Armenia and Azerbaijan are on the brink of war. We decode the long-simmering conflict for you this week on Wion Wideangle. Watch 'Armenia vs Azerbaijan: Bad blood in the Caucasus'.

Armenia vs Azerbaijan: Bad blood in the Caucasus

The hopes for a humanitarian ceasefire between Armenia & Azerbaijan sank deeper on Friday, as both sides continue to engage in new clashes. Azerbaijan accused Armenia for a missile attack in country's second largest city of Ganja.

Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire hopes sink as new clashes erupt

The hopes for a humanitarian ceasefire between Armenia & Azerbaijan sanked deep on Friday, as both sides continue to engage in new clashes. Azerbaijan accused Armenia for a missile attack in country's second largest city of Ganja.

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

Armenian and Azeri forces fought new clashes on Friday, defying hopes of ending nearly three weeks of fighting over the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Turkey for inflaming the situation by arming the Azeris.

Armenia-Azerbaijan accuse each other of truce violation

While the world is battling the coronavirus pandemic the regional conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region is escalating daily. Watch report.

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: Azerbaijan strikes inside Armenia

Azerbaijan forces said it hit a missile launch site in Armenia as the conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region continued despite a ceasefire agreement between the two countries in Moscow last week.

Armenia Azerbaijan conflict: Azerbaijan destroys Armenia's two missile launch sites

Azerbaijan forces said it hit missile launch site in Armenia as the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh region continued despite a ceasefire agreement between the two countries in Moscow last week.

Your Story: Azerbaijan destroys Armenia's two missile launch sites

The Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is almost three decades old and one whose seeds were sown as early as July 1921 when a Christian Armenian majority autonomous enclave was created on the territory of a Muslim majority Azerbaijan during the incorporation of the South Caucasus region into then evolving USSR.&nbsp; 
It was a flawed decision 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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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. No country-not even Armenia- has so far recognised the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh

Current Situation/ Regional and Global dimensions

The ceasefire violations and skirmishes have occurred on many occasions since 1994. The most recent flare up on 27th September is, however, unprecedented in more than one sense: in its intensity and scale it has surpassed all previous clashes, including the “Four Days War” in April 2016.&nbsp;

More importantly, Turkey, which hitherto had been extending only moral support to Azerbaijan, has expanded the scope of its involvement through military support; even more dangerous are the reports that Turkey is facilitating the participation of mercenaries from Syria and Libya to fight alongside Azeri forces.&nbsp;

Turkey’s bid for a role is linked to its desire to emerge as a leader of the global Islamic community and also a regional player.

Turkey’s active involvement in the conflict is bound to pit it against Russia which considers the region as part of its 'Near Abroad' and post-Soviet space and is intolerant of any other countries’ encroachment. The Americans and Europeans have made considerable investments in Azerbaijan’s oil and gas industry, and Europe’s energy security hinges to a certain extent on the stability of the region as the supply of Caspian oil and gas to Europe traverses a route which is close to war-torn Nagorno-Karabakh.&nbsp;

Turkey being a member of NATO further complicates the matters. Since 1994, the USA, Russia and France have engaged Armenia and Azerbaijan as co-chairs of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) 11- Member &nbsp;Minsk group in a bid to find an acceptable solution but have so far barely succeeded in managing the conflict.&nbsp;

The primary reason for the failure is that the conflict is more than an ethno-territorial conflict; it is a conflict between two principles: the principle of territorial integrity (as propounded by Azerbaijan and supported by most of the countries) &nbsp;and the principle of Right to Self Determination, invoked by Nagorno-Karabakh and supported by Armenia.&nbsp;

Needless to add that the international community as a whole is opposed to the use of force to resolve the conflict. Both Azerbaijanis and Armenians have adopted maximalist positions: Azerbaijan may at best agree to granting some autonomy to Nagorno-Karabakh within the territorial limits of Azerbaijan whereas the Armenians are unwilling to settle down for anything less than full independence.

Where Does India Stand?

India does not have a publically articulated policy for South Caucasus, unlike 'Neighbourhood &nbsp;First', 'Act East' or 'Central Asia Connect' policies and the region has remained only on the periphery of its radar.&nbsp;

Further, there is a visible asymmetry in India’s relations with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Armenia is the only country in the region with which it has a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty (signed in 1995), which incidentally would prohibit India from providing military or any other assistance to Azerbaijan in case Azerbaijan’s offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh spills over to the territory of &nbsp;Armenia.&nbsp;

India has received three heads of states from Armenia but none from Azerbaijan or Georgia. Armenia extends its unequivocal support to India on Kashmir issue whereas Azerbaijan not only supports but also promotes Pakistan’s narrative on this issue.&nbsp;

The levels of India’s trade or investment with Armenia are, however, very low. In the case of Azerbaijan, the &nbsp;ONGC/OVL have made relatively small investments in an oilfield project in Azerbaijan and GAIL is exploring the possibilities of cooperation in LNG.&nbsp;

Azerbaijan falls on International North-South Transport Corridor route, connecting India with Russia through central Asia; it can also connect India with Turkey and beyond through Baku-Tbilisi-Kars passenger and freight rail link.&nbsp;

In view of Georgia’s foreign policy priority of integration with Euro-Atlantic structures and also in deference to Russia’s sensitivities, India has slow-peddled the development of its relations with Georgia with whom Russia’s relations are at a very low ebb. On the whole, India’s stakes in the region can be assessed as more or less peripheral.

India has adjusted its position as the conflict has evolved.&nbsp;

In the very initial stages of the conflict in 1993, India said it had “followed with great concern the escalation of hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh with considerable ingress of Armenian forces into Azerbaijan” and had called for “respecting each others’ territorial integrity and inviolability of existing borders”.&nbsp;

In 2008, India joined Russia, the USA and France and voted against Azerbaijan’s resolution in UNGA which inter-alia demanded “the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of all Armenian forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan” For quite some time now, India’s &nbsp;emphasis is on peaceful resolution of the conflict through diplomatic negotiations.&nbsp;

India has every reason not to support &nbsp;Azerbaijan who has built its case on the basis of territorial integrity as Azerbaijan has shown scant regard for India’s territorial integrity violated by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. &nbsp;

At the same time it is difficult for India to support Armenia and publically endorse Nagorno-Karabakh’s right for self-determination in view of the possible repercussions it can have for India as its adversaries may misuse it not only by making erroneous demands to apply it to Kashmir but also to re-ignite secessionist movement in certain parts of India.

Under the circumstances India has adopted a balanced and neutral stance and made a politically correct statement in which it has expressed its concern, called for restraint and immediate cessation of hostilities and resolution of conflict peacefully through diplomatic negotiations.&nbsp;

In this context India has also expressed its support for the OSCE Minsk Group’s continued efforts towards peaceful resolution, implying that India is not in favour of the involvement of any other entity, including Turkey. Arguably, India’s statement should have also reflected its position on the alleged entry of mercenaries in the conflict.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is almost three decades old and one whose seeds were sown as early as July 1921 when a Christian Armenian majority autonomous enclave was created on the territory of a Muslim majority Azerbaijan during the incorporation of the South Caucasus region into then evolving USSR.

The Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is almost three decades old and one whose seeds were sown as early as July 1921 when a Christian Armenian majority autonomous enclave was created on the territory of a Muslim majority Azerbaijan during the incorporation of the South Caucasus region into then evolving USSR. It was a flawed decision 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. No country-not even Armenia- has so far recognised the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh Current Situation/ Regional and Global dimensions The ceasefire violations and skirmishes have occurred on many occasions since 1994. The most recent flare up on 27th September is, however, unprecedented in more than one sense: in its intensity and scale it has surpassed all previous clashes, including the “Four Days War” in April 2016. More importantly, Turkey, which hitherto had been extending only moral support to Azerbaijan, has expanded the scope of its involvement through military support; even more dangerous are the reports that Turkey is facilitating the participation of mercenaries from Syria and Libya to fight alongside Azeri forces. Turkey’s bid for a role is linked to its desire to emerge as a leader of the global Islamic community and also a regional player. Turkey’s active involvement in the conflict is bound to pit it against Russia which considers the region as part of its 'Near Abroad' and post-Soviet space and is intolerant of any other countries’ encroachment. The Americans and Europeans have made considerable investments in Azerbaijan’s oil and gas industry, and Europe’s energy security hinges to a certain extent on the stability of the region as the supply of Caspian oil and gas to Europe traverses a route which is close to war-torn Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey being a member of NATO further complicates the matters. Since 1994, the USA, Russia and France have engaged Armenia and Azerbaijan as co-chairs of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) 11- Member Minsk group in a bid to find an acceptable solution but have so far barely succeeded in managing the conflict. The primary reason for the failure is that the conflict is more than an ethno-territorial conflict; it is a conflict between two principles: the principle of territorial integrity (as propounded by Azerbaijan and supported by most of the countries) and the principle of Right to Self Determination, invoked by Nagorno-Karabakh and supported by Armenia. Needless to add that the international community as a whole is opposed to the use of force to resolve the conflict. Both Azerbaijanis and Armenians have adopted maximalist positions: Azerbaijan may at best agree to granting some autonomy to Nagorno-Karabakh within the territorial limits of Azerbaijan whereas the Armenians are unwilling to settle down for anything less than full independence. Where Does India Stand? India does not have a publically articulated policy for South Caucasus, unlike 'Neighbourhood First', 'Act East' or 'Central Asia Connect' policies and the region has remained only on the periphery of its radar. Further, there is a visible asymmetry in India’s relations with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Armenia is the only country in the region with which it has a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty (signed in 1995), which incidentally would prohibit India from providing military or any other assistance to Azerbaijan in case Azerbaijan’s offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh spills over to the territory of Armenia. India has received three heads of states from Armenia but none from Azerbaijan or Georgia. Armenia extends its unequivocal support to India on Kashmir issue whereas Azerbaijan not only supports but also promotes Pakistan’s narrative on this issue. The levels of India’s trade or investment with Armenia are, however, very low. In the case of Azerbaijan, the ONGC/OVL have made relatively small investments in an oilfield project in Azerbaijan and GAIL is exploring the possibilities of cooperation in LNG. Azerbaijan falls on International North-South Transport Corridor route, connecting India with Russia through central Asia; it can also connect India with Turkey and beyond through Baku-Tbilisi-Kars passenger and freight rail link. In view of Georgia’s foreign policy priority of integration with Euro-Atlantic structures and also in deference to Russia’s sensitivities, India has slow-peddled the development of its relations with Georgia with whom Russia’s relations are at a very low ebb. On the whole, India’s stakes in the region can be assessed as more or less peripheral. India has adjusted its position as the conflict has evolved. In the very initial stages of the conflict in 1993, India said it had “followed with great concern the escalation of hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh with considerable ingress of Armenian forces into Azerbaijan” and had called for “respecting each others’ territorial integrity and inviolability of existing borders”. In 2008, India joined Russia, the USA and France and voted against Azerbaijan’s resolution in UNGA which inter-alia demanded “the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of all Armenian forces from all occupied territories of Azerbaijan” For quite some time now, India’s emphasis is on peaceful resolution of the conflict through diplomatic negotiations. India has every reason not to support Azerbaijan who has built its case on the basis of territorial integrity as Azerbaijan has shown scant regard for India’s territorial integrity violated by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. At the same time it is difficult for India to support Armenia and publically endorse Nagorno-Karabakh’s right for self-determination in view of the possible repercussions it can have for India as its adversaries may misuse it not only by making erroneous demands to apply it to Kashmir but also to re-ignite secessionist movement in certain parts of India. Under the circumstances India has adopted a balanced and neutral stance and made a politically correct statement in which it has expressed its concern, called for restraint and immediate cessation of hostilities and resolution of conflict peacefully through diplomatic negotiations. In this context India has also expressed its support for the OSCE Minsk Group’s continued efforts towards peaceful resolution, implying that India is not in favour of the involvement of any other entity, including Turkey. Arguably, India’s statement should have also reflected its position on the alleged entry of mercenaries in the conflict. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Where does India stand?

More than two weeks of deadly clashes marked the biggest escalation of a decades-old conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, which lies in Azerbaijan but has been under control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since the end of a separatist war in 1994.

Is lasting peace possible in Karabakh region?

Minutes after Armenia and Azerbaijan reached a ceasefire - fighting broke out again in Nagorno Karabakh. According to Armenia's Defence Ministry, Azeri forces launched an attack just 5 minutes after the truce. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Armenia-Azerbaijan truce breaks in 5 minutes

Armenian and Azerbaijani forces were engaged in new clashes overnight and Monday morning even as a Russian-brokered ceasefire over the Nagorno-Karabakh region was violated.

According to AFP, thumping echoes of shelling were heard in the Azerbaijani town of Barda not far from the front line Monday morning.

Sounds of shelling from the direction of the town of Hadrut were heard in Karabakh's main city of Stepanakert.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-armenia-azerbaijan-truce-breaks-in-5-minutes-334840/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The worst fighting in almost three decades erupted last month over Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway region of Azerbaijan controlled by Armenians since a 1990s war but which is not recognised by any state.

After 11 hours of talks between the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers in Moscow, the arch enemies agreed early Saturday to a humanitarian ceasefire. But the truce has not held.

Both sides have exhanged accusations of intensive shelling of civilian areas and escalating two weeks of fierce clashes.

The Azerbaijani defence ministry accused Armenian forces of not complying with a ceasefire agreement negotiated in marathon talks. The ministry said it had destroyed a "large number of enemy forces" as well as one T-72 tank and three Grad multiple rocket launchers. Armenia claimed that "the adversary suffered great losses of manpower and military equipment" but did not provide further details.&nbsp;

The 1990s war -- which ended with a 1994 ceasefire that did not present a long-term solution to the conflict -- resulted in the deaths of some 30,000 people.

Nearly 500 people including more than 60 civilians, have been killed in the latest fihting since last month, according to a tally based on tolls given by both sides.

Armenian and Azerbaijani forces were engaged in new clashes overnight and Monday morning even as a Russian-brokered ceasefire over the Nagorno-Karabakh region was violated.

Armenian and Azerbaijani forces were engaged in new clashes overnight and Monday morning even as a Russian-brokered ceasefire over the Nagorno-Karabakh region was violated. According to AFP, thumping echoes of shelling were heard in the Azerbaijani town of Barda not far from the front line Monday morning. Sounds of shelling from the direction of the town of Hadrut were heard in Karabakh's main city of Stepanakert. The worst fighting in almost three decades erupted last month over Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway region of Azerbaijan controlled by Armenians since a 1990s war but which is not recognised by any state. After 11 hours of talks between the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers in Moscow, the arch enemies agreed early Saturday to a humanitarian ceasefire. But the truce has not held. Both sides have exhanged accusations of intensive shelling of civilian areas and escalating two weeks of fierce clashes. The Azerbaijani defence ministry accused Armenian forces of not complying with a ceasefire agreement negotiated in marathon talks. The ministry said it had destroyed a "large number of enemy forces" as well as one T-72 tank and three Grad multiple rocket launchers. Armenia claimed that "the adversary suffered great losses of manpower and military equipment" but did not provide further details. The 1990s war -- which ended with a 1994 ceasefire that did not present a long-term solution to the conflict -- resulted in the deaths of some 30,000 people. Nearly 500 people including more than 60 civilians, have been killed in the latest fihting since last month, according to a tally based on tolls given by both sides.

Reports of new Armenia-Azerbaijan clashes dent ceasefire hopes

This announcement is the result of international efforts trying to stop the war which has killed at least 400 people since it broke out on September 27.

Armenia, Azerbaijan agree to ceasefire: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

Azerbaijan and Armenia are fighting over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Even civilian facilities are under attack, and the Moscow-mediated peace deal is on the verge of collapse.&nbsp;

Is a war now inevitable between the two former Soviet Republics?

Nagorno-Karabakh has been laid to waste by the fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia. On paper, the two sides have agreed to a ceasefire, but the reality is far-off, with the fragile truce on the verge of collapsing.

“We believed in the ceasefire. We believed that this will not happen, that is why they returned home. They wouldn't return if a ceasefire was not established. They were scared. Everybody was scared. Who would have wanted this?”, a Ganja resident, Vesile Mehmedova said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/reports-of-new-armenia-azerbaijan-clashes-dent-ceasefire-hopes-334643" hreflang="en">Reports of new Armenia-Azerbaijan clashes dent ceasefire hopes</a>

On Friday, after 11 hours of marathon talks in Moscow - Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed to a humanitarian ceasefire. They were to exchange bodies and prisoners of war. But over the weekend - fighting erupted again.

Armenia called for Nagorno-Karabakh's independence, while Azerbaijan decried the lack of pressure on Armenia.

Both sides are trading accusations of air strikes, shelling, and targeting civilian facilities. Eye-witnesses in Karabakh reported blasts in the regional capital, which were allegedly carried out by Azerbaijan.

Baku has admitted launching air strikes on Armenian troops. But they deny firing the first shot. Armenia is accused of firing missiles at Ganja - the second largest city in Azerbaijan. Reportedly, Armenian missiles hit a residential building, killing 9 civilians and injuring more than 30.

The attack, Azerbaijan claims - shows the true face of Armenia.

“Ganja city is more than 100 kilometres away from the scene of military operations. What was the reason to attack the city? What was the reason to attack Mingechevir city of Azerbaijan? There is no military targets. It doesn't have the necessity, in no way it can be justified from the military necessity. But what we see here is just Armenia's purpose to kill civilians”, Azerbaijan's presidential aide, Hikmet Hajiyev said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/armenia-and-azerbaijan-accuse-each-other-of-violating-fragile-truce-334365" hreflang="en">Armenia and Azerbaijan accuse each other of violating 'fragile' truce</a>

Armenia has rejected these allegations, but the evidence including CCTV footage is stacked up against them.

Nearly 500 lives have been lost in the fight so far, including 60 civilians. The ceasefire was supposed to offer both sides some breathing space. Instead, the fighting has intensified.

So what’s next in Nagorno-Karabakh?

Russia was hailed as the last hope. But the peace effort is teetering.

Turkey is blaming Russia for it, asking Moscow to exert more pressure on Armenia. Increased foreign meddling has only escalated the situation until now. The talks in Moscow offered a brief window of resolution. But in 48 hours, that window has been firmly shut.

Azerbaijan and Armenia are back on the brink of war.

Azerbaijan and Armenia are fighting over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Even civilian facilities are under attack, and the Moscow-mediated peace deal is on the verge of collapse.

Azerbaijan and Armenia are fighting over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Even civilian facilities are under attack, and the Moscow-mediated peace deal is on the verge of collapse. Is a war now inevitable between the two former Soviet Republics? Nagorno-Karabakh has been laid to waste by the fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia. On paper, the two sides have agreed to a ceasefire, but the reality is far-off, with the fragile truce on the verge of collapsing. “We believed in the ceasefire. We believed that this will not happen, that is why they returned home. They wouldn't return if a ceasefire was not established. They were scared. Everybody was scared. Who would have wanted this?”, a Ganja resident, Vesile Mehmedova said. Also read: Reports of new Armenia-Azerbaijan clashes dent ceasefire hopes On Friday, after 11 hours of marathon talks in Moscow - Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed to a humanitarian ceasefire. They were to exchange bodies and prisoners of war. But over the weekend - fighting erupted again. Armenia called for Nagorno-Karabakh's independence, while Azerbaijan decried the lack of pressure on Armenia. Both sides are trading accusations of air strikes, shelling, and targeting civilian facilities. Eye-witnesses in Karabakh reported blasts in the regional capital, which were allegedly carried out by Azerbaijan. Baku has admitted launching air strikes on Armenian troops. But they deny firing the first shot. Armenia is accused of firing missiles at Ganja - the second largest city in Azerbaijan. Reportedly, Armenian missiles hit a residential building, killing 9 civilians and injuring more than 30. The attack, Azerbaijan claims - shows the true face of Armenia. “Ganja city is more than 100 kilometres away from the scene of military operations. What was the reason to attack the city? What was the reason to attack Mingechevir city of Azerbaijan? There is no military targets. It doesn't have the necessity, in no way it can be justified from the military necessity. But what we see here is just Armenia's purpose to kill civilians”, Azerbaijan's presidential aide, Hikmet Hajiyev said. Also read: Armenia and Azerbaijan accuse each other of violating 'fragile' truce Armenia has rejected these allegations, but the evidence including CCTV footage is stacked up against them. Nearly 500 lives have been lost in the fight so far, including 60 civilians. The ceasefire was supposed to offer both sides some breathing space. Instead, the fighting has intensified. So what’s next in Nagorno-Karabakh? Russia was hailed as the last hope. But the peace effort is teetering. Turkey is blaming Russia for it, asking Moscow to exert more pressure on Armenia. Increased foreign meddling has only escalated the situation until now. The talks in Moscow offered a brief window of resolution. But in 48 hours, that window has been firmly shut. Azerbaijan and Armenia are back on the brink of war.

Azerbaijan-Armenia: Back on the brink of war

According to Azerbaijan atleast 9 civilians have been killed in an air strike over the city of Ganja, it was believed to have been carried out by the Armenian forces.

Azerbaijan accuses Armenia of rocket attack in its second-largest city

Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other of&nbsp;seriously violating the terms of a ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, within minutes of the truce taking effect -- raising questions about how meaningful it would turn out to be.

Fresh explosions rocked the capital of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region on Saturday despite the&nbsp;ceasefire.

The leader of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region described hostilities with Azerbaijan as calmer on the second day of a ceasefire brokered by Russia, but said that the truce was "fragile".

"It seems that since this morning it is calmer, but that can change very quickly," Arayik Harutyunyan told journalists in the regional capital Stepanakert, despite reports earlier Sunday of shelling on civilian areas by both sides.

Azerbaijan said Sunday that shelling by Armenian forces on the country's second largest city had left seven people dead, one day after a ceasefire between the two sides had been due to take effect.

A "new nightly missile attack by Armenian forces on (a) residential area of Ganja," left seven dead and 33 wounded including children, Azerbaijan's foreign ministry wrote on Twitter.

The agreed halt to fighting that has raged for two weeks entered into force at noon on Saturday and was approved by Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers in marathon Russia-brokered talks in Moscow.

The&nbsp;talks were the first diplomatic contact between the two since fighting over the mountainous enclave erupted.&nbsp;The most recent fighting since September 27 has been the heaviest since the 1990s war, with more than 450 people reported dead, thousands forced to flee their homes and fears the fighting could escalate into a devastating all-out conflict.

The enclave is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, but is populated and governed by ethnic Armenians.

The Armenian defence ministry accused Azerbaijan of shelling a settlement inside Armenia, while ethnic Armenian forces in Karabakh alleged that Azeri forces had launched a new offensive five minutes after the truce took hold and killed two civilians.

Azerbaijan said enemy forces in Karabakh were shelling Azeri territory and that one civilian had been killed. Both sides have consistently denied each others' assertions in what has also become a war of words accompanying the fighting.

Azeri Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said the truce would last only for as long as it took for the Red Cross to arrange the exchange of the dead.

Speaking at a briefing in Baku, he said Azerbaijan hoped and expected to take control of more territory in time.

Armenia's foreign ministry said it was using all diplomatic channels to try to support the truce, while Nagorno-Karabakh's foreign ministry accused Azerbaijan of using ceasefire talks as cover to ready military action.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who had mediated over 10 hours of talks, earlier said in a statement early on Saturday the ceasefire had been agreed on humanitarian grounds.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said it stood ready to facilitate the handover of bodies of those killed in action and the simultaneous release of detainees. 
Lavrov said Armenia and Azerbaijan had also agreed to enter into what he called substantive peace talks.

Those talks would be held under the auspices of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) Minsk Group, he said. The group is co-chaired by France, Russia and the United States.

The ceasefire deal was announced&nbsp;by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. He said the truce had been agreed "on humanitarian grounds" and would allow for exchanges of prisoners and bodies.

The Red Cross offered to act as a "neutral intermediary" to facilitate the handover of bodies and detainees.

The Russian ministry said Saturday evening that Lavrov had spoken to his counterparts in Armenia and Azerbaijan who "confirmed their commitment" to the deal and "stressed the need for its strict observance on the ground."

Renewed fighting in the decades-old conflict has raised fears of a wider war drawing in Turkey, a close ally of Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a defence pact with Armenia.

The clashes have also increased concern about the security of pipelines that carry Azeri oil and gas to Europe.

The fighting is the worst since a 1991-94 war that killed about 30,000 people and ended with a ceasefire that has been violated repeatedly.

Lavrov said that Armenia and Azerbaijan had agreed at the Moscow talks to "substantive negotiations" on resolving the dispute over Karabakh, with France, Russia and the United States continuing as longtime mediators.

France called for the ceasefire to be strictly respected "in order to create the conditions for a permanent cessation of hostilities."

Karabakh's declaration of independence has not been recognised by any country -- even Armenia -- and the international community regards it as part of Azerbaijan.

The return of fighting has stoked fears of a full-blown war embroiling Turkey, which strongly backs Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a military treaty with Armenia.

Turkey said the ceasefire agreement was an important first step but that Armenia had a "last chance" to withdraw from Karabakh.

Since the conflict restarted both sides have accused the other of shelling areas populated by civilians and thousands of people have been displaced by the clashes.

The Azeri and Turkish foreign ministers also spoke by phone on Saturday.

(with inputs from agencies)

Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other of seriously violating the terms of a ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, within minutes of the truce taking effect -- raising questions about how meaningful it would turn out to be.

Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other of seriously violating the terms of a ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, within minutes of the truce taking effect -- raising questions about how meaningful it would turn out to be. Fresh explosions rocked the capital of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region on Saturday despite the ceasefire. The leader of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region described hostilities with Azerbaijan as calmer on the second day of a ceasefire brokered by Russia, but said that the truce was "fragile". "It seems that since this morning it is calmer, but that can change very quickly," Arayik Harutyunyan told journalists in the regional capital Stepanakert, despite reports earlier Sunday of shelling on civilian areas by both sides. Azerbaijan said Sunday that shelling by Armenian forces on the country's second largest city had left seven people dead, one day after a ceasefire between the two sides had been due to take effect. A "new nightly missile attack by Armenian forces on (a) residential area of Ganja," left seven dead and 33 wounded including children, Azerbaijan's foreign ministry wrote on Twitter. The agreed halt to fighting that has raged for two weeks entered into force at noon on Saturday and was approved by Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers in marathon Russia-brokered talks in Moscow. The talks were the first diplomatic contact between the two since fighting over the mountainous enclave erupted. The most recent fighting since September 27 has been the heaviest since the 1990s war, with more than 450 people reported dead, thousands forced to flee their homes and fears the fighting could escalate into a devastating all-out conflict. The enclave is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, but is populated and governed by ethnic Armenians. The Armenian defence ministry accused Azerbaijan of shelling a settlement inside Armenia, while ethnic Armenian forces in Karabakh alleged that Azeri forces had launched a new offensive five minutes after the truce took hold and killed two civilians. Azerbaijan said enemy forces in Karabakh were shelling Azeri territory and that one civilian had been killed. Both sides have consistently denied each others' assertions in what has also become a war of words accompanying the fighting. Azeri Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said the truce would last only for as long as it took for the Red Cross to arrange the exchange of the dead. Speaking at a briefing in Baku, he said Azerbaijan hoped and expected to take control of more territory in time. Armenia's foreign ministry said it was using all diplomatic channels to try to support the truce, while Nagorno-Karabakh's foreign ministry accused Azerbaijan of using ceasefire talks as cover to ready military action. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who had mediated over 10 hours of talks, earlier said in a statement early on Saturday the ceasefire had been agreed on humanitarian grounds. The International Committee of the Red Cross said it stood ready to facilitate the handover of bodies of those killed in action and the simultaneous release of detainees. Lavrov said Armenia and Azerbaijan had also agreed to enter into what he called substantive peace talks. Those talks would be held under the auspices of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) Minsk Group, he said. The group is co-chaired by France, Russia and the United States. The ceasefire deal was announced by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. He said the truce had been agreed "on humanitarian grounds" and would allow for exchanges of prisoners and bodies. The Red Cross offered to act as a "neutral intermediary" to facilitate the handover of bodies and detainees. The Russian ministry said Saturday evening that Lavrov had spoken to his counterparts in Armenia and Azerbaijan who "confirmed their commitment" to the deal and "stressed the need for its strict observance on the ground." Renewed fighting in the decades-old conflict has raised fears of a wider war drawing in Turkey, a close ally of Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a defence pact with Armenia. The clashes have also increased concern about the security of pipelines that carry Azeri oil and gas to Europe. The fighting is the worst since a 1991-94 war that killed about 30,000 people and ended with a ceasefire that has been violated repeatedly. Lavrov said that Armenia and Azerbaijan had agreed at the Moscow talks to "substantive negotiations" on resolving the dispute over Karabakh, with France, Russia and the United States continuing as longtime mediators. France called for the ceasefire to be strictly respected "in order to create the conditions for a permanent cessation of hostilities." Karabakh's declaration of independence has not been recognised by any country -- even Armenia -- and the international community regards it as part of Azerbaijan. The return of fighting has stoked fears of a full-blown war embroiling Turkey, which strongly backs Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a military treaty with Armenia. Turkey said the ceasefire agreement was an important first step but that Armenia had a "last chance" to withdraw from Karabakh. Since the conflict restarted both sides have accused the other of shelling areas populated by civilians and thousands of people have been displaced by the clashes. The Azeri and Turkish foreign ministers also spoke by phone on Saturday. (with inputs from agencies)

Armenia and Azerbaijan accuse each other of violating 'fragile' truce

At least 5 people were killed after a rocket hit a residential building in Azerbaijan's city Ganja, the press service of Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Emergency Situations said on Sunday. Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry said in the early hours of Sunday that Ganja was shelled by Armenia.

