Armenia Rejects Azerbaijani Accusations of Cross-Border Fire, Calls for Joint Investigation Mechanism
YEREVAN, Armenia – Tensions continue to simmer between Armenia and Azerbaijan as the Armenian Ministry of Defense categorically refutes fresh allegations of cross-border firing by Azerbaijani authorities. The accusations, which surfaced Wednesday, claim that Armenian Armed Forces units opened fire on Azerbaijani combat positions in the eastern and southeastern sectors of the border between 10:20 p.m. on March 18 and 1:40 a.m. on March 19. Dismissing the claims as "not corresponding to reality," the Armenian Ministry of Defense reiterated its commitment to upholding the ceasefire and called on Azerbaijan to engage in a constructive dialogue to address the recurring allegations. This latest incident underscores the fragile nature of the peace process between the two nations, particularly in the wake of recent progress in negotiations over a peace treaty.
The Armenian government has proactively proposed the establishment of a joint mechanism for investigating ceasefire violations and related reports, a move aimed at promoting transparency and accountability along the volatile border. However, this initiative has been met with silence from Baku, raising concerns about Azerbaijan’s commitment to de-escalation and peaceful conflict resolution. The Armenian Ministry of Defense has expressed its willingness to investigate the Azerbaijani claims if supporting evidence is provided. This request for concrete proof aligns with Armenia’s consistent position of seeking verifiable information to address such accusations, thereby preventing further escalation and fostering a climate of trust between the two sides. To date, Azerbaijan has not furnished any evidence to substantiate its allegations.
This recent exchange of accusations follows a period of relative calm as both countries announced successful conclusions to negotiations surrounding the terms of a peace treaty. This positive development, which held the promise of a lasting peace after decades of conflict, has been overshadowed by a wave of allegations from the Azerbaijani side, accusing Armenia of repeated ceasefire breaches. These accusations, consistently denied by the Armenian military and lacking any supporting evidence, raise questions about the motivations behind this renewed wave of tension.
The international community, including the European Union monitoring mission in Armenia, has also cast doubt on the Azerbaijani claims, further isolating Baku in its accusations. The EU mission’s denial of the border shootings lends further credence to Armenia’s position and underscores the need for an impartial investigation into these recurring incidents. The lack of independent corroboration of the Azerbaijani claims raises serious concerns about the potential for manufactured tensions and the spread of disinformation, which could jeopardize the fragile peace process.
The ongoing dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh region remains a central point of contention between the two countries. The disputed territory, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, has been a source of conflict for decades, with Armenia supporting the self-declared Republic of Artsakh, predominantly populated by ethnic Armenians. While recent negotiations offered a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution, the current escalation of accusations threatens to undermine the progress achieved and reignite tensions in the region.
The international community has a crucial role to play in mediating this escalating situation and urging both sides to refrain from actions that could further destabilize the region. Encouraging Azerbaijan to engage with Armenia’s proposal for a joint investigation mechanism is a vital step towards building trust and promoting transparency. Furthermore, the international community must hold both parties accountable for adhering to the ceasefire agreement and work towards a sustainable peace based on mutual respect and recognition of each other’s concerns. The future of peace and stability in the South Caucasus hinges on a commitment to dialogue and a willingness to address the root causes of the conflict, rather than resorting to unsubstantiated accusations and escalating tensions.