Armenia Rejects Azerbaijani Accusations of Border Fire, Proposes Joint Investigation Mechanism
YEREVAN, Armenia – Tensions continue to simmer between Armenia and Azerbaijan as the Armenian Ministry of Defence vehemently denies accusations leveled by its Azerbaijani counterpart regarding an alleged border incident. Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defence claimed that Armenian Armed Forces units initiated gunfire on Azerbaijani positions in the southeastern sector of the border on March 31 at approximately 11:10 a.m. Armenia has categorically dismissed these allegations as baseless and unsubstantiated, further highlighting Azerbaijan’s reluctance to engage in a constructive dialogue to address such incidents.
The Armenian Ministry of Defence, in a strongly worded statement, refuted the Azerbaijani claims, emphasizing the commitment to regional stability and the pursuit of peaceful resolution mechanisms. The statement underscored Armenia’s willingness to thoroughly investigate any credible evidence related to the alleged incident, provided Azerbaijan furnishes such evidence. This call for transparency and cooperation underscores Armenia’s commitment to de-escalation and fact-finding, contrasting with Azerbaijan’s seemingly evasive stance.
Further amplifying its commitment to transparency, the Armenian Ministry of Defence reiterated the proposal put forth by the Prime Minister’s Office for the establishment of a joint Armenia-Azerbaijan mechanism. This mechanism would be specifically designed to investigate ceasefire violations and related reports, providing a neutral and structured platform for addressing such sensitive issues. The absence of a response from Azerbaijan to this crucial initiative raises concerns about its willingness to engage in good-faith efforts to maintain regional stability.
The proposed joint mechanism, if implemented, would offer a robust framework for addressing ceasefire violations and fostering mutual trust. By jointly investigating incidents, both countries could contribute to a more objective understanding of events, mitigating the potential for miscommunication and escalation. The mechanism would involve independent observers and established protocols, ensuring impartial assessments and fostering accountability. Azerbaijan’s continued silence on this proposal underscores the need for international pressure to encourage constructive dialogue and prevent further escalation.
The lack of engagement from Azerbaijan regarding the joint investigation mechanism raises questions about its commitment to de-escalation. By declining to participate in such a transparent and accountable process, Azerbaijan fuels suspicions and undermines efforts to build trust. The international community should urge Azerbaijan to reconsider its position and actively participate in the proposed joint investigation mechanism. This would send a strong signal of commitment to regional stability and peaceful conflict resolution.
This latest exchange of accusations highlights the fragility of the situation along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and underscores the urgent need for robust conflict resolution mechanisms. The international community, particularly the OSCE Minsk Group, should actively encourage both sides to engage in constructive dialogue and embrace the proposed joint investigation mechanism. This is crucial to prevent further escalations and create a more sustainable environment for peace and stability in the region. The continued lack of a substantive response from Azerbaijan raises concerns about its true intentions and underscores the importance of sustained international pressure to promote dialogue and prevent a resurgence of conflict. The international community must remain vigilant and actively involved in facilitating a peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan.