Armenia Rejects Azerbaijani Accusations of Ceasefire Violations, Calls for Joint Investigation Mechanism
YEREVAN, Armenia – Tensions continue to simmer between Armenia and Azerbaijan following a statement released by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence accusing Armenian forces of violating the ceasefire agreement. The Armenian Ministry of Defence categorically denied these allegations, labeling them as disinformation and part of an ongoing pattern of false accusations. The accusations center around alleged incidents on March 20th, between 12:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., where Azerbaijani positions in the eastern and southeastern sectors of the border zone were supposedly targeted by Armenian units. Armenia insists that no such attacks took place and has challenged Azerbaijan to provide concrete evidence to substantiate their claims.
This latest exchange of accusations underscores the fragility of the ceasefire agreement between the two nations and highlights the urgent need for a reliable mechanism to investigate such claims. The Armenian government, through the Office of the Prime Minister, has proactively proposed the establishment of a joint Armenia-Azerbaijan mechanism for investigating ceasefire violations and related reports. This initiative aims to introduce transparency and accountability into the process, preventing the spread of misinformation and fostering greater trust between the two sides. However, despite the potential benefits of such a mechanism, Azerbaijan has yet to formally respond to the proposal.
The Armenian Ministry of Defence reiterated its commitment to upholding the ceasefire and expressed its willingness to thoroughly investigate the allegations put forth by Azerbaijan, provided that supporting evidence is shared. This commitment reflects Armenia’s stated desire for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict and its dedication to de-escalating tensions in the region. The ministry emphasized the importance of factual accuracy in such sensitive matters and called on Azerbaijan to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to unsubstantiated accusations.
The absence of a concrete response from Azerbaijan to the proposed joint investigation mechanism raises concerns about their commitment to transparency and peaceful conflict resolution. By refusing to engage in a collaborative fact-finding process, Azerbaijan risks perpetuating a cycle of mistrust and escalating tensions. International observers have called on both sides to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue, but without a mechanism for verifying claims and counterclaims, the risk of further misunderstandings and potential escalation remains high.
The disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, an enclave internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but populated primarily by ethnic Armenians, has been a source of conflict for decades. A bloody war erupted in 2020, resulting in significant casualties and territorial changes. While a ceasefire agreement was brokered, sporadic clashes and accusations of ceasefire violations have continued, hindering efforts to achieve a lasting peace. The establishment of a joint investigation mechanism is viewed by many as a crucial step towards building trust and preventing future escalations.
The international community has repeatedly urged both Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage in good-faith negotiations and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The continued exchange of accusations and the lack of progress on establishing a joint investigation mechanism underscore the challenges ahead. As tensions persist, the need for a robust and transparent mechanism to address ceasefire violations becomes increasingly critical to maintaining peace and stability in the region. Armenia’s proactive proposal and Azerbaijan’s reluctance to engage raise questions about the future of the peace process and the commitment of both sides to de-escalation.
