Russia and USA could not hold for more than a few minutes&nbsp;

Manas Joshi: What makes the eruption of conflict this time different from the previous occasions?&nbsp;

Achal Malhotra: In my opinion, there are two reasons: First is the role of Turkey and to some extent also Pakistan. Both these countries have extremely poor relations with Armenia and have all along extended moral support to Azerbaijan; this time Turkey has assured all possible active support and so has done Pakistan. Turkey is also seeking to be associated with the dialogue process as one of the co-Chairs of Minsk Group.

Turkey’s actions fit into its ambitions to acquire the leadership of world Islamic community. The second important factor is that Azerbaijan appears to be fed up with the dialogue process while its seven districts, besides Nagorno-Karabakh, remain under the control of Armenians since 1994.

Emboldened by the assurance from Turkey and Pakistan, Azerbaijan now appears to be determined to retrieve as many lost territories as possible in this round of conflict.

Manas Joshi: Given the area's proximity to Middle East/ West Asia, do you think this is going to be another long drawn conflict with proxy elements involved?

Achal Malhotra: The conflict so far has remained more or less local in nature. Turkey’s entry and alleged participation of mercenaries on the side of Azerbaijan has however imparted new dimensions. Neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan can sustain the war for too long unless there is tacit or explicit material support from outside. If this happens the conflict will then become a proxy war between Russia and Turkey.

If the war zone is extended beyond Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories of Azerbaijan and spills over to Republic of Armenia, Russia, as well as CSTO, will be obliged to intervene under treaty obligations. Turkey’s membership of NATO can further complicate the matters.

Manas Joshi: Do you think this is headed to a stalemate like Syria?

Achal Malhotra: I hope NOT. The USA, Russia and Europe are interested in the stability of the region: each for its own vested interests. Russia treats the region as its backyard as post-Soviet space of its natural influence. The USA and Europe have made huge investments in the energy sector in Azerbaijan and Europe’s energy security depends to a certain extent on an uninterrupted supply of oil and natural gas from Azerbaijan.

Sooner or later they will put in all possible efforts to stop war and restore normalcy. Whether they succeed also in resolving the conflict is a million-dollar question.

Manas Joshi: What do you think will be an effective way to end the conflict?

Achal Malhotra: The first priority is to stop the war. For that NATO must put adequate pressure on Turkey. It must be ensured that no further arms and ammunition are supplied to either of the two countries. The next focus would be on the settlement of the dispute. In my assessment, the chances of an amicable final solution will remain remote unless the parties to the conflict give up their maximalist positions and agree on a compromise formula.

At this point of time, Nagorno-Karabakh, supported by Armenia, &nbsp;doesn’t want to settle down for anything less than full independence whereas Azerbaijan at best is willing to grant some autonomy to Nagorno-Karabakh within the territorial limits of Azerbaijan.

The conflict is thus between the principle of “right to self-determination” (as propounded by Nagorno-Karabakh and the principle) and &nbsp;“territorial integrity” (as invoked by Azerbaijan and supported by international community as no country has so far recognised the self-declared independence of Nagorno-Karabakh)&nbsp;

The real challenge is in devising a proposal which offers a win-win situation for the parties to the conflict. Armenia must agree to vacate the occupied territories. The international status of NK be determined in a manner that is acceptable to Armenians: it could be substantial autonomy, federal structure; some international guarantees will be needed to assure Nagorno-Karabakh that there will be no existential threat to this small landlocked entity with a population of just about 15,000.

The land Lachin Corridor created post-1992, linking Armenia with Nagorno-Karabakh should be allowed under international supervision.

Manas Joshi: The conflict is taking place far away from India, but does India have any stakes? Is there any threat to Indian equations?

Achal Malhotra: India’s equations with the three countries of the region –Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia -are more or less already determined. There is a palpable asymmetry in India‘s relations with these countries. India has an excellent political understanding with Armenia-the only country in the region with which India has a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty. India has received three Heads of State level visits from Armenia and twice a Vice President of India has visited Armenia.

In comparison, no high-level contacts have taken place between India and Azerbaijan and also Georgia. The levels of India’s trade or investment with Armenia have remained very low, though recently we sold them some equipment in defence sector. We do have some investments and interests in the energy sector of Azerbaijan, which is also an important link on the International North-South Transport Corridor.

On the key issue of Kashmir, Armenia’s support for India is unequivocal, whereas Azerbaijan not only supports but also promotes Pakistan’s narrative.&nbsp;

As a matter of policy and practice, India refrains from taking sides in matters of conflicts between the states. In the given case, India has every reason not to support Azerbaijan on the issue of its territorial integrity as Azerbaijan has shown scant regard for the territorial integrity of India violated by Pakistan.

At the same time India would not like to be seen openly endorsing Nagorno – Karabakh’s right to self-determination as it may have some implications within our own country. Under the circumstances, India has adopted a balanced and neutral stand reflected in the politically correct statement of 1st October 2020.

Manas Joshi: You've distilled your experience in your book 'The South Caucasus: Transition from subjugation to independence( Tracing India’s Footprints)' Tell us more about it.

Achal Malhotra: This is a publication of the Indian Council of World Affairs, published by Macmillan and released very recently on 23rd October. It covers the multiple transitions the region has undergone from subjugation under the medieval Persian, Ottoman and Russian Empires to subservience under the USSR and finally its evolution as independent region.

I have discussed at length the diverse political trajectories and foreign policy orientations adopted by the three countries. Also the objectives and motives of various regional and global players in seeking a foothold in the region have been identified in detail.

I have devoted considerable space to the simmering ethno-territorial disputes in the region and the reasons as to why it has not been possible to resolve them despite mediation by the international agencies and global players. And finally, I have traced India’s footprints in the region from ancient times through medieval periods and right up-to current modern times. 
&nbsp;

For many, the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh has erupted suddenly. But the dispute is old. There are various geopolitical and ethnic reasons why the dispute has gone on for far too long.