"As a result of the rocket fire, a residential building was fully destroyed. As of now, the bodies of five dead have been recovered from the rubble; there are 17 wounded. Rescuers are working on the spot," the Sunday statement from the press service of Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Emergency Situations says.

Azerbaijan`s Prosecutor General`s Office said on Sunday that at least five people were killed and 28 others were injured in Ganja.&nbsp;

Armenia and Azerbaijan are accusing each of violating ceasefire in the conflict that has erupted over the region of Nagorno-Karabach.

Fresh explosions rocked the capital of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region on Saturday despite the ceasefire.

Armenia and Azerbaijan had agreed to a ceasefire after Russia mediated talks in Moscow. The talks in Moscow was first diplomatic contact between both sides since the hostilities erupted.

When the ceasefire collapsed, Armenian defence ministry accused Azerbaijan of shelling a settlement inside Armenia, while ethnic Armenian forces in Karabakh alleged that Azeri forces had launched a new offensive five minutes after the truce took hold and killed two civilians.

(With ANI inputs) 
&nbsp;

At least 5 people were killed after a rocket hit a residential building in Azerbaijan's city Ganja, the press service of Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Emergency Situations said on Sunday.

At least 5 people were killed after a rocket hit a residential building in Azerbaijan's city Ganja, the press service of Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Emergency Situations said on Sunday. Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry said in the early hours of Sunday that Ganja was shelled by Armenia. "As a result of the rocket fire, a residential building was fully destroyed. As of now, the bodies of five dead have been recovered from the rubble; there are 17 wounded. Rescuers are working on the spot," the Sunday statement from the press service of Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Emergency Situations says. Azerbaijan`s Prosecutor General`s Office said on Sunday that at least five people were killed and 28 others were injured in Ganja. Armenia and Azerbaijan are accusing each of violating ceasefire in the conflict that has erupted over the region of Nagorno-Karabach. Fresh explosions rocked the capital of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region on Saturday despite the ceasefire. Armenia and Azerbaijan had agreed to a ceasefire after Russia mediated talks in Moscow. The talks in Moscow was first diplomatic contact between both sides since the hostilities erupted. When the ceasefire collapsed, Armenian defence ministry accused Azerbaijan of shelling a settlement inside Armenia, while ethnic Armenian forces in Karabakh alleged that Azeri forces had launched a new offensive five minutes after the truce took hold and killed two civilians. (With ANI inputs)

Rocket destroys residential building in Azerbaijan's Ganja city, 5 dead

A temporary ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenia that came into effect October 11 after almost two weeks of fighting over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region appears weak. Both countries are accusing each other of violating the terms of the agreement.

Armenia- Azerbaijan break ceasefire: Shelling returns after a brief lull

Almost two weeks after violent clashes broke out in Nagorno-Karabakh, peace talks are now underway in Russia. Top diplomats of Armenia and Azerbaijan have met in Moscow. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: A last-ditch effort to avoid a war | Gravitas

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/october-15-presidential-debate-between-trump-and-biden-cancelled-334158">October 15 presidential debate between Trump and Biden cancelled</a>

The planned October 15 debate between US President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden has officially been called off | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/october-15-presidential-debate-between-trump-and-biden-cancelled-334158">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijan-armenia-agree-on-ceasefire-from-october-10-noon-334161">Azerbaijan, Armenia agree on ceasefire from October 10 noon</a>

Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to halt fighting over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh from noon October 10, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Saturday | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijan-armenia-agree-on-ceasefire-from-october-10-noon-334161">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-hold-in-person-event-saturday-and-hit-campaign-trail-monday-biden-calls-it-reckless-334159">Trump to hold in-person event Saturday and hit campaign trail Monday; Biden calls it 'reckless'</a>

US President Donald Trump is slated to give a public speech at the White House Saturday for the first time since testing positive for the coronavirus | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-restart-public-speeches-biden-calls-it-reckless-334159">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-delta-weakens-after-making-landfall-in-storm-battered-louisiana-334163">Hurricane Delta weakens after making landfall in storm-battered Louisiana</a>

Hurricane Delta weakened on Friday after making landfall in a corner of Louisiana state repeatedly battered by storms this year, packing maximum sustained winds of 90 miles per hour (150 kph), the U.S. National Hurricane Center said | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-delta-weakens-after-making-landfall-in-storm-battered-louisiana-334163">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-to-hold-huge-military-parade-amid-coronavirus-crisis-334169">North Korea to hold huge military parade amid coronavirus crisis</a>

North Korea is expected to parade its latest and most advanced weapons through the streets of Pyongyang on Saturday, as the coronavirus-barricaded country celebrates the 75th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Un's ruling party | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-to-hold-huge-military-parade-amid-coronavirus-crisis-334169">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/accused-militia-members-arraigned-on-domestic-terrorism-charges-in-michigan-334165">Accused militia members arraigned on domestic terrorism charges in Michigan</a>

Six men arrested on suspicion of taking part in a plot by armed extremists to kidnap Michigan's governor have been arraigned on domestic terrorism and weapons charges | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/accused-militia-members-arraigned-on-domestic-terrorism-charges-in-michigan-334165">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-ceremony-for-amy-coney-barrett-was-a-superspreader-event-dr-fauci-334172">White House ceremony for Amy Coney Barrett was a 'superspreader' event: Dr Fauci</a>

Dr Anthony Fauci, Director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and member of White House's coronavirus task force said on Saturday that the White House ceremony to unveil judicial nominee Amy Coney Barrett was a 'super spreader' event for coronavirus infection | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-ceremony-for-amy-coney-barrett-was-a-superspreader-event-dr-fauci-334172">READ MORE</a>

October 15 presidential debate between Trump and Biden cancelled The planned October 15 debate between US President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden has officially been called off | READ MORE Azerbaijan, Armenia agree on ceasefire from October 10 noon Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to halt fighting over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh from noon October 10, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Saturday | READ MORE Trump to hold in-person event Saturday and hit campaign trail Monday; Biden calls it 'reckless' US President Donald Trump is slated to give a public speech at the White House Saturday for the first time since testing positive for the coronavirus | READ MORE Hurricane Delta weakens after making landfall in storm-battered Louisiana Hurricane Delta weakened on Friday after making landfall in a corner of Louisiana state repeatedly battered by storms this year, packing maximum sustained winds of 90 miles per hour (150 kph), the U.

