Azerbaijan’s forces are tightening their grip on Nagorno-Karabakh, raising concerns for the ethnic Armenian population in the region. While a new ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, the sustainability of peace remains uncertain in a conflict that has persisted, on and off, for three decades.
The years of fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh have been marred by abuses on both sides, leading to apprehensions of a potential new refugee crisis. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently expressed “deep concern” for the well-being of ethnic Armenians in the area during a phone call with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
At the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan called for the establishment of a UN mission to monitor the treatment of ethnic Armenians in the mountainous region. On the other hand, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov pledged to reintegrate ethnic Armenian residents of the Karabakh region as equal citizens.
A US congressional delegation visited Armenia to show support for Prime Minister Pashinyan and inspect the region’s blockade. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan, among the delegation members, expressed the concerns of people living in the affected areas. He emphasized the importance of the world knowing the ground reality of the conflict.
The ongoing situation highlights the need for international attention and intervention. The conflict between Christian Armenians and Muslim Azerbaijanis has been a longstanding challenge in the region. If the new ceasefire holds, it could potentially mark the end of a protracted conflict, offering hope for stability in the region.
However, the road to lasting peace remains uncertain. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been characterized by its complexity and deep-rooted historical tensions. The international community is closely watching developments in the region, with hopes that diplomacy and dialogue will prevail over violence.
As both sides navigate the path towards a more peaceful future, the world waits with bated breath to see if the ceasefire will indeed bring an end to the suffering endured by the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Sources By Agencies