For many, the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh has erupted suddenly. But the dispute is old. There are various geopolitical and ethnic reasons why the dispute has gone on for far too long. WION's Manas Joshi interviewed Achal Malhotra, IFS (Retd.), India's former ambassador to Armenia and Georgia about the conflict and its contours. Malhotra has distilled his experience in the region in his new book 'The South Caucasus: Transition from subjugation to independence (Tracing India’s Footprints)' published by Indian Council of World Affairs. In his interaction with WION, he touched upon many aspects of the conflict currently unfolding in the Caucasus. Manas Joshi: Tell us about your insights on this conflict. You say that this conflict has been decades in the making Achal Malhotra: The Armenia –Azerbaijan armed conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is almost three decades old. Its seeds were however sown almost one hundred years ago. In July 1921, during the incorporation of the South Caucasus region into then evolving USSR, a Christian Armenian majority autonomous enclave was created on the territory of a Muslim majority Azerbaijan. It was a flawed decision by any standards as logically Nagorno-Karabakh should have been a part of the neighbouring Armenia with which it shares ethnic, religious and linguistic links. Several petitions from Nagorno-Karabakh to central authorities in Moscow during the next seventy years for its merger with Armenia were rejected. Nagorno-Karabakh’s decision to declare its independence in September 1991 in the backdrop of imminent disintegration of USSR and emergence of its constituent Republics as independent States resulted in a war between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh in which the latter was supported whole-heartedly by Armenia. By the time a ceasefire was brokered by Russia in 1994, the Armenians had established control not only over Nagorno-Karabakh but also surrounding seven districts of Azerbaijan. Since then the USA, Russia and France as co-chairs of the Minsk Group of the OSCE have engaged both Armenia and Azerbaijan extensively to resolve the conflict, albeit without success. Russia also has been mediating in a parallel triangular format. Manas Joshi: During your years as Ambassador of India to Armenia and Georgia, what was the situation? Was the tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan palpable even then? Achal Malhotra: The Nagorno-Karabakh issue has remained etched in the hearts and minds of the leaders as well as people in Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan for several decades. It evokes strong nationalist fervour on both sides of the divide. The young generations of Armenians and Azeris have been fed on hatred for each other. There have been several incidents of ceasefire since 1994, some of which were extremely serious for example the Four Days War of April 2016. The international interlocutors, however, managed to control the flare-up and to resume the dialogue process. The flare-up this time on 27th September is however unprecedented in terms of scope and scale, and the three ceasefire agreements brokered by Russia and USA could not hold for more than a few minutes Manas Joshi: What makes the eruption of conflict this time different from the previous occasions? Achal Malhotra: In my opinion, there are two reasons: First is the role of Turkey and to some extent also Pakistan. Both these countries have extremely poor relations with Armenia and have all along extended moral support to Azerbaijan; this time Turkey has assured all possible active support and so has done Pakistan. Turkey is also seeking to be associated with the dialogue process as one of the co-Chairs of Minsk Group. Turkey’s actions fit into its ambitions to acquire the leadership of world Islamic community. The second important factor is that Azerbaijan appears to be fed up with the dialogue process while its seven districts, besides Nagorno-Karabakh, remain under the control of Armenians since 1994. Emboldened by the assurance from Turkey and Pakistan, Azerbaijan now appears to be determined to retrieve as many lost territories as possible in this round of conflict. Manas Joshi: Given the area's proximity to Middle East/ West Asia, do you think this is going to be another long drawn conflict with proxy elements involved? Achal Malhotra: The conflict so far has remained more or less local in nature. Turkey’s entry and alleged participation of mercenaries on the side of Azerbaijan has however imparted new dimensions. Neither Armenia nor Azerbaijan can sustain the war for too long unless there is tacit or explicit material support from outside. If this happens the conflict will then become a proxy war between Russia and Turkey. If the war zone is extended beyond Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories of Azerbaijan and spills over to Republic of Armenia, Russia, as well as CSTO, will be obliged to intervene under treaty obligations. Turkey’s membership of NATO can further complicate the matters. Manas Joshi: Do you think this is headed to a stalemate like Syria? Achal Malhotra: I hope NOT. The USA, Russia and Europe are interested in the stability of the region: each for its own vested interests. Russia treats the region as its backyard as post-Soviet space of its natural influence. The USA and Europe have made huge investments in the energy sector in Azerbaijan and Europe’s energy security depends to a certain extent on an uninterrupted supply of oil and natural gas from Azerbaijan. Sooner or later they will put in all possible efforts to stop war and restore normalcy. Whether they succeed also in resolving the conflict is a million-dollar question. Manas Joshi: What do you think will be an effective way to end the conflict? Achal Malhotra: The first priority is to stop the war. For that NATO must put adequate pressure on Turkey. It must be ensured that no further arms and ammunition are supplied to either of the two countries. The next focus would be on the settlement of the dispute. In my assessment, the chances of an amicable final solution will remain remote unless the parties to the conflict give up their maximalist positions and agree on a compromise formula. At this point of time, Nagorno-Karabakh, supported by Armenia, doesn’t want to settle down for anything less than full independence whereas Azerbaijan at best is willing to grant some autonomy to Nagorno-Karabakh within the territorial limits of Azerbaijan. The conflict is thus between the principle of “right to self-determination” (as propounded by Nagorno-Karabakh and the principle) and “territorial integrity” (as invoked by Azerbaijan and supported by international community as no country has so far recognised the self-declared independence of Nagorno-Karabakh) The real challenge is in devising a proposal which offers a win-win situation for the parties to the conflict. Armenia must agree to vacate the occupied territories. The international status of NK be determined in a manner that is acceptable to Armenians: it could be substantial autonomy, federal structure; some international guarantees will be needed to assure Nagorno-Karabakh that there will be no existential threat to this small landlocked entity with a population of just about 15,000. The land Lachin Corridor created post-1992, linking Armenia with Nagorno-Karabakh should be allowed under international supervision. Manas Joshi: The conflict is taking place far away from India, but does India have any stakes? Is there any threat to Indian equations? Achal Malhotra: India’s equations with the three countries of the region –Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia -are more or less already determined. There is a palpable asymmetry in India‘s relations with these countries. India has an excellent political understanding with Armenia-the only country in the region with which India has a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty. India has received three Heads of State level visits from Armenia and twice a Vice President of India has visited Armenia. In comparison, no high-level contacts have taken place between India and Azerbaijan and also Georgia. The levels of India’s trade or investment with Armenia have remained very low, though recently we sold them some equipment in defence sector. We do have some investments and interests in the energy sector of Azerbaijan, which is also an important link on the International North-South Transport Corridor. On the key issue of Kashmir, Armenia’s support for India is unequivocal, whereas Azerbaijan not only supports but also promotes Pakistan’s narrative. As a matter of policy and practice, India refrains from taking sides in matters of conflicts between the states. In the given case, India has every reason not to support Azerbaijan on the issue of its territorial integrity as Azerbaijan has shown scant regard for the territorial integrity of India violated by Pakistan. At the same time India would not like to be seen openly endorsing Nagorno – Karabakh’s right to self-determination as it may have some implications within our own country. Under the circumstances, India has adopted a balanced and neutral stand reflected in the politically correct statement of 1st October 2020. Manas Joshi: You've distilled your experience in your book 'The South Caucasus: Transition from subjugation to independence( Tracing India’s Footprints)' Tell us more about it. Achal Malhotra: This is a publication of the Indian Council of World Affairs, published by Macmillan and released very recently on 23rd October. It covers the multiple transitions the region has undergone from subjugation under the medieval Persian, Ottoman and Russian Empires to subservience under the USSR and finally its evolution as independent region. I have discussed at length the diverse political trajectories and foreign policy orientations adopted by the three countries. Also the objectives and motives of various regional and global players in seeking a foothold in the region have been identified in detail. I have devoted considerable space to the simmering ethno-territorial disputes in the region and the reasons as to why it has not been possible to resolve them despite mediation by the international agencies and global players. And finally, I have traced India’s footprints in the region from ancient times through medieval periods and right up-to current modern times.

I hope Nagorno-Karabakh conflict doesn't go the Syrian way, says ex-Indian Ambassador to Armenia

Azerbaijan and Armenia accused each other of killing civilians by shelling cities in and around Nagorno-Karabakh on Wednesday (October 28), in an escalation of a month-long conflict over the mountain enclave that has defied three ceasefires.

Azerbaijan says 21 killed by Armenian shelling of Barda

Conflict reignited on Sept. 27 in Nagorno-Karabakh, a part of Azerbaijan populated and controlled by ethnic Armenians. Hundreds have been killed and clashes have blown through three ceasefires

Diamond factory becomes shelter for Karabakh refugees

Azerbaijan on Tuesday accused Armenia of carrying out a missile attack on its town of Barda near the frontline with Nagorno-Karabakh that killed four people.

Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev said on Twitter that a toddler was among the dead and that 10 people were wounded, accusing Armenia of an "indiscriminate and targetted attack against civilians".

The attack and subsequent accusation&nbsp;came even as United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia to abide by a US-brokered ceasefire that appeared to fail.

In separate phone calls with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Pompeo "pressed the leaders to abide by their commitments to cease hostilities and pursue a diplomatic solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," the US State Department said.

Pompeo's deputy, Stephen Biegun, met separately in Washington over the weekend with the two nations' foreign ministers who agreed to a third ceasefire to halt a month of fighting that has left hundreds dead.

But less than an hour after the humanitarian truce was due to begin at 8:00 am (0400 GMT) on Monday, the two countries accused each other of violations.

The former Soviet republics have been locked in a bitter conflict since the 1990s after Armenian separatists backed by Yerevan seized control over the mountainous province of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan, an ally of Turkey, has been trying since to recapture Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway region populated and ruled by ethnic Armenians. The worst fighting in decades in the area has killed hundreds of people and risks sucking Turkey and Russia into a regional conflict.

Armenia acknowledged on Tuesday that Nagorno-Karabakh forces had withdrawn from a strategic town between the enclave and the Iranian border.

Armenian defence ministry official Artsrun Hovhannisyan said in a news conference late on Monday that ethnic Armenian forces had given up the settlement of Gubadli south of the enclave "to avoid unnecessary losses", but the situation was "not critical".

Localised battles were taking place along several parts of the front line on Tuesday morning, the Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Azerbaijan's defence ministry said in a statement that its military positions and settlements near the front line had been fired upon and that combat continued mainly in the Khojavend, Fizuli and Gubadli regions.

The OSCE Minsk Group, formed to mediate the conflict and led by France, Russia and the United States, is scheduled to meet the Armenian and Azeri foreign ministers in Geneva on October 29. Turkey has demanded a bigger role in the mediating body.

(with inputs from agencies)

Azerbaijan on Tuesday accused Armenia of carrying out a missile attack on its town of Barda near the frontline with Nagorno-Karabakh that killed four people. Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev said on Twitter that a toddler was among the dead and that 10 people were wounded, accusing Armenia of an "indiscriminate and targetted attack against civilians".

Azerbaijan on Tuesday accused Armenia of carrying out a missile attack on its town of Barda near the frontline with Nagorno-Karabakh that killed four people. Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev said on Twitter that a toddler was among the dead and that 10 people were wounded, accusing Armenia of an "indiscriminate and targetted attack against civilians". The attack and subsequent accusation came even as United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia to abide by a US-brokered ceasefire that appeared to fail. In separate phone calls with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Pompeo "pressed the leaders to abide by their commitments to cease hostilities and pursue a diplomatic solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," the US State Department said. Pompeo's deputy, Stephen Biegun, met separately in Washington over the weekend with the two nations' foreign ministers who agreed to a third ceasefire to halt a month of fighting that has left hundreds dead. But less than an hour after the humanitarian truce was due to begin at 8:00 am (0400 GMT) on Monday, the two countries accused each other of violations. The former Soviet republics have been locked in a bitter conflict since the 1990s after Armenian separatists backed by Yerevan seized control over the mountainous province of Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan, an ally of Turkey, has been trying since to recapture Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway region populated and ruled by ethnic Armenians. The worst fighting in decades in the area has killed hundreds of people and risks sucking Turkey and Russia into a regional conflict. Armenia acknowledged on Tuesday that Nagorno-Karabakh forces had withdrawn from a strategic town between the enclave and the Iranian border. Armenian defence ministry official Artsrun Hovhannisyan said in a news conference late on Monday that ethnic Armenian forces had given up the settlement of Gubadli south of the enclave "to avoid unnecessary losses", but the situation was "not critical". Localised battles were taking place along several parts of the front line on Tuesday morning, the Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry said in a statement. Azerbaijan's defence ministry said in a statement that its military positions and settlements near the front line had been fired upon and that combat continued mainly in the Khojavend, Fizuli and Gubadli regions. The OSCE Minsk Group, formed to mediate the conflict and led by France, Russia and the United States, is scheduled to meet the Armenian and Azeri foreign ministers in Geneva on October 29. Turkey has demanded a bigger role in the mediating body. (with inputs from agencies)

US-backed ceasefire appears to fail as Azerbaijan accuses Armenia of missile attack

Spending long hours huddled together in dark damp basements, the few residents left in the war-hit city Stepanakert, capital of the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region, are sheltering from the bombing but its proving ripe ground for the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Karabakh residents caught between conflict and COVID-19 pandemic

The United States announced on Sunday that Armenia and Azerbaijan have given their consent to a "humanitarian ceasefire" over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region that will take effect on Monday. &nbsp;

"Congratulations to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who just agreed to adhere to a cease fire effective at midnight. Many lives will be saved," US President Donald Trump said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who just agreed to adhere to a cease fire effective at midnight. Many lives will be saved. Proud of my team <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> &amp; Steve Biegun &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/WHNSC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHNSC</a> for getting the deal done!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1320481440560132097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The latest ceasefire brokered by the US came after similar agreements negotiated by France and Russia to stop the fighting that has killed thousands.&nbsp;

It will take effect at 8 am local time (12 am EDT) on Oct. 26, said a joint statement by the US State Department and the governments of Azerbaijan and Armenia.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-azerbaijan-continue-to-clash-over-nagorno-karabakh-despite-us-talks-337833">Armenia, Azerbaijan continue to clash over Nagorno-Karabakh despite US talks</a>

Elin Suleymanov, Azerbaijan Ambassador to the US welcomed the ceasefire in a statement that also blamed Armenia for "provocations".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-community-including-india-should-recognise-karabakhs-existential-threat-armenian-pm-to-wion-337725">International community, including India, should recognise Karabakh's existential threat: Armenian PM to WION</a>

"We urge Armenia to observe the ceasefire and stop its military provocations as agreed. Azerbaijan is strongly committed to achieving peace and the high number of Azerbaijani civilian deaths in recent weeks shows who is the aggressor," she said.

Armenia and Azerbaijan's decades-long conflict is over Karabakh since the 1990s when Armenian separatists captured the mountainous region in a war that killed about 30,000 people.&nbsp;

Karabakh's self-declared independence has not been recognised globally, which includes Armenia, and it remains a part of Azerbaijan according to international law.

The prevailing fighting broke out on September 27 between the neighbouring nations who accuse each other of having targeted the civilians and violating the previous truces.

The United States announced on Sunday that Armenia and Azerbaijan have given their consent to a "humanitarian ceasefire" over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region that will take effect on Monday.