October 15 presidential debate between Trump and Biden cancelled The planned October 15 debate between US President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden has officially been called off | READ MORE Azerbaijan, Armenia agree on ceasefire from October 10 noon Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to halt fighting over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh from noon October 10, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Saturday | READ MORE Trump to hold in-person event Saturday and hit campaign trail Monday; Biden calls it 'reckless' US President Donald Trump is slated to give a public speech at the White House Saturday for the first time since testing positive for the coronavirus | READ MORE Hurricane Delta weakens after making landfall in storm-battered Louisiana Hurricane Delta weakened on Friday after making landfall in a corner of Louisiana state repeatedly battered by storms this year, packing maximum sustained winds of 90 miles per hour (150 kph), the U.S. National Hurricane Center said | READ MORE North Korea to hold huge military parade amid coronavirus crisis North Korea is expected to parade its latest and most advanced weapons through the streets of Pyongyang on Saturday, as the coronavirus-barricaded country celebrates the 75th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Un's ruling party | READ MORE Accused militia members arraigned on domestic terrorism charges in Michigan Six men arrested on suspicion of taking part in a plot by armed extremists to kidnap Michigan's governor have been arraigned on domestic terrorism and weapons charges | READ MORE White House ceremony for Amy Coney Barrett was a 'superspreader' event: Dr Fauci Dr Anthony Fauci, Director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and member of White House's coronavirus task force said on Saturday that the White House ceremony to unveil judicial nominee Amy Coney Barrett was a 'super spreader' event for coronavirus infection | READ MORE

Morning news brief: Trump to restart public speeches, Azerbaijan and Armenia agree on ceasefire, and more

Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to a ceasefire starting from 12:00 on October 10, they will now exchange prisoners and bodies of those killed in the conflict.

News Alert: Armenia, Azerbaijan agree ceasefire to exchange bodies and prisoners

Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed on October 10 to a ceasefire and to begin "substantive talks" over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh after nearly two weeks of fierce clashes.

Armenia-Azerbaijan to start substantive talks: Move to de-escalate tensions in Karabakh

A shaky ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh region entered into force on Saturday after a deal was struck in Moscow between Baku and Armenia to allow prisoners and the bodies of the dead to be exchanged.

In a statement in the early hours of Saturday after 10 hours of talks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who helped mediate between the two sides, said the ceasefire had been agreed on humanitarian grounds.

It was not immediately clear how long the ceasefire, due to enter into force at midday local time, would last, and there were reports from both sides on Saturday morning of continued fighting.

The Moscow ceasefire talks was the first diplomatic contact between the two sides since fighting over the mountainous enclave, which is internationally-recognised as part of Azerbaijan but is populated and governed by ethnic Armenians, erupted on September&nbsp;27, killing hundreds of people.

"A ceasefire is announced from 12 hours 00 minutes on October 10 on humanitarian grounds," Lavrov said, reading out from a statement.

Lavrov also said Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to start talks on the settlement of the conflict.

Russia's top diplomat added that International Red Cross Committee would act as an intermediary in the humanitarian operation.

"Azerbaijan and Armenia begin substantive negotiations with the purpose of achieving a peaceful settlement as soon as possible," Lavrov told reporters, adding that such talks will be mediated by the Minsk Group of international negotiators.

The mountain enclave belongs to Azerbaijan under international law but broke away in a war as the Soviet Union collapsed and is populated and governed by ethnic Armenians.

The renewed fighting in the decades-old conflict has raised fears of a wider war drawing in Turkey, a close ally of Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a defence pact with Armenia.

The clashes have also increased concern about the security of pipelines that carry Azeri oil and gas to Europe.

The fighting is the worst since a 1991-94 war that killed about 30,000 people and ended with a ceasefire that has been violated repeatedly.

Azerbaijan said on Friday that 31 Azeri civilians had been killed and 168 wounded since Sept. 27. It has not disclosed information about military casualties.

Nagorno-Karabakh said 376 of its military personnel and 22 civilians had been killed since the beginning of the conflict.

(with inputs from agencies)

A shaky ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh region entered into force on Saturday after a deal was struck in Moscow between Baku and Armenia to allow prisoners and the bodies of the dead to be exchanged.

A shaky ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh region entered into force on Saturday after a deal was struck in Moscow between Baku and Armenia to allow prisoners and the bodies of the dead to be exchanged. In a statement in the early hours of Saturday after 10 hours of talks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who helped mediate between the two sides, said the ceasefire had been agreed on humanitarian grounds. It was not immediately clear how long the ceasefire, due to enter into force at midday local time, would last, and there were reports from both sides on Saturday morning of continued fighting. The Moscow ceasefire talks was the first diplomatic contact between the two sides since fighting over the mountainous enclave, which is internationally-recognised as part of Azerbaijan but is populated and governed by ethnic Armenians, erupted on September 27, killing hundreds of people. "A ceasefire is announced from 12 hours 00 minutes on October 10 on humanitarian grounds," Lavrov said, reading out from a statement. Lavrov also said Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to start talks on the settlement of the conflict. Russia's top diplomat added that International Red Cross Committee would act as an intermediary in the humanitarian operation. "Azerbaijan and Armenia begin substantive negotiations with the purpose of achieving a peaceful settlement as soon as possible," Lavrov told reporters, adding that such talks will be mediated by the Minsk Group of international negotiators. The mountain enclave belongs to Azerbaijan under international law but broke away in a war as the Soviet Union collapsed and is populated and governed by ethnic Armenians. The renewed fighting in the decades-old conflict has raised fears of a wider war drawing in Turkey, a close ally of Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a defence pact with Armenia. The clashes have also increased concern about the security of pipelines that carry Azeri oil and gas to Europe. The fighting is the worst since a 1991-94 war that killed about 30,000 people and ended with a ceasefire that has been violated repeatedly. Azerbaijan said on Friday that 31 Azeri civilians had been killed and 168 wounded since Sept. 27. It has not disclosed information about military casualties. Nagorno-Karabakh said 376 of its military personnel and 22 civilians had been killed since the beginning of the conflict. (with inputs from agencies)

Ceasefire enters into force in Nagorno-Karabakh region after Moscow deal

Russia said Friday that Armenia and Azerbaijan had agreed to meet in Moscow for negotiations on ending the fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, after President Vladimir Putin called for talks.

"Baku and Yerevan have confirmed their participation in the consultations in Moscow," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told AFP.&nbsp;

"Active preparations are underway," she said, with the talks expected to take place later on Friday and involve the two countries' foreign ministers.

The foreign ministers&nbsp;had&nbsp;been invited early Friday morning to take part in talks in Moscow. “The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia are being invited to Moscow on October 9,” Russia President Vladimir Putin said in a statement released by the Kremlin.

Putin’s invitation came as there appeared to be no end in sight for nearly two weeks of fighting between Azerbaijan and ethic Armenian separatists that has claimed hundreds of lives.

"Following a series of telephone discussions between the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, the President of Russia calls for a halt to military actions in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," the statement added.

“The President of Russia is issuing a call to halt the fighting in the Nagorno-Karabakh on humanitarian grounds in order to exchange dead bodies and prisoners,” the Kremlin added.

Yerevan had ruled out any talks between the two countries’ top diplomats as long as clashes are ongoing until this morning.

Armenia on Thursday accused Azerbaijan of shelling a historic cathedral in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Armenia said several journalists were injured in strikes on the cathedral after an initial bombardment left rubble strewn across the floor, pews knocked over and a layer of dust coating the interior from parts of the building’s limestone walls that had been hit.

Azerbaijan and Armenia are locked in bitter fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, an Azerbaijani region controlled by Armenians who declared an unrecognised breakaway statelet after the fall of the USSR and emerged victorious from the war that followed.

Hundreds including civilians have been killed in the current fighting, the worst since a 1994 ceasefire, with both sides doubling down on entrenched positions over who should control the region.

Defence officials in Azerbaijan and Armenia said fighting continued into Thursday, with both sides claiming to have inflicted heavy losses and accusing the other of shelling civilian areas.

International leaders have repeatedly called for an immediate halt to the fighting but there are no signs yet of the conflict abating.

Turkey’s strong backing for Azerbaijan has sown fears in the West that the conflict could spiral into a full-blown war embroiling Ankara with Moscow, which has a military treaty with Armenia.

Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron are among the world leaders to denounce the reported deployment of pro-Turkish fighters from Syria and Libya to Karabakh. Iran on Wednesday warned of “terrorists” who had joined the conflict from abroad.

Azerbaijan announced Thursday that it was recalling its ambassador to Athens following reports that Greek citizens were joining Armenian forces in Karabakh.

(with inputs from agencies)

Russia said Friday that Armenia and Azerbaijan had agreed to meet in Moscow for negotiations on ending the fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, after President Vladimir Putin called for talks.

Russia said Friday that Armenia and Azerbaijan had agreed to meet in Moscow for negotiations on ending the fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, after President Vladimir Putin called for talks. "Baku and Yerevan have confirmed their participation in the consultations in Moscow," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told AFP. "Active preparations are underway," she said, with the talks expected to take place later on Friday and involve the two countries' foreign ministers. The foreign ministers had been invited early Friday morning to take part in talks in Moscow. “The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia are being invited to Moscow on October 9,” Russia President Vladimir Putin said in a statement released by the Kremlin. Putin’s invitation came as there appeared to be no end in sight for nearly two weeks of fighting between Azerbaijan and ethic Armenian separatists that has claimed hundreds of lives. "Following a series of telephone discussions between the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, the President of Russia calls for a halt to military actions in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," the statement added. “The President of Russia is issuing a call to halt the fighting in the Nagorno-Karabakh on humanitarian grounds in order to exchange dead bodies and prisoners,” the Kremlin added. Yerevan had ruled out any talks between the two countries’ top diplomats as long as clashes are ongoing until this morning. Armenia on Thursday accused Azerbaijan of shelling a historic cathedral in Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia said several journalists were injured in strikes on the cathedral after an initial bombardment left rubble strewn across the floor, pews knocked over and a layer of dust coating the interior from parts of the building’s limestone walls that had been hit. Azerbaijan and Armenia are locked in bitter fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, an Azerbaijani region controlled by Armenians who declared an unrecognised breakaway statelet after the fall of the USSR and emerged victorious from the war that followed. Hundreds including civilians have been killed in the current fighting, the worst since a 1994 ceasefire, with both sides doubling down on entrenched positions over who should control the region. Defence officials in Azerbaijan and Armenia said fighting continued into Thursday, with both sides claiming to have inflicted heavy losses and accusing the other of shelling civilian areas. International leaders have repeatedly called for an immediate halt to the fighting but there are no signs yet of the conflict abating. Turkey’s strong backing for Azerbaijan has sown fears in the West that the conflict could spiral into a full-blown war embroiling Ankara with Moscow, which has a military treaty with Armenia. Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron are among the world leaders to denounce the reported deployment of pro-Turkish fighters from Syria and Libya to Karabakh. Iran on Wednesday warned of “terrorists” who had joined the conflict from abroad. Azerbaijan announced Thursday that it was recalling its ambassador to Athens following reports that Greek citizens were joining Armenian forces in Karabakh. (with inputs from agencies)

Armenia and Azerbaijan confirm participation in urgent peace talks in Russia

The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia had been invited to take part in talks in Moscow. “The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia are being invited to Moscow on October 9,” Russia President Vladimir Putin said in a statement released by the Kremlin.

WION Dispatch: France, US and Russia meet on Nagorno-Karabakh, seek ceasefire

Armenia-Azerbaijan clashes intensify, Russia invites to Moscow for peace talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-can-return-to-public-events-saturday-may-hold-a-rally-in-florida-333707">Trump can return to public events Saturday, may hold a rally in Florida</a>

US President Donald Trump should be able to resume "public engagements" from Saturday, the White House physician announced Thursday | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-can-return-to-public-events-saturday-may-hold-a-rally-in-florida-333707">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-invites-leaders-of-armenia-azerbaijan-for-urgent-peace-talks-333720">Russia invites leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan for urgent peace talks</a>

The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia have been invited to take part in talks in Moscow on Friday, the Kremlin cited President Vladimir Putin as saying | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-invites-leaders-of-armenia-azerbaijan-for-urgent-peace-talks-333720">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-censors-us-vice-presidential-debate-when-pence-gets-asked-on-the-communist-nation-333731">China censors US Vice Presidential Debate when Pence gets asked on the communist nation</a>

Live coverage of US Vice-Presidential Debate was blocked in China at the time when US Vice President Mike Pence was asked a question on the communist nation | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-censors-us-vice-presidential-debate-when-pence-gets-asked-on-the-communist-nation-333731">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kidnapped-mali-politician-french-aid-worker-and-two-italians-freed-333710">Kidnapped Mali politician, French aid worker and two Italians freed</a>

An elderly French aid worker and a top Malian politician landed in the capital Bamako to an emotional reunion with their loved ones after being released from captivity by presumed jihadists | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kidnapped-mali-politician-french-aid-worker-and-two-italians-freed-333710">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michigan-governor-links-trump-to-foiled-kidnapping-plot-333729">Michigan governor links Trump to foiled kidnapping plot</a>

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer linked a plot to kidnap her to US President Donald Trump, arguing on Thursday in a speech hours after arrests were announced that Trump's words had been a "rallying cry" for extremists | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michigan-governor-links-trump-to-foiled-kidnapping-plot-333729">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-58-million-watch-us-vice-presidential-debate-big-jump-from-2016-333722">Nearly 58 million watch US vice-presidential debate, big jump from 2016</a>

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence`s debate with Democrat Kamala Harris attracted 57.9 million TV viewers, the second-highest audience ever for a matchup between vice presidential candidates, according to Nielsen data released on Thursday | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-58-million-watch-us-vice-presidential-debate-big-jump-from-2016-333722">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyrgyzstan-president-says-ready-to-resign-once-new-cabinet-appointed-333716">Kyrgyzstan president says ready to resign once new cabinet appointed</a>

Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbai Jeenbekov said on Friday he was ready to resign once a new cabinet was appointed to end the power vacuum in the Central Asian nation gripped by unrest since opposition supporters seized government buildings on Tuesday | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyrgyzstan-president-says-ready-to-resign-once-new-cabinet-appointed-333716">READ MORE</a>

Trump can return to public events Saturday, may hold a rally in Florida US President Donald Trump should be able to resume "public engagements" from Saturday, the White House physician announced Thursday | READ MORE Russia invites leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan for urgent peace talks The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia have been invited to take part in talks in Moscow on Friday, the Kremlin cited President Vladimir Putin as saying | READ MORE China censors US Vice Presidential Debate when Pence gets asked on the communist nation Live coverage of US Vice-Presidential Debate was blocked in China at the time when US Vice President Mike Pence was asked a question on the communist nation | READ MORE Kidnapped Mali politician, French aid worker and two Italians freed An elderly French aid worker and a top Malian politician landed in the capital Bamako to an emotional reunion with their loved ones after being released from captivity by presumed jihadists | READ MORE Michigan governor links Trump to foiled kidnapping plot Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer linked a plot to kidnap her to US President Donald Trump, arguing on Thursday in a speech hours after arrests were announced that Trump's words had been a "rallying cry" for extremists | READ MORE Nearly 58 million watch US vice-presidential debate, big jump from 2016 U.

