According to Russian information, Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh have begun handing over weapons. Armenia is preparing for evacuations. The supply situation in the region is becoming increasingly difficult.
According to Russian sources, after the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenian fighters in the region fired hundreds of rifles. The Defense Ministry in Moscow announced that the handover of weapons and military equipment had begun under the control of Russian peacekeepers. In addition to more than 800 rifles, 5,000 rounds of ammunition and six armored vehicles have also been handed out so far.
The majority of Armenians live in Nagorno-Karabakh, which belongs to Azerbaijan under international law. The Azerbaijani army launched a broad military operation in the region on Tuesday. A day later, the Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh agreed to a ceasefire out of necessity. As a result, their representatives announced that they were negotiating with Azerbaijan about the withdrawal of their troops. These negotiations are ongoing and the agreed ceasefire appears to be holding so far.
Difficult ones Supply situation
The struggle also continues over the future of the approximately 120,000 Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan emphasized that it wanted to integrate them into its state. According to their own statements, the Armenians fear “ethnic cleansing”. They are worried about being driven out or oppressed by the new Azerbaijani rulers.
In addition, the supply of goods is apparently becoming problematic. The self-proclaimed government in Nagorno-Karabakh spoke of a very difficult situation for the population. People don’t have enough food, no electricity and no fuel. This is also why Armenia is preparing for a possible evacuation of its compatriots from Nagorno-Karabakh or a large wave of departures should the situation there worsen. According to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, 40,000 places have been prepared.
According to Russian information, at least the first aid deliveries have now arrived in Nagorno-Karabakh. Moscow delivered more than 50 tons of food and other relief supplies. The International Committee of the Red Cross said it had brought hygiene products as well as blankets and fuel to the region.
Scholz demands Safety guarantee
In view of the crisis, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for a security guarantee for the predominantly Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh. For a sustainable solution to the conflict, “the rights and security of the population in Karabakh must be guaranteed,” said government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit on Friday after a telephone conversation between Scholz and the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
The Green Party politician Anton Hofreiter has called for immediate EU sanctions against Azerbaijan in view of the major Azerbaijani attack. The Europeans must “bring themselves to impose economic sanctions, even if it is difficult,” he said.
US representatives also expressed concern during a visit to the Armenian capital Yerevan. The congressional delegation led by Democratic Senator Gary Peters accused Azerbaijan of “unprovoked” attacks against its neighboring country. The authoritarian leadership of President Ilham Aliyev is perpetrating “a humanitarian catastrophe in Nagorno-Karabakh,” Peters wrote in online networks.
Azerbaijan wants to allow aid
Azerbaijan, on the other hand, is trying to allay fears of the Karabakh Armenians. Humanitarian aid could be brought to Karabakh via the Lachin corridor and from the Azerbaijani city of Agdam, a presidential adviser said. The Lachin Corridor is the road connection between Nagorno-Karabakh and the Armenian motherland, which Azerbaijan has kept closed for months. The International Committee of the Red Cross has been assured that it can send aid to the region, said the spokesman.
Also ARD correspondent Marius Reichert, who is on the border between the two countries near the Lachin corridor, reports that aid deliveries are expected by road. Still, “people are trapped in Nagorno-Karabakh. It is blocked.” Although there are assurances from Azerbaijan, these cannot yet be verified.