The United States announced on Sunday that Armenia and Azerbaijan have given their consent to a "humanitarian ceasefire" over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region that will take effect on Monday. "Congratulations to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who just agreed to adhere to a cease fire effective at midnight. Many lives will be saved," US President Donald Trump said on Twitter. Congratulations to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who just agreed to adhere to a cease fire effective at midnight. Many lives will be saved. Proud of my team @SecPompeo & Steve Biegun & @WHNSC for getting the deal done! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 25, 2020 × The latest ceasefire brokered by the US came after similar agreements negotiated by France and Russia to stop the fighting that has killed thousands. It will take effect at 8 am local time (12 am EDT) on Oct. 26, said a joint statement by the US State Department and the governments of Azerbaijan and Armenia. Also read | Armenia, Azerbaijan continue to clash over Nagorno-Karabakh despite US talks Elin Suleymanov, Azerbaijan Ambassador to the US welcomed the ceasefire in a statement that also blamed Armenia for "provocations". Also read | International community, including India, should recognise Karabakh's existential threat: Armenian PM to WION "We urge Armenia to observe the ceasefire and stop its military provocations as agreed. Azerbaijan is strongly committed to achieving peace and the high number of Azerbaijani civilian deaths in recent weeks shows who is the aggressor," she said. Armenia and Azerbaijan's decades-long conflict is over Karabakh since the 1990s when Armenian separatists captured the mountainous region in a war that killed about 30,000 people. Karabakh's self-declared independence has not been recognised globally, which includes Armenia, and it remains a part of Azerbaijan according to international law. The prevailing fighting broke out on September 27 between the neighbouring nations who accuse each other of having targeted the civilians and violating the previous truces.

US announces new ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Armenia and Azerbaijan Monday accused each other of violating a new US-brokered ceasefire in fighting over the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The ceasefire violation and shifting of the blame denoted the failure of another prospect of an international push to end a month of clashes between the two countries.

The latest fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous part of Azerbaijan populated and controlled by ethnic Armenians, erupted on September 27 and is the worst in the South Caucasus since the 1990s. Hundreds have been killed and two Russian-brokered ceasefires have failed to hold.

World powers want to prevent a wider war that might draw in Turkey, which has voiced strong support for Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a defence pact with Armenia. The conflict has also strained relations between Ankara and its NATO allies.

A third ceasefire since October 10 was agreed on Sunday after separate talks in Washington between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Within minutes of its coming into force at 8 am local time (0400 GMT), Azerbaijan's defence ministry said in a statement that Armenian forces had shelled villages in the Terter and Lachin regions, located at opposite ends of the conflict zone.

Authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh denied this: the defence ministry said Azeri forces fired missiles on Armenian positions on the northeastern side on the line of contact and the foreign ministry said Azeri warplanes had violated the ceasefire.

Armenia's defence ministry said in a statement that the Azeri side violated the truce at around 9.10 am local time.

Pompeo has since left Washington, landing on Monday in India on the first leg of a five-day Asian trip.

Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said in a televised address that he wanted to resolve the conflict "by political and military means" and reiterated a demand that ethnic Armenian forces must agree to leave the region for fighting to stop.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote earlier on his Facebook page that the Armenian side "continued to adhere to the ceasefire."

Armenians regard Nagorno-Karabakh as part of their historic homeland; Azeris consider it illegally occupied land that must be returned to their control. About 30,000 people were killed in a 1991-94 war over the enclave.

(with inputs)

Armenia and Azerbaijan Monday accused each other of violating a new US-brokered ceasefire in fighting over the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. The ceasefire violation and shifting of the blame denoted the failure of another prospect of an international push to end a month of clashes between the two countries.

Armenia and Azerbaijan Monday accused each other of violating a new US-brokered ceasefire in fighting over the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. The ceasefire violation and shifting of the blame denoted the failure of another prospect of an international push to end a month of clashes between the two countries. The latest fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous part of Azerbaijan populated and controlled by ethnic Armenians, erupted on September 27 and is the worst in the South Caucasus since the 1990s. Hundreds have been killed and two Russian-brokered ceasefires have failed to hold. World powers want to prevent a wider war that might draw in Turkey, which has voiced strong support for Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a defence pact with Armenia. The conflict has also strained relations between Ankara and its NATO allies. A third ceasefire since October 10 was agreed on Sunday after separate talks in Washington between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Within minutes of its coming into force at 8 am local time (0400 GMT), Azerbaijan's defence ministry said in a statement that Armenian forces had shelled villages in the Terter and Lachin regions, located at opposite ends of the conflict zone. Authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh denied this: the defence ministry said Azeri forces fired missiles on Armenian positions on the northeastern side on the line of contact and the foreign ministry said Azeri warplanes had violated the ceasefire. Armenia's defence ministry said in a statement that the Azeri side violated the truce at around 9.10 am local time. Pompeo has since left Washington, landing on Monday in India on the first leg of a five-day Asian trip. Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said in a televised address that he wanted to resolve the conflict "by political and military means" and reiterated a demand that ethnic Armenian forces must agree to leave the region for fighting to stop. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote earlier on his Facebook page that the Armenian side "continued to adhere to the ceasefire." Armenians regard Nagorno-Karabakh as part of their historic homeland; Azeris consider it illegally occupied land that must be returned to their control. About 30,000 people were killed in a 1991-94 war over the enclave. (with inputs)

Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire broken again hours after US-backed truce

The US has now stepped up diplomatic efforts to try to end the ongoing Karabakh conflict between the two nations. Watch report.

US-brokered ceasefire broken | Two sides accuse each other of breaking ceasefire | Armenia-Azerbaijan

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

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Saturday said Pakistan had a role to play in the war raging across the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces have been clashing in several parts of Nagorno-Karabakh, since September 27 -- despite two major Russia-brokered ceasefires. At least 750 people have been killed since the fighting began.

Pashinyan, in an exclusive conversation with WION, said, "We have information that armed fighters from Pakistan are participating in the war raging in the Karabakh region. We can see that Turkey is also involved in the war -- mercenaries are being brought to the conflict zone by Ankara. It is a chaotic, confusing situation that we are seeing in Karabakh."&nbsp;

"And perhaps, the multi-layered nature of this war is the one reason we cannot achieve peace."

Pashinyan said this was a war that was imposed on Armenia, adding "we are hence left with no choice but to use all possible means to defend ourselves, until a diplomatic solution is achieved."

The prime minister said that Armenia had so far honoured the truce that was called on between them. But it was Azerbaijan that broke it.

"Armenia has honoured the ceasefire commitment. It is Azerbaijan that has failed to honour the ceasefire," he said, adding, "in these cases, nobody says 'yes, I was the one who broke the truce.' But that the war was started by Azerbaijan is a fact. And then there is the fact that Azerbaijan has armed terrorists fighting on its side. You cannot have armed men on your side and ask for truce. And thirdly, Turkey has been siding with them, and asking them to not stop the fighting. So we can build this logical chain and guess who is breaking the truce."

International efforts have been on to end the deadliest fighting in the enclave in more than a quarter of a century. But no peace has so far been achieved.

"To achieve a solution, mutual concessions are required. But every time Armenia mentions or proposes a concession, Azerbaijan comes with a new demands and&nbsp;new conditions. This has been a case for a long time. Azerbaijan is not ready for any solution based on mutual concessions. As soon as it is ready, we will have a solution to the problem. We shall continue to work in that direction," Pashinyan told WION.

The Armenian prime minister looked a little apprehensive about the kind of role the international organisations have been playing -- particularly, NATO.

