Armenia Rejects Azerbaijani Claims of Ceasefire Violations, Renews Call for Joint Investigation Mechanism
YEREVAN, Armenia – Tensions continue to simmer between Armenia and Azerbaijan as the Armenian Ministry of Defense categorically refutes recent Azerbaijani allegations of ceasefire violations along the volatile border. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense claimed that Armenian forces opened fire on Azerbaijani positions in the eastern and southeastern sectors of the border between March 18 and 19. However, the Armenian side has vehemently denied these accusations, labeling them as "inconsistent with reality." This latest exchange of accusations highlights the deep-seated mistrust and fragile nature of the ceasefire between the two nations.
The Armenian Ministry of Defense reiterated its commitment to upholding the ceasefire and expressed its willingness to investigate any credible evidence of violations. It emphasized that the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia has previously proposed establishing a joint mechanism with Azerbaijan to investigate ceasefire violations and related reports. This mechanism, Armenia argues, would provide a transparent and impartial platform to address such incidents and prevent further escalation. However, despite repeated calls from Armenia, Azerbaijan has yet to respond to this proposal, further fueling the ongoing tensions.
The Armenian government maintains that Azerbaijan has not provided any factual evidence to support its claims of ceasefire violations. The absence of concrete proof, according to the Armenian side, casts serious doubt on the veracity of the Azerbaijani accusations and underscores the need for a mutually agreed-upon investigative process. Armenia has called upon Azerbaijan to share any supporting evidence with the Armenian side, emphasizing its readiness to conduct a thorough investigation based on verifiable facts.
The ongoing dispute over ceasefire violations is the latest episode in the protracted conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. This mountainous enclave, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, has been a source of contention for decades. The two countries fought two major wars over the territory, the most recent of which took place in 2020. While a Russian-brokered ceasefire agreement brought an end to the large-scale hostilities, sporadic clashes and accusations of ceasefire violations continue to plague the region.
The lack of a permanent peace settlement and the absence of a mutually agreed-upon mechanism to investigate ceasefire violations contribute to the persistent instability along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. International mediators, including the European Union and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), have been working to facilitate dialogue and negotiations between the two sides. However, achieving a lasting peace remains a complex and challenging task.
The international community has urged both Armenia and Azerbaijan to exercise restraint, adhere to the ceasefire agreement, and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully. The establishment of a joint mechanism for investigating ceasefire violations is seen as a crucial step towards building trust and preventing further escalation. The continued exchange of accusations without concrete evidence only serves to deepen the mistrust and prolong the cycle of conflict, hindering efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the region. The international community continues to call for a de-escalation of tensions and a renewed commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.