During his recent visit to Baku, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that Azerbaijan’s struggle with Armenia was not over yet. He said: “the fight carried out in the political and military areas will continue from now on many other fronts.”&nbsp;

Erdogan was attending a military parade that Azerbaijan had organised to mark its victory over Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh war.&nbsp;

On display were weapons seized from Armenia as well as Turkish drones which gave Azerbaijan an upper hand in the fighting which has claimed over 5,000 lives.&nbsp;

It will be an understatement to say that Baku would not have been able to win without Turkish help.&nbsp;

While Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, it has been dominated by ethnic Armenians.&nbsp;

Erdogan openly supported oil-rich Azerbaijan as other world leaders called for a ceasefire amid rising military and civilian casualties on both sides.&nbsp;

Syrian fighters also played a decisive role in the conflict. Turkey denied that it recruited mercenaries to fight for Azerbaijan but many reports have indicated that they were present on the ground.&nbsp;

Armenia also accused Turkey of sending its military commanders to help Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

While Turkey considers Azerbaijan a brotherly nation, it has had strained relations with Armenia.&nbsp;

They don’t have diplomatic ties. A major issue between the two neighbours is Ankara’s denial to recognise the mass killing of Armenians during the Ottoman rule in the 20th century, as genocide.&nbsp;

The relations only deteriorated as Turkey put its weight behind Azerbaijan. &nbsp;

Fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh erupted on September 27 and was marked by multiple ceasefire violations, before ending in a Russia-brokered truce on November 9.&nbsp;

Russia has enjoyed good relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan which are former Soviet nations.&nbsp;

As part of the peace agreement, Armenia returned territories to Azerbaijan that it seized in the 1990s.&nbsp;

Over 2,000 Russian troops are overseeing the handover and the resettlement of Azeris in Karabakh.&nbsp;

But peace remains elusive. Despite the truce, there have been clashes. According to reports, Azeri forces have captured Armenian soldiers in a raid.&nbsp;

While the Moscow-brokered deal ended the fighting, it left Nagorno-Karabakh's political status in limbo.&nbsp;

Russian troops have been stationed in the region for a period of five years which can be renewed.&nbsp;

All these factors leave scope for negotiation between Armenia and Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

This is where Ankara’s increasing involvement in Karabakh further complicates the situation. Azerbaijan which has gained military superiority due to Turkish support may not be very open to a diplomatic solution.&nbsp;

Armenia is also unlikely to join a peace process involving Turkey, due to tensions between the two nations and also because of Ankara’s unanimous support for Baku.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

During his recent visit to Baku, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that Azerbaijan’s struggle with Armenia was not over yet. He said: “the fight carried out in the political and military areas will continue from now on many other fronts.

During his recent visit to Baku, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that Azerbaijan’s struggle with Armenia was not over yet. He said: “the fight carried out in the political and military areas will continue from now on many other fronts.” Erdogan was attending a military parade that Azerbaijan had organised to mark its victory over Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh war. On display were weapons seized from Armenia as well as Turkish drones which gave Azerbaijan an upper hand in the fighting which has claimed over 5,000 lives. It will be an understatement to say that Baku would not have been able to win without Turkish help. While Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, it has been dominated by ethnic Armenians. Erdogan openly supported oil-rich Azerbaijan as other world leaders called for a ceasefire amid rising military and civilian casualties on both sides. Syrian fighters also played a decisive role in the conflict. Turkey denied that it recruited mercenaries to fight for Azerbaijan but many reports have indicated that they were present on the ground. Armenia also accused Turkey of sending its military commanders to help Azerbaijan. While Turkey considers Azerbaijan a brotherly nation, it has had strained relations with Armenia. They don’t have diplomatic ties. A major issue between the two neighbours is Ankara’s denial to recognise the mass killing of Armenians during the Ottoman rule in the 20th century, as genocide. The relations only deteriorated as Turkey put its weight behind Azerbaijan. Fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh erupted on September 27 and was marked by multiple ceasefire violations, before ending in a Russia-brokered truce on November 9. Russia has enjoyed good relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan which are former Soviet nations. As part of the peace agreement, Armenia returned territories to Azerbaijan that it seized in the 1990s. Over 2,000 Russian troops are overseeing the handover and the resettlement of Azeris in Karabakh. But peace remains elusive. Despite the truce, there have been clashes. According to reports, Azeri forces have captured Armenian soldiers in a raid. While the Moscow-brokered deal ended the fighting, it left Nagorno-Karabakh's political status in limbo. Russian troops have been stationed in the region for a period of five years which can be renewed. All these factors leave scope for negotiation between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This is where Ankara’s increasing involvement in Karabakh further complicates the situation. Azerbaijan which has gained military superiority due to Turkish support may not be very open to a diplomatic solution. Armenia is also unlikely to join a peace process involving Turkey, due to tensions between the two nations and also because of Ankara’s unanimous support for Baku. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Turkey’s role complicates Nagorno-Karabakh peace process

Azerbaijan forces moved into final district given up by Armenia in the peace deal. This comes after weeks of fighting between the two countries over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Azerbaijan forces entered Lachin District

Dressed in impeccable camouflage fatigues with Kalashnikovs slung over their shoulders, Russian peacekeepers stand guard along the last road linking Armenia with the restive region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

After meticulously writing down a car's registration number in a large notebook, a soldier stands aside to let the driver pass and wishes him a good journey.

"When the peacekeepers arrived, the situation became calmer than during the war. It's reassuring," says Erik Tovmasyan, who is driving from Karabakh's main city Stepanakert to the Armenian capital Yerevan for eye surgery.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijan-slams-french-senates-vote-on-nagorno-karabakh-urges-removal-from-mediation-345660">Azerbaijan slams French Senate's vote on Nagorno-Karabakh; urges removal from mediation</a>

For Armenians still reeling from defeat in recent fighting with Azerbaijan, the peacekeepers who deployed under a Moscow-brokered peace deal are a welcome presence.

But with the region surrounding the road set to be handed back to Azerbaijan next week, many here are facing an uncertain future.

Russia has sent 2,000 peacekeepers to the region under the deal that ended six weeks of heavy fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian enclave that broke away from Azerbaijan's control in a war in the 1990s.

Fresh clashes over Karabakh erupted in late September and ended after Azerbaijani forces had reclaimed large areas from Armenian control.

The peacekeepers have deployed between the two sides including along a 60-kilometre (35-mile) stretch connecting Stepanakert with the Armenian border in the south.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nagorno-karabakh-azerbaijan-probes-war-crimes-during-the-conflict-345376">Nagorno-Karabakh: Azerbaijan probes war crimes during the conflict</a>

Strategic road

The strategic road runs through the Lachin district, the third and last territory near Nagorno-Karabakh that Armenia will cede to Azerbaijan on December 1 under the peace deal.

Two other districts — neighbouring Kalbajar and Aghdam to the northeast — were returned to Azerbaijan earlier this month.&nbsp;

In its northern part, the Lachin corridor diverges towards Shusha, a strategic and historic town overlooking Stepanakert that was captured by Azerbaijan in a pivotal moment of the war.&nbsp;

The small road leading to Shusha is blocked by soldiers from Baku, who are positioned close to the Russians.

AFP journalists passing nearby could hear Azerbaijani songs and music broadcast over loudspeakers from their position.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/karabakh-peace-deal-fuels-confusion-anxiety-over-new-borders-344611">Karabakh peace deal fuels confusion, anxiety over new borders</a>

"They do it from time to time," says one of Moscow's soldiers.&nbsp;

At another checkpoint on a road leading into the town, an Azerbaijani special forces captain tells AFP that the situation inside is calm.&nbsp;

"There are only soldiers in Shusha," says the officer, who will not give his name. "Civilians (Azerbaijanis) come from time to time only to repair infrastructure" damaged in the fighting.

When Armenian separatists gained control of these districts three decades ago, local Azerbaijanis fled the territories and Armenians moved in.&nbsp;

Now, it is the Armenians who are deciding whether to abandon their homes, fearing what will happen when Azerbaijanis return.

'Nowhere to go'

In the town of Lachin, at the heart of the five-kilometre-wide (three-mile-wide) corridor, the manager of a grocery store is wondering what to do.&nbsp;

"We have no information about whether we should leave," says the man who does not wish to give his name, adding that he hopes to keep his store.

In front of his shop, 81-year-old Margarita Khanagyan leans on her cane as she stands next to an armoured vehicle belonging to the Russian peacekeepers.

"I left during the war, then we were told to come back and I came back. Now we have to leave again, but to where?"

Uncertainty also looms over the village of Aghavno, the last residential area before the border with Armenia where several dozen houses were built 10 years ago, just below the road.&nbsp;

Men here are always carrying rifles, prepared to defend themselves at any moment.

"They can't scare us," says village head Andranik Chavushyan, 39. "We will still be living here."

Standing next to him, Narine Rasoyan begins to cry.

Pregnant with her sixth child, Rasoyan lost her husband in the recent fighting.&nbsp;

"I have nowhere to go with my five children, where would I stay?" she says through her tears. "Let them give me a house and I will leave."

Dressed in impeccable camouflage fatigues with Kalashnikovs slung over their shoulders, Russian peacekeepers stand guard along the last road linking Armenia with the restive region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Dressed in impeccable camouflage fatigues with Kalashnikovs slung over their shoulders, Russian peacekeepers stand guard along the last road linking Armenia with the restive region of Nagorno-Karabakh. After meticulously writing down a car's registration number in a large notebook, a soldier stands aside to let the driver pass and wishes him a good journey. "When the peacekeepers arrived, the situation became calmer than during the war. It's reassuring," says Erik Tovmasyan, who is driving from Karabakh's main city Stepanakert to the Armenian capital Yerevan for eye surgery. Also read| Azerbaijan slams French Senate's vote on Nagorno-Karabakh; urges removal from mediation For Armenians still reeling from defeat in recent fighting with Azerbaijan, the peacekeepers who deployed under a Moscow-brokered peace deal are a welcome presence. But with the region surrounding the road set to be handed back to Azerbaijan next week, many here are facing an uncertain future. Russia has sent 2,000 peacekeepers to the region under the deal that ended six weeks of heavy fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian enclave that broke away from Azerbaijan's control in a war in the 1990s. Fresh clashes over Karabakh erupted in late September and ended after Azerbaijani forces had reclaimed large areas from Armenian control. The peacekeepers have deployed between the two sides including along a 60-kilometre (35-mile) stretch connecting Stepanakert with the Armenian border in the south. Also read| Nagorno-Karabakh: Azerbaijan probes war crimes during the conflict Strategic road The strategic road runs through the Lachin district, the third and last territory near Nagorno-Karabakh that Armenia will cede to Azerbaijan on December 1 under the peace deal. Two other districts — neighbouring Kalbajar and Aghdam to the northeast — were returned to Azerbaijan earlier this month. In its northern part, the Lachin corridor diverges towards Shusha, a strategic and historic town overlooking Stepanakert that was captured by Azerbaijan in a pivotal moment of the war. The small road leading to Shusha is blocked by soldiers from Baku, who are positioned close to the Russians. AFP journalists passing nearby could hear Azerbaijani songs and music broadcast over loudspeakers from their position. Also read| Karabakh peace deal fuels confusion, anxiety over new borders "They do it from time to time," says one of Moscow's soldiers. At another checkpoint on a road leading into the town, an Azerbaijani special forces captain tells AFP that the situation inside is calm. "There are only soldiers in Shusha," says the officer, who will not give his name. "Civilians (Azerbaijanis) come from time to time only to repair infrastructure" damaged in the fighting. When Armenian separatists gained control of these districts three decades ago, local Azerbaijanis fled the territories and Armenians moved in. Now, it is the Armenians who are deciding whether to abandon their homes, fearing what will happen when Azerbaijanis return. 'Nowhere to go' In the town of Lachin, at the heart of the five-kilometre-wide (three-mile-wide) corridor, the manager of a grocery store is wondering what to do. "We have no information about whether we should leave," says the man who does not wish to give his name, adding that he hopes to keep his store. In front of his shop, 81-year-old Margarita Khanagyan leans on her cane as she stands next to an armoured vehicle belonging to the Russian peacekeepers. "I left during the war, then we were told to come back and I came back. Now we have to leave again, but to where?" Uncertainty also looms over the village of Aghavno, the last residential area before the border with Armenia where several dozen houses were built 10 years ago, just below the road. Men here are always carrying rifles, prepared to defend themselves at any moment. "They can't scare us," says village head Andranik Chavushyan, 39. "We will still be living here." Standing next to him, Narine Rasoyan begins to cry. Pregnant with her sixth child, Rasoyan lost her husband in the recent fighting. "I have nowhere to go with my five children, where would I stay?" she says through her tears. "Let them give me a house and I will leave."

Armenians at a crossroads on last route out of Karabakh

Azerbaijani lawmakers on Thursday&nbsp;slammed&nbsp;French Senate's vote on the Nagorno-Karabakh&nbsp;dispute it backed the breakaway region's independence claim.

Several dozen people protested in front of the French embassy in the capital, Baku, on Thursday, chanting ''France, be fair!''

&nbsp;The country's Foreign Ministry said in a statement late Wednesday that the document can only be seen "as a provocation." Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev denounced the resolution Thursday as a ''piece of paper adopted to serve narrow political ambitions," and said that France's ''open pro-Armenian position... Has become one of the main factors hindering the peaceful resolution of the conflict."

Azerbaijan's parliament urged the country's government to reach out to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in order to revoke France's mandate as a co-chair of the Minsk Group set up by the Organization to mediate the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

They also urged Baku to revise its "political... and economic relations" with France.

The French upper house on Wednesday adopted a non-binding resolution calling on France to recognise the ethnic Armenian enclave of Azerbaijan as an independent state.

The move came after Armenia agreed to a peace deal earlier this month that ended weeks of fresh fighting over Karabakh, which broke from Baku's control during a war in the early 1990s.

France is a home of a large and influential Armenian diaspora.&nbsp;

Along with Russia and the United States, France co-chairs the Minsk Group, which has led talks seeking a solution to the conflict for decades but has failed to achieve a lasting agreement.

Later on Thursday, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry summoned French ambassador, Zacharie Gross, and handed him a note of protest.

"Azerbaijan categorically rejects the Senate's resolution, which contradicts the United Nations Charter," the ministry said in a statement.

Parliament speaker Sahiba Gafarova said a "dirty political campaign against Azerbaijan" had been organised in the French Senate and that Azerbaijani lawmakers had to respond.&nbsp;

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had praised the French resolution as "historic".&nbsp;

Nagorno-Karabakh lies within Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since 1994. That war left Nagorno-Karabakh itself and substantial surrounding territory in Armenian hands.

Heavy fighting that erupted in late September marked the biggest escalation of a long-simmering conflict between the two ex-Soviet nations.

Under the Moscow-brokered peace agreement -- which leaves Karabakh's future political status in limbo -- Armenia is losing control of parts of the enclave's territory as well as seven surrounding districts of Azerbaijan it held since the 1990s.

The Armenian separatists are retaining control over most of Karabakh's territory and some 2,000 Russian peacekeepers have deployed along frontline areas and to protect a land link connecting Karabakh with Armenia.&nbsp;

Nagorno-Karabakh's declaration of independence from Azerbaijan has not been recognised by any country, including Armenia, which strongly backs its separatist authorities.

Azerbaijani lawmakers on Thursday slammed French Senate's vote on the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute it backed the breakaway region's independence claim. Several dozen people protested in front of the French embassy in the capital, Baku, on Thursday, chanting ''France, be fair!

Azerbaijani lawmakers on Thursday slammed French Senate's vote on the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute it backed the breakaway region's independence claim. Several dozen people protested in front of the French embassy in the capital, Baku, on Thursday, chanting ''France, be fair!'' The country's Foreign Ministry said in a statement late Wednesday that the document can only be seen "as a provocation." Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev denounced the resolution Thursday as a ''piece of paper adopted to serve narrow political ambitions," and said that France's ''open pro-Armenian position... Has become one of the main factors hindering the peaceful resolution of the conflict." Azerbaijan's parliament urged the country's government to reach out to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in order to revoke France's mandate as a co-chair of the Minsk Group set up by the Organization to mediate the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. They also urged Baku to revise its "political... and economic relations" with France. The French upper house on Wednesday adopted a non-binding resolution calling on France to recognise the ethnic Armenian enclave of Azerbaijan as an independent state. The move came after Armenia agreed to a peace deal earlier this month that ended weeks of fresh fighting over Karabakh, which broke from Baku's control during a war in the early 1990s. France is a home of a large and influential Armenian diaspora. Along with Russia and the United States, France co-chairs the Minsk Group, which has led talks seeking a solution to the conflict for decades but has failed to achieve a lasting agreement. Later on Thursday, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry summoned French ambassador, Zacharie Gross, and handed him a note of protest. "Azerbaijan categorically rejects the Senate's resolution, which contradicts the United Nations Charter," the ministry said in a statement. Parliament speaker Sahiba Gafarova said a "dirty political campaign against Azerbaijan" had been organised in the French Senate and that Azerbaijani lawmakers had to respond. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had praised the French resolution as "historic". Nagorno-Karabakh lies within Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since 1994. That war left Nagorno-Karabakh itself and substantial surrounding territory in Armenian hands. Heavy fighting that erupted in late September marked the biggest escalation of a long-simmering conflict between the two ex-Soviet nations. Under the Moscow-brokered peace agreement -- which leaves Karabakh's future political status in limbo -- Armenia is losing control of parts of the enclave's territory as well as seven surrounding districts of Azerbaijan it held since the 1990s. The Armenian separatists are retaining control over most of Karabakh's territory and some 2,000 Russian peacekeepers have deployed along frontline areas and to protect a land link connecting Karabakh with Armenia. Nagorno-Karabakh's declaration of independence from Azerbaijan has not been recognised by any country, including Armenia, which strongly backs its separatist authorities.

Azerbaijan slams French Senate's vote on Nagorno-Karabakh; urges removal from mediation

As Russian peacekeepers entered&nbsp;Nagorno-Karabakh&nbsp;in trucks and armoured personnel carriers even as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-arrests-opposition-leaders-as-protests-erupt-over-nagorno-karabakh-deal-with-azerbaijan-342662">Armenia</a> said that over 2,000 fighters were killed in clashes against Azerbaijan.

Russia has deployed over 2,000 peacekeepers after a peace deal was struck between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/armenians-and-azerbaijanis-live-in-harmony-in-georgian-village-342606/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Armenia's health ministry spokeswoman Alina Nikoghosyan said: "To date, our forensic service has examined the corpses of 2,317 dead servicemen, including unidentified ones."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenians-flee-homes-as-takeover-by-azerbaijan-looms-343031">Also Read:&nbsp;Armenians flee homes as takeover by Azerbaijan looms</a>

Meanwhile, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said his country would involve the United Nations for humanitarian purposes.

Lavrov said Russia was in contact with UN High Commissioner for Refugees office, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the UN development programme in order to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

However, the peace deal was met with large scale protests on the streets of Armenia with demonstrators crying out &nbsp;"Nikol is a traitor!" as reports indicated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-and-azerbaijan-agree-on-a-deal-with-russia-to-end-conflict-342031">Azerbaijan</a> had made clear gains in territorial claims after weeks of fighting.

Russian guards have reportedly placed five posts in Nagorno-Karabakh with two on the border with Iran. Russia now has troop presence in nine former Soviet republics including Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Nagorno-Karabakh row between Azerbaijan and Armenia has been festering since the 90s after the break-up of the former Soviet Union. At least 30,000 people have been killed in the conflict which ended in an uneasy truce in 1994.

As Russian peacekeepers entered Nagorno-Karabakh in trucks and armoured personnel carriers even as Armenia said that over 2,000 fighters were killed in clashes against Azerbaijan.

As Russian peacekeepers entered Nagorno-Karabakh in trucks and armoured personnel carriers even as Armenia said that over 2,000 fighters were killed in clashes against Azerbaijan. Russia has deployed over 2,000 peacekeepers after a peace deal was struck between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Watch: Armenia's health ministry spokeswoman Alina Nikoghosyan said: "To date, our forensic service has examined the corpses of 2,317 dead servicemen, including unidentified ones." Also Read: Armenians flee homes as takeover by Azerbaijan looms Meanwhile, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said his country would involve the United Nations for humanitarian purposes. Lavrov said Russia was in contact with UN High Commissioner for Refugees office, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the UN development programme in order to prevent a humanitarian crisis. However, the peace deal was met with large scale protests on the streets of Armenia with demonstrators crying out "Nikol is a traitor!" as reports indicated Azerbaijan had made clear gains in territorial claims after weeks of fighting. Russian guards have reportedly placed five posts in Nagorno-Karabakh with two on the border with Iran. Russia now has troop presence in nine former Soviet republics including Nagorno-Karabakh. The Nagorno-Karabakh row between Azerbaijan and Armenia has been festering since the 90s after the break-up of the former Soviet Union. At least 30,000 people have been killed in the conflict which ended in an uneasy truce in 1994.

Russian peacekeepers enter Nagorno-Karabakh as Kremlin seeks UN presence

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-must-negotiate-over-nagorno-karabakh-erdogan-tells-putin-341625">Armenia</a>-Azerbaijan peace deal came into force, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nagorno-karabakh-azerbaijan-claims-capture-of-major-city-armenia-refutes-claim-341688"> Armenian</a> government today arrested at least 10 opposition leaders for their role in anti-government protests as public anger over the Nagorno-Karabakh&nbsp;agreement boiled&nbsp;over into the streets.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/armenians-and-azerbaijanis-live-in-harmony-in-georgian-village-342606/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

PM Nikol Pashinyan had announced the Nagorno-Karabakh&nbsp;peace deal on Tuesday which indicated clear gains of Azerbaijan which was taken up by demonstrators at home. Under the deal, Armenia agreed to cede parts of the disputed region to Azerbaijan as it sparked public anger.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-and-azerbaijan-agree-on-a-deal-with-russia-to-end-conflict-342031">Also Read:&nbsp;Armenia and Azerbaijan agree on a deal with Russia to end conflict</a>

People came out on the streets to demand PM Pashinyan's resignation over the&nbsp;Nagorno-Karabakh agreement in Yerevan even as several opposition leaders were arrested by government forces.

Fighting between Azerbaijan and ver Nagorno-Karabakh had erupted on September 27 as the Minsk group comprising of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-militarys-mi-24-helicopter-shot-down-in-armenia-2-killed-342006">Russia</a>, United States and France intervened to stop the fighting.&nbsp;

Russia was able to broker a peace deal after Armenian and Azerbaijan ministers had met in Russia but both sides opened fire on the ground just hours after the ceasefire agreement.

Both sides engaged in sporadic shelling throughout the month as Russian President Putin&nbsp;seen as a close ally of Azerbaijan sought to broker peace between the two warring sides once again. Azerbaijan is a close ally of Turkey from whom it had bought drones during the conflict with Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile, Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that a Russian delegation will visit Turkey to discuss the creation of a joint centre for monitoring the peace deal.&nbsp;

Russian peacekeepers set out for the region on Wednesday as the country prepared to send military personnel and armoured personnel carriers as part of the peacekeeping mission.

As the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal came into force, the Armenian government today arrested at least 10 opposition leaders for their role in anti-government protests as public anger over the Nagorno-Karabakh agreement boiled over into the streets.

As the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal came into force, the Armenian government today arrested at least 10 opposition leaders for their role in anti-government protests as public anger over the Nagorno-Karabakh agreement boiled over into the streets. Watch: PM Nikol Pashinyan had announced the Nagorno-Karabakh peace deal on Tuesday which indicated clear gains of Azerbaijan which was taken up by demonstrators at home. Under the deal, Armenia agreed to cede parts of the disputed region to Azerbaijan as it sparked public anger. Also Read: Armenia and Azerbaijan agree on a deal with Russia to end conflict People came out on the streets to demand PM Pashinyan's resignation over the Nagorno-Karabakh agreement in Yerevan even as several opposition leaders were arrested by government forces. Fighting between Azerbaijan and ver Nagorno-Karabakh had erupted on September 27 as the Minsk group comprising of Russia, United States and France intervened to stop the fighting. Russia was able to broker a peace deal after Armenian and Azerbaijan ministers had met in Russia but both sides opened fire on the ground just hours after the ceasefire agreement. Both sides engaged in sporadic shelling throughout the month as Russian President Putin seen as a close ally of Azerbaijan sought to broker peace between the two warring sides once again. Azerbaijan is a close ally of Turkey from whom it had bought drones during the conflict with Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that a Russian delegation will visit Turkey to discuss the creation of a joint centre for monitoring the peace deal. Russian peacekeepers set out for the region on Wednesday as the country prepared to send military personnel and armoured personnel carriers as part of the peacekeeping mission.

Armenia arrests opposition leaders as protests erupt over Nagorno-Karabakh deal with Azerbaijan

Russian military said that its peacekeepers have been deployed in the Nagorno-Karabakh region after a peace agreement was reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-armenia-azerbaijan-sign-a-peace-deal-342274/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Russia, 400 military personnel arrived in Armenia with peacekeepers in control of the Lachin corridor. Russia is expected to deploy armoured personnel carriers as well in an attempt to enforce peace in the region beset with war between &nbsp;Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The peace push comes as demonstrators took to streets in capital Yerevan against PM Pashinyan's decision to sign the peace deal with Azerbaijan. Pashinyan had said earlier that the deal was "unspeakably painful for me and for our people".

The peace deal ended over six weeks of war with 1,400 dead and several displaced. The two sides earlier reached a peace agreement in Moscow but it fell soon after as the two sides opened fire on each other.

Under the new agreement, Azerbaijan will retain control over areas seized in the fighting including Shusha which is a key town. Armenia on the other hand has agreed to a timetable to withdraw from large parts of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The peace deal is being seen as a clear gain for Azerbaijan even as protests broke out in Armenia.

The Nagorno-Karabakh region has been a bone of contention between Armenia and Azerbaijan since 1994 after the breakup of the former Soviet Union in the early 90s.

Russian military said that its peacekeepers have been deployed in the Nagorno-Karabakh region after a peace agreement was reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Russian military said that its peacekeepers have been deployed in the Nagorno-Karabakh region after a peace agreement was reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Watch: According to Russia, 400 military personnel arrived in Armenia with peacekeepers in control of the Lachin corridor. Russia is expected to deploy armoured personnel carriers as well in an attempt to enforce peace in the region beset with war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The peace push comes as demonstrators took to streets in capital Yerevan against PM Pashinyan's decision to sign the peace deal with Azerbaijan. Pashinyan had said earlier that the deal was "unspeakably painful for me and for our people". The peace deal ended over six weeks of war with 1,400 dead and several displaced. The two sides earlier reached a peace agreement in Moscow but it fell soon after as the two sides opened fire on each other. Under the new agreement, Azerbaijan will retain control over areas seized in the fighting including Shusha which is a key town. Armenia on the other hand has agreed to a timetable to withdraw from large parts of Nagorno-Karabakh. The peace deal is being seen as a clear gain for Azerbaijan even as protests broke out in Armenia. The Nagorno-Karabakh region has been a bone of contention between Armenia and Azerbaijan since 1994 after the breakup of the former Soviet Union in the early 90s.

Protests in Armenia over peace deal with Azerbaijan as Russian peacekeepers arrive

Amid peace moves in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the Kremlin said today that there is no agreement on the deployment of Turkish peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Watch:&nbsp;

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Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia sign deal to end Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nagorno-karabakh-azerbaijan-claims-capture-of-major-city-armenia-refutes-claim-341688">Also Read:&nbsp;Azerbaijan claims capture of major city, Armenia refutes claim</a>

Russia is set to dispatch nearly 2,000 peacekeepers as Russia brokered an agreement between the two warring countries set to come into effect at 1:00 am local time (2100 GMT).

However, there were protests in Armenia as people demonstrated against the reported loss of terrority to Azerbaijan.

Earlier, Azerbaijani President Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Putin had announced a ceasefire as reports indicated that Azerbaijan had gained territories.

Azerbaijan is set to retain control over areas gained during the fighting, including the key town of Shusha.

Russia informed that peacekeepers were on their way including military personnel and armoured personnel carriers.

After the ceasefire was announced, Armenia had said that combat operation was suspended.

Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry said that the military death toll had climbed to 1,302 as Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a new agreement after over a month of fighting since agreeing to a ceasefire in Moscow earlier.

Amid peace moves in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the Kremlin said today that there is no agreement on the deployment of Turkish peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Amid peace moves in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the Kremlin said today that there is no agreement on the deployment of Turkish peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh. Watch: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia sign deal to end Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Also Read: Azerbaijan claims capture of major city, Armenia refutes claim Russia is set to dispatch nearly 2,000 peacekeepers as Russia brokered an agreement between the two warring countries set to come into effect at 1:00 am local time (2100 GMT). However, there were protests in Armenia as people demonstrated against the reported loss of terrority to Azerbaijan. Earlier, Azerbaijani President Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Putin had announced a ceasefire as reports indicated that Azerbaijan had gained territories. Azerbaijan is set to retain control over areas gained during the fighting, including the key town of Shusha. Russia informed that peacekeepers were on their way including military personnel and armoured personnel carriers. After the ceasefire was announced, Armenia had said that combat operation was suspended. Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry said that the military death toll had climbed to 1,302 as Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a new agreement after over a month of fighting since agreeing to a ceasefire in Moscow earlier.

No agreement on deployment of Turkish peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh: Russia

Armenia reported heavy shelling in Stepanakert by Azerbaijani forces as the fighting over disputed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/i-hope-nagorno-karabakh-conflict-doesnt-go-the-syrian-way-says-ex-indian-ambassador-to-armenia-338818">Nagorno-Karabakh</a> region continues.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-fresh-ceasefire-commitment-from-karabakh-warring-sides-russia-aids-armenia-339144">Also Read:&nbsp;No fresh ceasefire commitment from Karabakh warring sides; Russia aids Armenia</a>

The Armenian defence ministry said "intensive and fierce combat" was reported overnight outside Shusha where an Armenian cathedral was destroyed last month. Reports indicated that several houses were on fire after the bombardment.

However, Azerbaijan dismissed the claim calling it &nbsp;"completely untrue" and "misinformation" even as reports said buildings and public infrastructure in Stepanakert were targeted.

Although both sides had reached a ceasefire agreement in Moscow last month however fighting started almost immediately with both sides opening fire.

The Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry has said at least 1,170 troops have been killed so far with 1,000 civilians reportedly dead.

France, Russia and the United States comprising the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-backed-ceasefire-appears-to-fail-as-azerbaijan-accuses-armenia-of-missile-attack-338373">Minsk group</a> had earlier tried to broker peace between the two warring sides, however, the uncertain peace lasted just a few hours.

Armenian PM Pashinyan has appealed to ally Russia for military support, while Azerbaijan has Turkey's backing.

At least 30,000 people have died since hostilities started between the two countries in the mid-1990s after the breakup of the former Soviet Union.

Armenia reported heavy shelling in Stepanakert by Azerbaijani forces as the fighting over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region continues. Also Read: No fresh ceasefire commitment from Karabakh warring sides; Russia aids Armenia The Armenian defence ministry said "intensive and fierce combat" was reported overnight outside Shusha where an Armenian cathedral was destroyed last month.

Armenia reported heavy shelling in Stepanakert by Azerbaijani forces as the fighting over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region continues. Also Read: No fresh ceasefire commitment from Karabakh warring sides; Russia aids Armenia The Armenian defence ministry said "intensive and fierce combat" was reported overnight outside Shusha where an Armenian cathedral was destroyed last month. Reports indicated that several houses were on fire after the bombardment. However, Azerbaijan dismissed the claim calling it "completely untrue" and "misinformation" even as reports said buildings and public infrastructure in Stepanakert were targeted. Although both sides had reached a ceasefire agreement in Moscow last month however fighting started almost immediately with both sides opening fire. The Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry has said at least 1,170 troops have been killed so far with 1,000 civilians reportedly dead. France, Russia and the United States comprising the Minsk group had earlier tried to broker peace between the two warring sides, however, the uncertain peace lasted just a few hours. Armenian PM Pashinyan has appealed to ally Russia for military support, while Azerbaijan has Turkey's backing. At least 30,000 people have died since hostilities started between the two countries in the mid-1990s after the breakup of the former Soviet Union.

Azerbaijan, Armenia engage in heavy fighting near key town in Karabakh

Nagorno-Karabakh's largest city faced heavy shelling on Thursday, as Reporters Without Borders -- a nonprofit group -- called for the safe evacuation of civilians who it says are trapped in Stepanakert.

Reporters Without Borders called on the United Nations, the Council of Europe and Azerbaijan "to do everything possible" to allow an evacuation of civilians, including 80 local and foreign journalists.

The city was under shelling before turning off the handset to avoid the risk of detection.

Some reporters had left the city via a northern route because the main road to the Armenian capital, Yerevan, via the strategic region of Lachin was also under fire.

The ethnic Armenian-controlled Nagorno-Karabakh Emergency and Rescue Service said on Thursday that Stepanakert - called Khankendi by Azerbaijan - was being shelled by Azeri forces.

It said heavy artillery had also been used in the town of Martuni, known by Azerbaijan as Khojavend, while Shushi, or Shusha - the enclave's second-largest city - had been damaged by shelling.

Azerbaijan's defence ministry denied these accusations. It said the city of Terter and a nearby village, as well as villages in the Aghdam region in the east of the conflict zone, had been shelled. Ethnic Armenian forces denied this.

Azerbaijan's defence ministry also said combat operations continued "with varying intensity" around Aghdere - Martakert, in Armenian - and Khojavend.

The worst fighting in the South Caucasus for more than 25 years has underlined the influence of Turkey, an ally of Azerbaijan, in a region once part of the Soviet Union and long dominated by Moscow, which has a defence pact with Armenia.

Three ceasefires have failed to hold while attacks by both sides resumed within hours of an agreement by the warring sides last Friday to avoid targeting civilians.

The ethnic Armenian-controlled Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry says 1,177 of its troops have been killed since Sept. 27. Azerbaijan does not disclose its military casualties, while Russia has estimated 5,000 deaths on both sides.

Nagorno-Karabakh's largest city faced heavy shelling on Thursday, as Reporters Without Borders -- a nonprofit group -- called for the safe evacuation of civilians who it says are trapped in Stepanakert.

Nagorno-Karabakh's largest city faced heavy shelling on Thursday, as Reporters Without Borders -- a nonprofit group -- called for the safe evacuation of civilians who it says are trapped in Stepanakert. Reporters Without Borders called on the United Nations, the Council of Europe and Azerbaijan "to do everything possible" to allow an evacuation of civilians, including 80 local and foreign journalists. The city was under shelling before turning off the handset to avoid the risk of detection. Some reporters had left the city via a northern route because the main road to the Armenian capital, Yerevan, via the strategic region of Lachin was also under fire. The ethnic Armenian-controlled Nagorno-Karabakh Emergency and Rescue Service said on Thursday that Stepanakert - called Khankendi by Azerbaijan - was being shelled by Azeri forces. It said heavy artillery had also been used in the town of Martuni, known by Azerbaijan as Khojavend, while Shushi, or Shusha - the enclave's second-largest city - had been damaged by shelling. Azerbaijan's defence ministry denied these accusations. It said the city of Terter and a nearby village, as well as villages in the Aghdam region in the east of the conflict zone, had been shelled. Ethnic Armenian forces denied this. Azerbaijan's defence ministry also said combat operations continued "with varying intensity" around Aghdere - Martakert, in Armenian - and Khojavend. The worst fighting in the South Caucasus for more than 25 years has underlined the influence of Turkey, an ally of Azerbaijan, in a region once part of the Soviet Union and long dominated by Moscow, which has a defence pact with Armenia. Three ceasefires have failed to hold while attacks by both sides resumed within hours of an agreement by the warring sides last Friday to avoid targeting civilians. The ethnic Armenian-controlled Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry says 1,177 of its troops have been killed since Sept. 27. Azerbaijan does not disclose its military casualties, while Russia has estimated 5,000 deaths on both sides.

Heavy shelling hits Nagorno-Karabakh's largest city, no signs of truce

In this episode of The Interview, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay spoke to Assistant to the Azerbaijani First Vice-President Ambassador Elchin Amirbayov. Ambassador Elchin Amirbayov spoke on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, tensions running between France and the Islamic world and more.

The Interview: In conversation with Ambassador Elchin Amirbayov on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

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.

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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

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

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

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

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

Fresh clashes erupt in Nagorno-Karabakh after Washington talks 

Hopes of ending nearly a month of bloodshed in the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh look slim&nbsp;as Azeri and ethnic Armenian forces fought new battles on the eve of talks in Washington.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow believed that nearly 5,000 people had been killed in fighting between Azerbaijan and ethnic&nbsp;Armenian forces over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

"There are a lot of casualties on both sides, more than 2,000 on each side," Putin told a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club.

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Putin added that he speaks to leaders of&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;and Azerbaijan several times a day by phone in order to reach a settlement. But those hopes have been dented by the continued heavy fighting in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway territory that is inside Azerbaijan but controlled by ethnic Armenians, and by angry rhetoric from both sides.

Nagorno-Karabakh said 874 of its military personnel had been killed since Sept. 27, in addition to 37 civilians. Azerbaijan says 61 Azeri civilians have been killed and 291 wounded but has not disclosed its military casualties.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo&nbsp;met separately with the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia in a new attempt to end nearly a month of bloodshed

The collapse of two Russia-brokered ceasefires has dimmed hopes of a quick end to fighting that broke out on September&nbsp;27 over Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway territory that is within Azerbaijan but is controlled by ethnic Armenians.

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.

Shortly before the Washington talks were due to start, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul that he hoped Moscow and Ankara could work together on resolving the conflict.

Pompeo is expected to hold separate talks with Bayramov and Mnatsakanyan. It is not clear whether the two former Soviet republics' ministers will meet directly.

Pompeo said this week he hoped the "right path forward" could be found at the talks, but Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he saw no diplomatic resolution of the long-running conflict at this stage.

Azeri&nbsp;President Ilham Aliyev has described the prospects of reaching a peace settlement as "very remote", and demanded promises that Azerbaijan will be handed back control of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azeri forces, bolstered by weapons bought from Turkey, say they have made territorial gains in the latest fighting, including full control over the border with Iran, though Nagorno-Karabakh says its forces have repeatedly repulsed attacks.

About 30,000 people were killed in a 1991-94 war over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenians regard the territory as part of their historic homeland and accuse Azerbaijan of making a land grab in the recent fighting.

Hopes of ending nearly a month of bloodshed in the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh look slim as Azeri and ethnic Armenian forces fought new battles on the eve of talks in Washington.

Hopes of ending nearly a month of bloodshed in the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh look slim as Azeri and ethnic Armenian forces fought new battles on the eve of talks in Washington. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow believed that nearly 5,000 people had been killed in fighting between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. "There are a lot of casualties on both sides, more than 2,000 on each side," Putin told a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club. Putin added that he speaks to leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan several times a day by phone in order to reach a settlement. But those hopes have been dented by the continued heavy fighting in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway territory that is inside Azerbaijan but controlled by ethnic Armenians, and by angry rhetoric from both sides. Nagorno-Karabakh said 874 of its military personnel had been killed since Sept. 27, in addition to 37 civilians. Azerbaijan says 61 Azeri civilians have been killed and 291 wounded but has not disclosed its military casualties. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met separately with the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia in a new attempt to end nearly a month of bloodshed The collapse of two Russia-brokered ceasefires has dimmed hopes of a quick end to fighting that broke out on September 27 over Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway territory that is within Azerbaijan but is controlled by ethnic Armenians. 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. Shortly before the Washington talks were due to start, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul that he hoped Moscow and Ankara could work together on resolving the conflict. Pompeo is expected to hold separate talks with Bayramov and Mnatsakanyan. It is not clear whether the two former Soviet republics' ministers will meet directly. Pompeo said this week he hoped the "right path forward" could be found at the talks, but Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he saw no diplomatic resolution of the long-running conflict at this stage. Azeri President Ilham Aliyev has described the prospects of reaching a peace settlement as "very remote", and demanded promises that Azerbaijan will be handed back control of Nagorno-Karabakh. Azeri forces, bolstered by weapons bought from Turkey, say they have made territorial gains in the latest fighting, including full control over the border with Iran, though Nagorno-Karabakh says its forces have repeatedly repulsed attacks. About 30,000 people were killed in a 1991-94 war over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenians regard the territory as part of their historic homeland and accuse Azerbaijan of making a land grab in the recent fighting.

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Continued fighting, shuttled diplomatic efforts before Washington talks

The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has improved in the last couple of days. Fighting between Armenia & Azerbaijan has paused. In this period of relative calm a new bakery has opened in Karabakh's capital.

Bakery in Karabakh's capital is supplying free bread to soldiers & residents

Turkey&nbsp;has reiterated its support for Azerbaijan as hopes of ending nearly a month of bloodshed in the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh were receding.

Speaking at a military drill on Wednesday, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Ankara is ready to give every support to Azerbaijan, amid new battles ahead of Washington talks.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/azerbaijan-armenia-conflict-the-human-cost-of-war-in-pictures-333182">Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict: The human cost of war in pictures</a>

Turkey&nbsp;has said it will not hesitate to send soldiers and provide military support for Azerbaijan if such a request is made by its close ally.

Plans for US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to meet the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia on Friday raised hopes this week that the two former Soviet republics would agree to end their deadliest fighting since the mid-1990s.

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But those hopes have been dented by the continued heavy fighting in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway territory which is inside Azerbaijan but controlled by ethnic Armenians, and by angry rhetoric from both sides.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Wednesday he could see no diplomatic resolution of the long-running conflict at this stage.

In a transcript of comments to the Nikkei newspaper published on Thursday, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said the prospects of reaching a peace settlement were "very remote".

Reiterating Azerbaijan's main condition for ending the fighting, Aliyev demanded promises that his country will be handed back control of Nagorno-Karabakh, which broke away as the Soviet Union collapsed.

"So our main objective at these discussions will be to find out whether the Armenian leadership is ready to liberate our territories or not, and if ready, then when?" he said.

Armenians regard Nagorno-Karabakh as part of their historic homeland and accuse Azerbaijan of making a land grab in the recent fighting.

Aliyev said he would not rule out "cultural autonomy" for ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh but not say what he meant by this.

Turkey has reiterated its support for Azerbaijan as hopes of ending nearly a month of bloodshed in the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh were receding. Speaking at a military drill on Wednesday, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Ankara is ready to give every support to Azerbaijan, amid new battles ahead of Washington talks.

Turkey has reiterated its support for Azerbaijan as hopes of ending nearly a month of bloodshed in the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh were receding. Speaking at a military drill on Wednesday, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Ankara is ready to give every support to Azerbaijan, amid new battles ahead of Washington talks. Also see: Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict: The human cost of war in pictures Turkey has said it will not hesitate to send soldiers and provide military support for Azerbaijan if such a request is made by its close ally. Plans for US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to meet the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia on Friday raised hopes this week that the two former Soviet republics would agree to end their deadliest fighting since the mid-1990s. But those hopes have been dented by the continued heavy fighting in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway territory which is inside Azerbaijan but controlled by ethnic Armenians, and by angry rhetoric from both sides. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Wednesday he could see no diplomatic resolution of the long-running conflict at this stage. In a transcript of comments to the Nikkei newspaper published on Thursday, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said the prospects of reaching a peace settlement were "very remote". Reiterating Azerbaijan's main condition for ending the fighting, Aliyev demanded promises that his country will be handed back control of Nagorno-Karabakh, which broke away as the Soviet Union collapsed. "So our main objective at these discussions will be to find out whether the Armenian leadership is ready to liberate our territories or not, and if ready, then when?" he said. Armenians regard Nagorno-Karabakh as part of their historic homeland and accuse Azerbaijan of making a land grab in the recent fighting. Aliyev said he would not rule out "cultural autonomy" for ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh but not say what he meant by this.

Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire: Hopes diminish after Turkey reaffirms support for Azerbaijan

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

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

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

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

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-americans-are-dying-from-covid-19-at-double-the-rate-of-white-americans-kamala-harris-336120">Black Americans are dying from Covid-19 at double the rate of white Americans: Kamala Harris</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/01/22/81407-untitled-design-16.jpg?itok=KhLPalBC" />Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Monday said the black Americans are dying from COVID-19 at 2x the rate of white Americans. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nagorno-karabakh-within-hours-of-new-ceasefire-armenia-accuses-azerbaijan-of-violation-336116">Nagorno-Karabakh: Within hours of new ceasefire, Armenia accuses Azerbaijan of violation</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/10/18/165430-armenia-azerbaijan-truce.jpg?itok=eB_QsRGx" />

Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to a new ceasefire on Saturday. However, within hours of it coming into effect, Armenia accused Azerbaijan of violating it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-at-least-5-injured-in-blast-fire-at-virginia-shopping-mall-336121">US: At least 5 injured in blast, fire at Virginia shopping mall</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/10/18/165431-virginia-final.jpg?itok=M-f4BGgY" />

A blast and a large fire injured at least five in Virginia (USA) on Saturday morning (local time). The blast took place in a shopping center in Harrisonburg in Virginia. 
 
&nbsp;

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Black Americans are dying from Covid-19 at double the rate of white Americans: Kamala Harris Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Monday said the black Americans are dying from COVID-19 at 2x the rate of white Americans.

Black Americans are dying from Covid-19 at double the rate of white Americans: Kamala Harris Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Monday said the black Americans are dying from COVID-19 at 2x the rate of white Americans. Nagorno-Karabakh: Within hours of new ceasefire, Armenia accuses Azerbaijan of violation Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to a new ceasefire on Saturday. However, within hours of it coming into effect, Armenia accused Azerbaijan of violating it. US: At least 5 injured in blast, fire at Virginia shopping mall A blast and a large fire injured at least five in Virginia (USA) on Saturday morning (local time). The blast took place in a shopping center in Harrisonburg in Virginia.

Morning news brief: US covid-19 cases, Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict & more

Armenia and Azerbaijan agree on new humanitarian ceasefire

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

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.

Days after reaching a ceasefire agreement, Armenian and Azerbaijan forces engaged in new fighting as the US urged the two sides to observe the ceasefire.

Watch:

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The fighting which began on September 27 over the disputed<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/humanitarian-crisis-feared-as-nagorno-karabakh-ceasefire-buckles-335077"> Nagorno-Karabakh</a> region has led to at least 600 deaths including 73 civilians as the International Red Cross said that "once-busy streets are being reduced to rubble".

Earlier, &nbsp;Azerbaijan and Armenian troops had accused each other of breaking the ceasefire as heavy shelling was reported in several areas despite the ceasefire.

"The United States calls on Azerbaijan and Armenia to implement their commitments to a ceasefire as agreed and cease targeting civilian areas," US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said amid the fighting between the two sides even as the Minsk Group urged both nations to "to take immediate steps" to implement the ceasefire.

The members of the Minsk group including Russia, France and the United States have warned of "catastrophic consequences for the region" if the fighting continues.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan's ally Turkey said it wanted four-way talks between Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey.

"Since Russia is on Armenia's side and we, Turkey, support Azerbaijan, let's meet as a foursome to discuss resolving these problems," Turkey's government said, adding,"if the Minsk Group hasn't been able to find a solution for more than 30 years, it's time to find a new mechanism."

The disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan comprises of Armenian majority and became a flashpoint between the two countries after the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. Both countries had fought each other in the early 90s leading to the deaths of at least 30,000 people however a truce was brokered in 1994.

Days after reaching a ceasefire agreement, Armenian and Azerbaijan forces engaged in new fighting as the US urged the two sides to observe the ceasefire. Watch: The fighting which began on September 27 over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region has led to at least 600 deaths including 73 civilians as the International Red Cross said that "once-busy streets are being reduced to rubble".

Days after reaching a ceasefire agreement, Armenian and Azerbaijan forces engaged in new fighting as the US urged the two sides to observe the ceasefire. Watch: The fighting which began on September 27 over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region has led to at least 600 deaths including 73 civilians as the International Red Cross said that "once-busy streets are being reduced to rubble". Earlier, Azerbaijan and Armenian troops had accused each other of breaking the ceasefire as heavy shelling was reported in several areas despite the ceasefire. "The United States calls on Azerbaijan and Armenia to implement their commitments to a ceasefire as agreed and cease targeting civilian areas," US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said amid the fighting between the two sides even as the Minsk Group urged both nations to "to take immediate steps" to implement the ceasefire. The members of the Minsk group including Russia, France and the United States have warned of "catastrophic consequences for the region" if the fighting continues. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan's ally Turkey said it wanted four-way talks between Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey. "Since Russia is on Armenia's side and we, Turkey, support Azerbaijan, let's meet as a foursome to discuss resolving these problems," Turkey's government said, adding,"if the Minsk Group hasn't been able to find a solution for more than 30 years, it's time to find a new mechanism." The disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan comprises of Armenian majority and became a flashpoint between the two countries after the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. Both countries had fought each other in the early 90s leading to the deaths of at least 30,000 people however a truce was brokered in 1994.

Armenia, Azerbaijan continue fighting amid rising death toll

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