Armenia Rejects Azerbaijani Accusations of Border Fire, Proposes Joint Investigation Mechanism
Yerevan, Armenia – March 17, 2025 – Tensions continue to simmer between Armenia and Azerbaijan as the Armenian Ministry of Defense vehemently denies fresh accusations from Baku of cross-border firing. Azerbaijan’s defense ministry claimed that Armenian forces targeted Azerbaijani positions in the eastern and southeastern sectors of the border between 01:25 and 12:55 local time on March 17. Armenia has categorically dismissed these allegations as disinformation, further escalating the war of words between the two nations. This latest incident adds to a growing list of disputed accounts of border skirmishes, raising concerns over the fragile peace in the region.
Amidst the ongoing accusations, the Armenian government has taken a proactive step towards de-escalation and transparency. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s office has formally proposed the establishment of a joint Armenia-Azerbaijan investigative mechanism. This mechanism would aim to impartially investigate ceasefire violations and related reports, providing a neutral platform for verifying claims and counterclaims. Such a mechanism, if implemented, could significantly contribute to reducing tensions and fostering trust between the two sides. However, Azerbaijan has yet to respond to this proposal, leaving its fate uncertain.
Armenia has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability. The Ministry of Defense has affirmed its willingness to investigate any claims made by Azerbaijan, provided that Baku presents concrete evidence to support its accusations. This commitment echoes Prime Minister Pashinyan’s stance and underscores Armenia’s desire to resolve disputes through dialogue and fact-finding rather than escalating rhetoric. The absence of a response from Azerbaijan regarding the joint investigation mechanism, coupled with the continued accusations, raises questions about Baku’s commitment to de-escalation.
The recent accusations are not isolated incidents. On March 16, the Armenian defense ministry refuted three separate disinformation statements issued by its Azerbaijani counterpart. This pattern of accusations and denials highlights the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations and the urgent need for a reliable mechanism to verify claims and prevent further escalation. The recurring nature of these incidents underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the potential for miscalculation or deliberate provocation to reignite conflict.
In contrast to the claims and counterclaims, the European Union monitoring mission, which operates in the region, has reported a calm situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. The mission noted no unusual activity during the period in question, further casting doubt on the veracity of Azerbaijan’s allegations. The EU mission’s assessment provides an independent perspective on the situation on the ground, lending weight to Armenia’s denials and highlighting the importance of neutral observation in a volatile environment.
The ongoing tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan underscores the precarious nature of the peace in the region. The continued exchange of accusations, coupled with Azerbaijan’s lack of response to the proposed joint investigation mechanism, raises concerns about the potential for further escalation. The international community must urge both sides to engage in constructive dialogue, embrace transparency mechanisms, and refrain from actions that could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire. The establishment of a credible mechanism for verifying ceasefire violations is crucial to building trust and preventing further conflict. The EU monitoring mission’s assessment provides a valuable independent perspective and highlights the importance of continued international observation and engagement in the region. The future of peace in the region depends on both sides demonstrating a genuine commitment to de-escalation and a peaceful resolution of their differences.