"Turkey is a member of NATO, and this, in a way, puts a little responsibility of the war on NATO too. An international human rights watch recently stated that Azerbaijan is using prohibited ammunition -- which is a grave violation of international laws. But when a member of the NATO is transporting terrorists and mercenaries to the conflict zone, then NATO has direct responsibility. NATO must answer these questions," he said, adding, "what is happening in Karabakh is an extension to Turkey's genocide of the Armenians. They have been doing this since the time of the Ottoman Empire."

When asked about the corroboration of his claims, Pashinyan said, "This war has become an extension to the joint Turkey-Azerbaijan military exercise that they began in August. Turkey is not even concealing its involvement in the conflict. Its highest officials have said they support Azerbaijan in the war. Azeri forces are using Turkish military equipment. And they are sending mercenaries to the Azerbaijan. All this serves as a proof."

Pashinyan said that Armenia would fight till the end "but I really hope the diplomatic efforts fall in place, and a solution is arrived onto."

Meanwhile, new clashes broke out Saturday between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces over Nagorno-Karabakh a day after talks in Washington.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had 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.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Saturday said Pakistan had a role to play in the war raging across the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces have been clashing in several parts of Nagorno-Karabakh, since September 27 -- despite two major Russia-brokered ceasefires.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Saturday said Pakistan had a role to play in the war raging across the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces have been clashing in several parts of Nagorno-Karabakh, since September 27 -- despite two major Russia-brokered ceasefires. At least 750 people have been killed since the fighting began. Pashinyan, in an exclusive conversation with WION, said, "We have information that armed fighters from Pakistan are participating in the war raging in the Karabakh region. We can see that Turkey is also involved in the war -- mercenaries are being brought to the conflict zone by Ankara. It is a chaotic, confusing situation that we are seeing in Karabakh." "And perhaps, the multi-layered nature of this war is the one reason we cannot achieve peace." Pashinyan said this was a war that was imposed on Armenia, adding "we are hence left with no choice but to use all possible means to defend ourselves, until a diplomatic solution is achieved." The prime minister said that Armenia had so far honoured the truce that was called on between them. But it was Azerbaijan that broke it. "Armenia has honoured the ceasefire commitment. It is Azerbaijan that has failed to honour the ceasefire," he said, adding, "in these cases, nobody says 'yes, I was the one who broke the truce.' But that the war was started by Azerbaijan is a fact. And then there is the fact that Azerbaijan has armed terrorists fighting on its side. You cannot have armed men on your side and ask for truce. And thirdly, Turkey has been siding with them, and asking them to not stop the fighting. So we can build this logical chain and guess who is breaking the truce." International efforts have been on to end the deadliest fighting in the enclave in more than a quarter of a century. But no peace has so far been achieved. "To achieve a solution, mutual concessions are required. But every time Armenia mentions or proposes a concession, Azerbaijan comes with a new demands and new conditions. This has been a case for a long time. Azerbaijan is not ready for any solution based on mutual concessions. As soon as it is ready, we will have a solution to the problem. We shall continue to work in that direction," Pashinyan told WION. The Armenian prime minister looked a little apprehensive about the kind of role the international organisations have been playing -- particularly, NATO. "Turkey is a member of NATO, and this, in a way, puts a little responsibility of the war on NATO too. An international human rights watch recently stated that Azerbaijan is using prohibited ammunition -- which is a grave violation of international laws. But when a member of the NATO is transporting terrorists and mercenaries to the conflict zone, then NATO has direct responsibility. NATO must answer these questions," he said, adding, "what is happening in Karabakh is an extension to Turkey's genocide of the Armenians. They have been doing this since the time of the Ottoman Empire." When asked about the corroboration of his claims, Pashinyan said, "This war has become an extension to the joint Turkey-Azerbaijan military exercise that they began in August. Turkey is not even concealing its involvement in the conflict. Its highest officials have said they support Azerbaijan in the war. Azeri forces are using Turkish military equipment. And they are sending mercenaries to the Azerbaijan. All this serves as a proof." Pashinyan said that Armenia would fight till the end "but I really hope the diplomatic efforts fall in place, and a solution is arrived onto." Meanwhile, new clashes broke out Saturday between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces over Nagorno-Karabakh a day after talks in Washington. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had 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.

Pakistan is sending armed terrorists to Azerbaijan, Armenian PM tells WION

Fresh clashes erupted between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces on Sunday over the mountainous enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh as both sides continued to blame each other for violating the ceasefire.

The clashes came even as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hosted the foreign ministers of both countries in a new peace push on Friday.

While Armenia accused Azeri forces of shelling civilian settlements, Baku denied killing civilians.

Azerbaijan said it was ready to implement a ceasefire, provided that Armenian forces withdrew from the battlefield.

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.

Local officials in Nagorno-Karabakh accused Azeri forces of firing artillery on settlements in the areas of Askeran and Martuni during the night. Azerbaijan said its positions had been attacked with small arms, mortars, tanks, mortars, and howitzers.

Armenian President Armen Sarkissian accused Baku of being "aggressively stubborn and destructive".

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in an exclusive conversation with WION on Saturday, said Turkey was directly involved in the war as it was sending mercenaries and armed men to help Azerbaijan. He also said they had information that Pakistan was also sending armed terrorists to help Azeri cause.

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.

Differences over the conflict have further strained relations between Ankara and its NATO allies, with Pompeo accusing Turkey of fuelling the conflict by arming the Azeri side. Ankara denies it has inflamed the conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he hoped that the United States would help Moscow broker a solution to the conflict.

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.

(with inputs)

Fresh clashes erupted between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces on Sunday over the mountainous enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh as both sides continued to blame each other for violating the ceasefire.

Fresh clashes erupted between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces on Sunday over the mountainous enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh as both sides continued to blame each other for violating the ceasefire. The clashes came even as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hosted the foreign ministers of both countries in a new peace push on Friday. While Armenia accused Azeri forces of shelling civilian settlements, Baku denied killing civilians. Azerbaijan said it was ready to implement a ceasefire, provided that Armenian forces withdrew from the battlefield. 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. Local officials in Nagorno-Karabakh accused Azeri forces of firing artillery on settlements in the areas of Askeran and Martuni during the night. Azerbaijan said its positions had been attacked with small arms, mortars, tanks, mortars, and howitzers. Armenian President Armen Sarkissian accused Baku of being "aggressively stubborn and destructive". Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in an exclusive conversation with WION on Saturday, said Turkey was directly involved in the war as it was sending mercenaries and armed men to help Azerbaijan. He also said they had information that Pakistan was also sending armed terrorists to help Azeri cause. 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. Differences over the conflict have further strained relations between Ankara and its NATO allies, with Pompeo accusing Turkey of fuelling the conflict by arming the Azeri side. Ankara denies it has inflamed the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he hoped that the United States would help Moscow broker a solution to the conflict. 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. (with inputs)

Armenia, Azerbaijan continue to clash over Nagorno-Karabakh despite US talks

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict | Global powers push to end Nagorno-Karabakh fighting

In an exclusive interview with WION, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the United States should merge its peace efforts for Nagorno Karabakh with Russia. WION's Palki Sharma brings you an excerpt.

Gravitas: Armenian PM says US should merge its peace efforts with Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that almost 5,000 people have died in more than 3 weeks of fighting between Armenia-Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Russian President Putin: Almost 5,000 lives lost in more than 3 weeks of Armenia-Azerbaijan fighting

The Nagorno-Karabakh truce has been marred by fighting. Villages have been deserted and they now resemble ghost towns. Watch report.

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: Life under shelling in Nagorno-Karabakh

Nagorno-Karabakh is battling a dual crisis, not only is the region facing the clashes in decades but also the challenge to survive COVID-19. Watch the report to know more.

COVID-19 secondary for Nagorno-Karabakh civilians; Truce trays amid fresh shelling

The disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh is battling a fresh crisis. Not only is the region facing hose worst clashes in decades as the fighting continues between Armenia and Azarbaijan. There is also the challenge to beat COVID-19. Watch report.

Your Story: Coronavirus pandemic another challenge to overcome for civilians of Nagorno-Karabakh

Foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan met Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Wednesday. The efforts for a fresh truce were on. World powers are seeking to halt Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

The ministers are due to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday. They will meet Pompeo separately.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov arrived in Moscow for "consultations with the Russian side," the ministry said in a statement.

His Armenian counterpart Zohrab Mnatsakanyan was set to meet with Lavrov in Moscow "to discuss the situation in Karabakh and the implementation of a ceasefire agreement," ministry spokeswoman Anna Nagdalyan said.

It was not immediately clear if the two diplomats would meet Lavrov jointly or separately.

World powers including Russia and the United States have expressed dismay that there has been no let-up in more than three weeks of fighting over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

A truce was agreed in Moscow earlier this month after 11 hours of talks, but the accord had next to no impact on the ground.

A second ceasefire agreed Saturday fell apart almost immediately.

Yerevan says 772 Armenian soldiers and 36 civilians have been killed in the flare-up of fighting.

Baku has reported 63 civilian casualties but has yet to disclose military losses.

Azerbaijan and the Armenian separatists who control its Karabakh region have been locked in a bitter impasse over the fate of the mountainous province since a war in the 1990s that left 30,000 people dead.

Their long-simmering conflict erupted again on September 27 in fierce clashes that raised the alarm over the failure of decades-long international mediation.

Along with France and Russia, the United States co-chairs the so-called Minsk Group of international mediators to the Karabakh peace talks since the 1994 ceasefire.

Baku says its forces have captured ground within Karabakh and that it also now controls Azerbaijani territory that had been held by Armenian forces.

(With AFP inputs)

Foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan met Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Wednesday. The efforts for a fresh truce were on. World powers are seeking to halt Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan met Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Wednesday. The efforts for a fresh truce were on. World powers are seeking to halt Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. The ministers are due to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday. They will meet Pompeo separately. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov arrived in Moscow for "consultations with the Russian side," the ministry said in a statement. His Armenian counterpart Zohrab Mnatsakanyan was set to meet with Lavrov in Moscow "to discuss the situation in Karabakh and the implementation of a ceasefire agreement," ministry spokeswoman Anna Nagdalyan said. It was not immediately clear if the two diplomats would meet Lavrov jointly or separately. World powers including Russia and the United States have expressed dismay that there has been no let-up in more than three weeks of fighting over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. A truce was agreed in Moscow earlier this month after 11 hours of talks, but the accord had next to no impact on the ground. A second ceasefire agreed Saturday fell apart almost immediately. Yerevan says 772 Armenian soldiers and 36 civilians have been killed in the flare-up of fighting. Baku has reported 63 civilian casualties but has yet to disclose military losses. Azerbaijan and the Armenian separatists who control its Karabakh region have been locked in a bitter impasse over the fate of the mountainous province since a war in the 1990s that left 30,000 people dead. Their long-simmering conflict erupted again on September 27 in fierce clashes that raised the alarm over the failure of decades-long international mediation. Along with France and Russia, the United States co-chairs the so-called Minsk Group of international mediators to the Karabakh peace talks since the 1994 ceasefire. Baku says its forces have captured ground within Karabakh and that it also now controls Azerbaijani territory that had been held by Armenian forces. (With AFP inputs)

Armenia-Azerbaijan hold truce talks again in Moscow

The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia are scheduled to separately meet with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Friday.

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: Pompeo to meet Armenia, Azerbaijan ministers

United Nations Security Council members has called out on the Armenia, Azerbaijan to respect the new ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh region. Armenia-Azerbaijan accused each other of truce violation.

UNSC calls out on Armenia, Azerbaijan to respect the truce in Nagorno-Karabakh region

Welcoming the delegation, Aliyev said that visit of the Turkish delegation to Azerbaijan has a "special significance in this difficult time."

Turkish delegation on 3-day visit to Azerbaijan

No end for ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan so far. All attempts to ceasefire have stalled as both sides accuse each other of violating the truce. Now, Israel and Turkey have handed Azerbaijan an upper hand in this conflict.

Drone play big role in fight between Armenia & Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh

A new ceasefire in the mountain territory of Nagorno-Karabakh was in jeopardy on Monday with Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces reporting shelling and heavy fighting.

Among accusations on both sides, Azerbaijan said it had "neutralised" a missile fired by Armenian forces at an oil pipeline in Azerbaijan on Sunday, several hours after the ceasefire went into force. Armenia denied firing it.

The ceasefire was agreed on Saturday after an earlier deal brokered by Russia failed to halt the deadliest clashes in the South Caucasus since the 1990s.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/armenia-and-azerbaijan-fresh-ceasefire-breaks-down-within-hours-336205" hreflang="en">Armenia and Azerbaijan fresh ceasefire breaks down within hours</a>

So far, the main driver of diplomacy between the ex-Soviet enemies has been Russia. Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev both told Russia's TASS news agency in separate interviews on Monday that they were ready to come to Moscow for talks.

The failure to stop the fighting has raised fears of a humanitarian crisis, and put new strains on ties between Turkey, which strongly backs Azerbaijan, and its NATO allies which want the conflict to end.

Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway enclave of Azerbaijan that is populated and controlled by ethnic Armenians, said 729 of its military personnel and 36 civilians had been killed in fighting that began on Sept. 27. Azerbaijan said 61 Azeri civilians had been killed and 282 wounded. It has not disclosed its military casualties.

Officials in Nagorno-Karabakh said Azeri forces were shelling their positions in northern and southern areas of the line of contact that divides them.

They said Azeri forces had shelled civilian settlements including the town of Martuni and four villages - charges that were denied by Azerbaijan. They reported one civilian killed and one wounded in Martuni.

The Azeri defence ministry said Armenian forces were shelling the Agjebedin, Tovuz and Dashkesan regions far from the conflict zone - accusations denied by Armenia.

The ministry also said Terter and Aghdam regions were under shelling. AzTV state television said one of its journalists was wounded in Terter.

The Azeri prosecutor general's office said Armenia had targeted a pipeline in the Khizi district of Azerbaijan, more than 300 km (186 miles) from the conflict zone, on Sunday afternoon. The pipeline, which carries oil to Novorossiisk in Russia, was not damaged but some missile fragments fell about 250 metres (820 feet) away, it said.

Dismissing the report, Armenian defence ministry spokeswoman Shushan Stepanyan said: "It's a total lie."

ANGRY RHETORIC

A ceasefire brokered in Moscow earlier this month was aimed at letting the sides swap detainees and bodies of those killed, but it had little impact on the fighting.

