Armenia Rejects Azerbaijani Accusations of Border Fire, Calls for Joint Investigation Mechanism
YEREVAN – Tensions continue to simmer between Armenia and Azerbaijan following a statement issued by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense (MoD) accusing Armenian forces of firing on Azerbaijani combat positions. The incident allegedly occurred on Wednesday between 1:55 pm and 2:05 pm in the southeastern section of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. The Armenian MoD has categorically denied these accusations, labeling them as fabrications and inconsistent with reality. The conflicting reports further highlight the deep-seated mistrust and fragile security situation along the volatile border region.
This latest exchange of accusations comes amid ongoing efforts to establish a lasting peace between the two countries, which have been locked in a protracted conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region for decades. Armenia has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution and has proposed concrete steps to de-escalate tensions and build confidence. A key part of this strategy has been the proposal for a joint mechanism to investigate ceasefire violations and other incidents along the border. This mechanism, according to Armenia, would provide a transparent and impartial means of verifying claims and holding those responsible accountable, thereby preventing the escalation of tensions based on unverified information.
The Armenian government, through the Office of the Prime Minister, has formally extended this proposal to Azerbaijan. However, to date, there has been no official response from Baku. This lack of engagement raises concerns about Azerbaijan’s commitment to de-escalation and finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. The absence of a joint investigation mechanism allows for conflicting narratives and accusations to persist, further fueling mistrust and hindering progress towards peace. It also creates an environment where misunderstandings or deliberate provocations can quickly escalate into more serious confrontations.
The Armenian MoD, reiterating the government’s stance, has emphasized its readiness to participate in a thorough investigation into the allegations made by Azerbaijan. It has formally called upon the Azerbaijani side to furnish any evidence or data supporting their claims to the Armenian authorities. This commitment to transparency and accountability underscores Armenia’s commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful dialogue and fact-finding, rather than through escalating rhetoric or military action.
The continued absence of a response from Azerbaijan to the proposal for a joint investigation mechanism raises serious questions about the country’s intentions. The lack of engagement not only undermines efforts to establish a stable and secure border but also casts doubt on Azerbaijan’s commitment to finding a lasting peace. The international community has repeatedly called on both sides to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue. Establishing a reliable mechanism for investigating border incidents is a crucial step towards building confidence and reducing the risk of escalation.
The conflicting reports of this latest incident underscore the urgent need for a transparent and impartial mechanism for investigating ceasefire violations. As long as such a mechanism is absent, accusations and counter-accusations will continue to dominate the narrative, hindering progress towards peace and raising the specter of further conflict. The onus is now on Azerbaijan to respond to Armenia’s proposal and demonstrate its commitment to de-escalation and finding a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict. The international community should also actively encourage and support the establishment of a joint investigation mechanism as a vital step towards building lasting peace and stability in the region.