Trump can return to public events Saturday, may hold a rally in Florida US President Donald Trump should be able to resume "public engagements" from Saturday, the White House physician announced Thursday | READ MORE Russia invites leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan for urgent peace talks The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia have been invited to take part in talks in Moscow on Friday, the Kremlin cited President Vladimir Putin as saying | READ MORE China censors US Vice Presidential Debate when Pence gets asked on the communist nation Live coverage of US Vice-Presidential Debate was blocked in China at the time when US Vice President Mike Pence was asked a question on the communist nation | READ MORE Kidnapped Mali politician, French aid worker and two Italians freed An elderly French aid worker and a top Malian politician landed in the capital Bamako to an emotional reunion with their loved ones after being released from captivity by presumed jihadists | READ MORE Michigan governor links Trump to foiled kidnapping plot Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer linked a plot to kidnap her to US President Donald Trump, arguing on Thursday in a speech hours after arrests were announced that Trump's words had been a "rallying cry" for extremists | READ MORE Nearly 58 million watch US vice-presidential debate, big jump from 2016 U.S. Vice President Mike Pence`s debate with Democrat Kamala Harris attracted 57.9 million TV viewers, the second-highest audience ever for a matchup between vice presidential candidates, according to Nielsen data released on Thursday | READ MORE Kyrgyzstan president says ready to resign once new cabinet appointed Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbai Jeenbekov said on Friday he was ready to resign once a new cabinet was appointed to end the power vacuum in the Central Asian nation gripped by unrest since opposition supporters seized government buildings on Tuesday | READ MORE

Morning news brief: Updates on Trump's health, Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and more

Russia invites Armenia, Azerbaijan for peace talks

Clashes between Armenia-Azerbaijan continued for yet another day, this as France, Russia and US stepped up to mediate. Watch report.

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: International mediators head to Geneva

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's military aggression has put Turkey at odds with NATO. The latest conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has triggered a fresh fight. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why Turkey has become the biggest liability for NATO.

Gravitas: Why is the NATO shy of expelling Turkey?

Turkey's encouragement of Azerbaijan is being blamed&nbsp;for the fresh outbreak of fighting over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Tuesday, "Without Turkey's active engagement this would not have begun. The decision to unleash a war was motivated by Turkey's full support."

Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad has also accused Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan of being the main instigator in the deadliest fighting between Armenian and Azeri forces for more than 25 years.

The clashes in the South Caucasus entered a 10th day on Tuesday.

Assad also said militants from Syria were being deployed to the conflict area.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-turkey-sends-syrians-to-fight-proxy-war-gravitas-333004/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Turkey has denied involvement in the fighting in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountain enclave that belongs to Azerbaijan under international law but is governed by ethnic Armenians, and has dismissed accusations that it sent mercenaries to the area.

The accusations were first levelled by French President Emmanuel Macron. He said that Turkey had sent Syrian jihadists to fight in the conflict.

Assad offered no evidence for his allegation. Ankara, which backs rebels trying to oust him, did not respond immediately but has described similar accusations as part of attempts by Armenia to create "dark propaganda" about Turkey.

Almost 300 people have been reported killed in the fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh that erupted on September 27, increasing concern that a wider conflict could be triggered.&nbsp;

Turkey has strongly backed Azerbaijan, and Russia has a defence pact with Armenia.

The head of Russia's SVR Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergei Naryshkin, underlined Moscow's concerns by warning that Nagorno-Karabakh could become a launch pad for "international terrorist organisations" to enter Russia and other countries.

The Kremlin later issued a new appeal for all sides in the conflict to halt fighting immediately.

In the latest fighting, Armenia said Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack with tanks and artillery on a southern part of the contact line that divides ethnic Armenian and Azeri forces.

Nagorno-Karabakh said four cluster bombs had exploded in the centre of Stepanakert, its main administrative centre, but gave no further details.

The conflict over the tiny enclave is closely watched abroad, partly because of Nagorno-Karabakh's proximity to pipelines that carry Azeri gas and oil to Europe.

Azerbaijan says Azeri cities outside Nagorno-Karabakh have been struck, and both sides say the other has hit civilian areas. Each denies targeting civilians.

Nagorno-Karabakh said 244 of its servicemen and 19 civilians had been killed since Sept. 27 and many more have been wounded.

The Azeri prosecutor's office said 27 Azeri civilians had been killed in the renewed fighting. Azerbaijan has not disclosed information about its military casualties.

Ceasefire appeals led by the United States, Russia and France, which have for years led mediation efforts, have failed to halt the fighting. Canada and Britain issued another appeal for a ceasefire in London on Tuesday.

Armenia has said it will engage with Washington, Paris and Moscow on peace moves. Azerbaijan says Armenia must set a timetable to withdraw from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding Azeri territories, and wants Turkey involved in peace efforts.

(with inputs)

Turkey's encouragement of Azerbaijan is being blamed for the fresh outbreak of fighting over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Tuesday, "Without Turkey's active engagement this would not have begun.

Turkey's encouragement of Azerbaijan is being blamed for the fresh outbreak of fighting over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Tuesday, "Without Turkey's active engagement this would not have begun. The decision to unleash a war was motivated by Turkey's full support." Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad has also accused Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan of being the main instigator in the deadliest fighting between Armenian and Azeri forces for more than 25 years. The clashes in the South Caucasus entered a 10th day on Tuesday. Assad also said militants from Syria were being deployed to the conflict area. Turkey has denied involvement in the fighting in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountain enclave that belongs to Azerbaijan under international law but is governed by ethnic Armenians, and has dismissed accusations that it sent mercenaries to the area. The accusations were first levelled by French President Emmanuel Macron. He said that Turkey had sent Syrian jihadists to fight in the conflict. Assad offered no evidence for his allegation. Ankara, which backs rebels trying to oust him, did not respond immediately but has described similar accusations as part of attempts by Armenia to create "dark propaganda" about Turkey. Almost 300 people have been reported killed in the fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh that erupted on September 27, increasing concern that a wider conflict could be triggered. Turkey has strongly backed Azerbaijan, and Russia has a defence pact with Armenia. The head of Russia's SVR Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergei Naryshkin, underlined Moscow's concerns by warning that Nagorno-Karabakh could become a launch pad for "international terrorist organisations" to enter Russia and other countries. The Kremlin later issued a new appeal for all sides in the conflict to halt fighting immediately. In the latest fighting, Armenia said Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack with tanks and artillery on a southern part of the contact line that divides ethnic Armenian and Azeri forces. Nagorno-Karabakh said four cluster bombs had exploded in the centre of Stepanakert, its main administrative centre, but gave no further details. The conflict over the tiny enclave is closely watched abroad, partly because of Nagorno-Karabakh's proximity to pipelines that carry Azeri gas and oil to Europe. Azerbaijan says Azeri cities outside Nagorno-Karabakh have been struck, and both sides say the other has hit civilian areas. Each denies targeting civilians. Nagorno-Karabakh said 244 of its servicemen and 19 civilians had been killed since Sept. 27 and many more have been wounded. The Azeri prosecutor's office said 27 Azeri civilians had been killed in the renewed fighting. Azerbaijan has not disclosed information about its military casualties. Ceasefire appeals led by the United States, Russia and France, which have for years led mediation efforts, have failed to halt the fighting. Canada and Britain issued another appeal for a ceasefire in London on Tuesday. Armenia has said it will engage with Washington, Paris and Moscow on peace moves. Azerbaijan says Armenia must set a timetable to withdraw from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding Azeri territories, and wants Turkey involved in peace efforts. (with inputs)

Turkey being blamed for Nagorno-Karabakh fighting as battles rage on

armenia

Armenia, News on Armenia, stories on Armenia, articles on Armenia, Armenia stories at Wion, Armenia news, Armenia latest news