The new ceasefire was announced on Saturday after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov talked to the Armenian and Azeri foreign ministers by telephone.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/nagorno-karabakh-within-hours-of-new-ceasefire-armenia-accuses-azerbaijan-of-violation-336116" hreflang="en">Nagorno-Karabakh: Within hours of new ceasefire, Armenia accuses Azerbaijan of violation</a>

In a fresh appeal for peace on Monday, Lavrov said it was vital to stop the angry rhetoric around the conflict, a step, he said, that "does not require any great effort".

Russia, France and the United States chair a body called the Minsk Group, which has attempted to help resolve the conflict under the umbrella of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Turkey says their mediation has failed, and Azerbaijan wants a role for Ankara in peacemaking. Baku seeks an Armenian withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh, but Armenia rules this out and accuses Azerbaijan of making a land grab.

A new ceasefire in the mountain territory of Nagorno-Karabakh was in jeopardy on Monday with Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces reporting shelling and heavy fighting.

A new ceasefire in the mountain territory of Nagorno-Karabakh was in jeopardy on Monday with Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces reporting shelling and heavy fighting. Among accusations on both sides, Azerbaijan said it had "neutralised" a missile fired by Armenian forces at an oil pipeline in Azerbaijan on Sunday, several hours after the ceasefire went into force. Armenia denied firing it. The ceasefire was agreed on Saturday after an earlier deal brokered by Russia failed to halt the deadliest clashes in the South Caucasus since the 1990s. Also read: Armenia and Azerbaijan fresh ceasefire breaks down within hours So far, the main driver of diplomacy between the ex-Soviet enemies has been Russia. Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev both told Russia's TASS news agency in separate interviews on Monday that they were ready to come to Moscow for talks. The failure to stop the fighting has raised fears of a humanitarian crisis, and put new strains on ties between Turkey, which strongly backs Azerbaijan, and its NATO allies which want the conflict to end. Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway enclave of Azerbaijan that is populated and controlled by ethnic Armenians, said 729 of its military personnel and 36 civilians had been killed in fighting that began on Sept. 27. Azerbaijan said 61 Azeri civilians had been killed and 282 wounded. It has not disclosed its military casualties. Officials in Nagorno-Karabakh said Azeri forces were shelling their positions in northern and southern areas of the line of contact that divides them. They said Azeri forces had shelled civilian settlements including the town of Martuni and four villages - charges that were denied by Azerbaijan. They reported one civilian killed and one wounded in Martuni. The Azeri defence ministry said Armenian forces were shelling the Agjebedin, Tovuz and Dashkesan regions far from the conflict zone - accusations denied by Armenia. The ministry also said Terter and Aghdam regions were under shelling. AzTV state television said one of its journalists was wounded in Terter. The Azeri prosecutor general's office said Armenia had targeted a pipeline in the Khizi district of Azerbaijan, more than 300 km (186 miles) from the conflict zone, on Sunday afternoon. The pipeline, which carries oil to Novorossiisk in Russia, was not damaged but some missile fragments fell about 250 metres (820 feet) away, it said. Dismissing the report, Armenian defence ministry spokeswoman Shushan Stepanyan said: "It's a total lie." ANGRY RHETORIC A ceasefire brokered in Moscow earlier this month was aimed at letting the sides swap detainees and bodies of those killed, but it had little impact on the fighting. The new ceasefire was announced on Saturday after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov talked to the Armenian and Azeri foreign ministers by telephone. Also read: Nagorno-Karabakh: Within hours of new ceasefire, Armenia accuses Azerbaijan of violation In a fresh appeal for peace on Monday, Lavrov said it was vital to stop the angry rhetoric around the conflict, a step, he said, that "does not require any great effort". Russia, France and the United States chair a body called the Minsk Group, which has attempted to help resolve the conflict under the umbrella of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Turkey says their mediation has failed, and Azerbaijan wants a role for Ankara in peacemaking. Baku seeks an Armenian withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh, but Armenia rules this out and accuses Azerbaijan of making a land grab.

Fighting and recriminations shake Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire hopes

As the fight between Armenia & Azerbaijan continues to escalate, Armenian forces are now getting support from school teachers & parents.

Armenia: Parents and teachers make camouflage nets for Karabakh soldiers

Fighting in the Caucasus between Azerbaijan and Armenia is about much more than deep-seated ethnic divisions and territorial disputes. It’s the latest clash designed, at least in part, to shape new world order. 
&nbsp; 
The stakes for Azerbaijan, backed if not egged on by Turkey, are high as the Azeri capital’s Baku International Sea Trade Port seeks to solidify its head start in its competition with Russian, Iranian, Turkmen and Kazakh Caspian Sea harbours, to be a key node in competing Eurasian transport corridors. Baku is likely to emerge as the Caspian’s largest trading port. 
&nbsp; 
An Azeri success in clawing back some Armenian-occupied areas of Azerbaijan, captured by Armenia in the early 1990s, would bolster Baku’s bid to be the Caspian’s premier port at the crossroads of Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe. 
&nbsp; 
The Caspian is at the intersection of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) from China to Europe via Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that aims to connect India via Iran and Russia to Europe. 
&nbsp; 
An Azeri military success would also cement Turkey’s claim to be a player in former Soviet lands that Russia views as its sphere of influence and bolster nationalist sentiment among Iranians of ethnic Azeri descent that account for up to 25 per cent of the Islamic republic’s population, many of whom have risen to prominence in the Iranian power structure. 
&nbsp; 
In an indication of passions that the conflict in the Caucasus evokes, Iranians in areas bordering Azerbaijan often stand on hilltops to watch the fighting in the distance. 
&nbsp; 
Iranian security forces have recently clashed with ethnic Azeri demonstrators in various cities chanting "Karabakh is ours. It will remain ours."&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The demonstrators were referring to Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian enclave inside Azerbaijan that is at the core of the conflict in the Caucasus. 
&nbsp; 
The demonstrations serve as a reminder of environmental protests in the Iranian province of East Azerbaijan at the time of the 2011 popular Arab revolts that often turned into manifestations of Azeri nationalism. 
&nbsp; 
Baku port’s competitive position was bolstered on the eve of the eruption of fighting in the Caucasus with the launch of new railway routes from China to Europe that transit Azerbaijan and Turkey. 
&nbsp; 
China last month inaugurated a new railway route from Jinhua in eastern China to Baku, which would reduce transport time by a third. 
&nbsp; 
In June, China dispatched its second train from the central Chinese city of Xi’an to Istanbul via Baku from where it connects to a rail line to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, the eastern Turkish city of Kars and onwards to Istanbul. 
&nbsp; 
Azeri analysts charge that Armenian occupation of Azeri territory and demands for independence of Nagorno-Karabakh, threaten Baku’s position as a key node in Eurasian transport corridors. 
&nbsp; 
“By continuing its occupation Armenia poses (a) threat not only to Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity but also to the regional stability and cooperation,” said Orkhan Baghirov, a senior researcher at the Baku-based Center of Analysis of International Relations, a think tank with close ties to the government. 
&nbsp; 
Mr Baghirov was referring to recent Russian, Iranian, Turkmen and Kazakh efforts to match Baku in upgrading their Caspian Sea ports in anticipation of the TITR and INSTC taking off. 
&nbsp; 
Russia is redeveloping Lagan Port into the country’s first ice-free Caspian Sea harbour capable of handling transhipment of 12.5 million tonnes. The port is intended to boost trade with the Gulf as well as shipment from India via Iran. 
&nbsp; 
Lagan would allow Russia to tap into the TITR that is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) via the Russian railway system as well as Kazakh, Turkmen, and Azeri ports. 
&nbsp; 
It would also bolster Russian, Iranian and Indian efforts to get off the ground the INSTC that would hook up Caspian Sea ports to create a corridor from India to Russia via Iran, and in competition with the Suez Canal, to northern Europe.

The INSTC would initially link Jawaharlal Nehru Port, India’s largest container port east of Mumbai, through the Iranian deep-sea port of Chabahar on the Gulf of Oman, funded by India to bypass Pakistan and its Caspian Sea port of Bandar-e-Anzali to Russia’s Volga River harbour of Astrakhan and onwards by rail to Europe.

Iranian and Indian officials suggest the route would significantly cut shipping time and costs from India to Europe. Senior Indian Commerce Ministry official BB Swain said the hook up would reduce travel distance by 40 and cost by 30 per cent.

Iran is further investing in increased capacity and connectivity at its Amirabad port while at the same time emphasizing its naval capabilities in the Caspian.

For their part, Turkmenistan inaugurated in 2018 its US$1.5 billion Turkmenbashi Sea Port while Kazakhstan that same year unveiled its Kuryk port.

The fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia with Turkey and Israel supporting the Azeris; Russia struggling to achieve a sustainable ceasefire; Iran seeking to walk a fine line in fighting just across its border; and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates attempting to stymie Iranian advances wherever they can, threatens to overlay port competition in the Caspian with aspects of the Middle East’s myriad conflicts.

Said Iran scholar Shireen T Hunter: “Largely because of the Iran factor, the Caucasus has become linked with Middle East issues. Israel and Saudi Arabia have tried to squeeze Iran through Azerbaijan… Thus, how the conflict evolves and ends could affect Middle East power calculations…. An expanded conflict would pose policy challenges for major international players.”

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Fighting in the Caucasus between Azerbaijan and Armenia is about much more than deep-seated ethnic divisions and territorial disputes. It’s the latest clash designed, at least in part, to shape new world order.

Fighting in the Caucasus between Azerbaijan and Armenia is about much more than deep-seated ethnic divisions and territorial disputes. It’s the latest clash designed, at least in part, to shape new world order. The stakes for Azerbaijan, backed if not egged on by Turkey, are high as the Azeri capital’s Baku International Sea Trade Port seeks to solidify its head start in its competition with Russian, Iranian, Turkmen and Kazakh Caspian Sea harbours, to be a key node in competing Eurasian transport corridors. Baku is likely to emerge as the Caspian’s largest trading port. An Azeri success in clawing back some Armenian-occupied areas of Azerbaijan, captured by Armenia in the early 1990s, would bolster Baku’s bid to be the Caspian’s premier port at the crossroads of Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The Caspian is at the intersection of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) from China to Europe via Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that aims to connect India via Iran and Russia to Europe. An Azeri military success would also cement Turkey’s claim to be a player in former Soviet lands that Russia views as its sphere of influence and bolster nationalist sentiment among Iranians of ethnic Azeri descent that account for up to 25 per cent of the Islamic republic’s population, many of whom have risen to prominence in the Iranian power structure. In an indication of passions that the conflict in the Caucasus evokes, Iranians in areas bordering Azerbaijan often stand on hilltops to watch the fighting in the distance. Iranian security forces have recently clashed with ethnic Azeri demonstrators in various cities chanting "Karabakh is ours. It will remain ours." The demonstrators were referring to Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian enclave inside Azerbaijan that is at the core of the conflict in the Caucasus. The demonstrations serve as a reminder of environmental protests in the Iranian province of East Azerbaijan at the time of the 2011 popular Arab revolts that often turned into manifestations of Azeri nationalism. Baku port’s competitive position was bolstered on the eve of the eruption of fighting in the Caucasus with the launch of new railway routes from China to Europe that transit Azerbaijan and Turkey. China last month inaugurated a new railway route from Jinhua in eastern China to Baku, which would reduce transport time by a third. In June, China dispatched its second train from the central Chinese city of Xi’an to Istanbul via Baku from where it connects to a rail line to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, the eastern Turkish city of Kars and onwards to Istanbul. Azeri analysts charge that Armenian occupation of Azeri territory and demands for independence of Nagorno-Karabakh, threaten Baku’s position as a key node in Eurasian transport corridors. “By continuing its occupation Armenia poses (a) threat not only to Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity but also to the regional stability and cooperation,” said Orkhan Baghirov, a senior researcher at the Baku-based Center of Analysis of International Relations, a think tank with close ties to the government. Mr Baghirov was referring to recent Russian, Iranian, Turkmen and Kazakh efforts to match Baku in upgrading their Caspian Sea ports in anticipation of the TITR and INSTC taking off. Russia is redeveloping Lagan Port into the country’s first ice-free Caspian Sea harbour capable of handling transhipment of 12.5 million tonnes. The port is intended to boost trade with the Gulf as well as shipment from India via Iran. Lagan would allow Russia to tap into the TITR that is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) via the Russian railway system as well as Kazakh, Turkmen, and Azeri ports. It would also bolster Russian, Iranian and Indian efforts to get off the ground the INSTC that would hook up Caspian Sea ports to create a corridor from India to Russia via Iran, and in competition with the Suez Canal, to northern Europe. The INSTC would initially link Jawaharlal Nehru Port, India’s largest container port east of Mumbai, through the Iranian deep-sea port of Chabahar on the Gulf of Oman, funded by India to bypass Pakistan and its Caspian Sea port of Bandar-e-Anzali to Russia’s Volga River harbour of Astrakhan and onwards by rail to Europe. Iranian and Indian officials suggest the route would significantly cut shipping time and costs from India to Europe. Senior Indian Commerce Ministry official BB Swain said the hook up would reduce travel distance by 40 and cost by 30 per cent. Iran is further investing in increased capacity and connectivity at its Amirabad port while at the same time emphasizing its naval capabilities in the Caspian. For their part, Turkmenistan inaugurated in 2018 its US$1.5 billion Turkmenbashi Sea Port while Kazakhstan that same year unveiled its Kuryk port. The fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia with Turkey and Israel supporting the Azeris; Russia struggling to achieve a sustainable ceasefire; Iran seeking to walk a fine line in fighting just across its border; and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates attempting to stymie Iranian advances wherever they can, threatens to overlay port competition in the Caspian with aspects of the Middle East’s myriad conflicts. Said Iran scholar Shireen T Hunter: “Largely because of the Iran factor, the Caucasus has become linked with Middle East issues. Israel and Saudi Arabia have tried to squeeze Iran through Azerbaijan… Thus, how the conflict evolves and ends could affect Middle East power calculations…. An expanded conflict would pose policy challenges for major international players.” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

War in the Caucasus: One more effort to shape a new world order

Armenian officials accused the Azeri forces of using artillery and missiles early on Sunday, despite both sides agreeing on a ceasefire that went into effect at midnight local time.

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: Armenia accuses Azerbaijan of humanitarian ceasefire violation

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: New truce comes into effect in Nagorno-Karabakh

Armenia and Azerbaijan agree on new humanitarian ceasefire

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

Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict: New truce violated in Nagorno-Karabakh

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