Armenia Rejects Azerbaijani Allegations of Ceasefire Violation, Calls for Joint Investigation Mechanism
YEREVAN, Armenia – Tensions continue to simmer between Armenia and Azerbaijan following fresh allegations of ceasefire violations by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense. Armenia has categorically denied these claims, labeling them as disinformation and reiterating its commitment to regional stability. The accusations center around alleged firing by Armenian forces on Azerbaijani positions in the eastern sector of their shared border on March 19th. The Armenian Ministry of Defense swiftly responded, dismissing the Azerbaijani narrative as baseless and not reflecting the reality on the ground.
This recent exchange highlights the persistent fragility of the ceasefire agreement between the two nations, a precarious peace constantly threatened by accusations and counter-accusations. The disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, a landlocked territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but with a predominantly Armenian population, remains the epicenter of this long-standing conflict. Decades of hostility, punctuated by periodic outbreaks of violence, have left a legacy of mistrust and suspicion that continues to fuel the ongoing tensions.
In a proactive move towards de-escalation and transparency, Armenia has proposed the establishment of a joint mechanism with Azerbaijan to investigate ceasefire violations and related reports. This initiative, put forth by the Armenian Prime Minister’s Office, aims to create a neutral platform for verifying claims and preventing the escalation of incidents based on unsubstantiated allegations. However, despite the potential for enhancing mutual trust and promoting accountability, Azerbaijan has yet to respond to this proposal.
Armenia’s commitment to this joint investigation mechanism underscores its dedication to resolving disputes through peaceful dialogue and fact-finding. The Armenian Ministry of Defense has formally declared its willingness to investigate the allegations leveled by Azerbaijan, provided that concrete evidence is presented to substantiate the claims. This stance reflects a commitment to transparency and a desire to address concerns through established procedures rather than engaging in a cycle of accusations and denials.
The absence of a response from Azerbaijan regarding the joint investigation mechanism raises concerns about its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. The Armenian Ministry of Defense has emphasized that, as of the current time, Azerbaijan has not provided any factual evidence or justification to support its claims of ceasefire violations by the Armenian Armed Forces. This lack of transparency further complicates efforts to establish trust and build a foundation for lasting peace in the region.
The international community plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and encouraging both sides to adhere to the ceasefire agreement. Continued efforts towards mediation and conflict resolution are essential to prevent further escalation and promote a peaceful resolution to the long-standing disputes between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The establishment of a joint investigation mechanism, as proposed by Armenia, represents a significant step towards building trust and promoting stability in the region. It is imperative that Azerbaijan engages with this proposal and demonstrates a commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful and transparent means. The future of peace and stability in the South Caucasus hinges on the willingness of both nations to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground.