Armenia Rejects Azerbaijani Accusations of Border Fire, Calls for Joint Investigation Mechanism
YEREVAN, Armenia – Tensions continue to simmer between Armenia and Azerbaijan as the Armenian Ministry of Defense (MoD) categorically refuted allegations made by its Azerbaijani counterpart of initiating cross-border fire. The Azerbaijani MoD claimed that Armenian forces opened fire on Azerbaijani positions in the eastern section of the border at approximately 12:25 am on Monday. Armenia swiftly rejected this narrative, branding the Azerbaijani statement as a fabrication and inconsistent with reality. This latest exchange of accusations underscores the fragile peace and deep-seated mistrust that persist between the two nations following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.
The Armenian MoD reiterated its commitment to upholding the ceasefire and emphasized its willingness to investigate any credible evidence supporting the Azerbaijani claims. The ministry further highlighted a proposal put forth by the Armenian Prime Minister’s office to establish a joint Armenia-Azerbaijan mechanism for investigating ceasefire violations and related reports. This initiative, aimed at promoting transparency and accountability, has yet to receive a response from the Azerbaijani side. The lack of engagement from Baku raises concerns about its commitment to de-escalation and peaceful resolution of disputes.
The disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, has been a source of conflict for decades. The 2020 war resulted in significant territorial gains for Azerbaijan and a Russian-brokered ceasefire agreement. However, sporadic clashes and accusations of ceasefire violations continue to plague the region, highlighting the precarious nature of the peace.
Armenia’s call for a joint investigation mechanism reflects a desire for a more structured and transparent approach to addressing ceasefire violations. Such a mechanism could potentially help de-escalate tensions by providing a neutral platform for verifying claims and identifying perpetrators. The absence of such a mechanism allows for the propagation of misinformation and fuels mistrust, making it more difficult to achieve a lasting peace.
The international community plays a crucial role in encouraging dialogue and promoting peaceful conflict resolution between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Mediation efforts by international organizations and influential states are essential to facilitating communication and building confidence between the two sides. Supporting initiatives such as the proposed joint investigation mechanism can contribute to creating a more stable and secure environment in the region.
The ongoing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Beyond addressing immediate security concerns, resolving the underlying political and territorial disputes is critical for achieving long-term peace and stability. Continued dialogue, mediation, and a commitment to peaceful resolution by both parties are essential for preventing further escalation and building a future of coexistence. The international community must remain actively engaged in supporting these efforts and holding both sides accountable for upholding their commitments to peace. The establishment of a joint investigation mechanism could be a significant step towards building trust and reducing the risk of further conflict.
