The separatist government of Nagorno-Karabakh announced it will dissolve itself as Armenian officials announce more than half of the population has already fled.
The decision emerged in the wake of a swift military offensive by Azerbaijan, aimed at reclaiming full control over Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan demanded the disarmament of Armenian troops in the region and the dissolution of the separatist government. Concurrently, Armenian officials reported that over half of the region’s population already fled.
This news comes in the midst of Christian Armenians living in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh – an ancient Armenian region brought under Azerbaijani rule in 2020 known historically as Artsakh – being brutalized and murdered since Turkey joined forces with Azerbaijani co-religionists against Armenia.
In December, Azerbaijan imposed a blockade on the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia, alleging that Armenia was using it for illicit weapons shipments to the separatist forces. Armenia contended that the blockade deprived Nagorno-Karabakh of essential food and fuel supplies.
Former Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev also led Azerbaijan for 14 years during the Soviet era. What he said once again proves that:
1) Russian leaders have always helped Nagorno-Karabakh remain under Azerbaijani rule.
2) The Azerbaijani authorities have always created… pic.twitter.com/Hw44dhRcYR
— Rahim Shaliyev (@rahimsaliyev) September 28, 2023
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The president of Armenia’s Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Samvel Shahramanyan issued a decree, referencing an agreement to end the conflict on September 20. According to this agreement, Azerbaijan will permit the “free, voluntary, and unhindered movement” of Nagorno-Karabakh residents to Armenia.
A mass exodus of “ethnic” Armenians from the mountainous region within Azerbaijan began on Sunday. By Thursday morning, more than 70,000 people – over half of Nagorno-Karabakh’s population – had sought refuge in Armenia. This influx continued with unabated intensity.
Azerbaijan sent troops backed by artillery strikes into Karabakh on Tuesday, announcing its plans to integrate the area’s 120,000 Christian Armenians while falsely claiming that their rights will be protected under the constitution.
Mel Gibson condemns Azerbaijan's genocide of #Artsakh Christian Armenians, calling out media silence and demanding swift international action to protect and save Armenians
To the Armenian people who still suffer, I say: "Don't lose heart, God is with you"#120000Reasons pic.twitter.com/Qo7qOZdNW9
— ANCA (@ANCA_DC) September 27, 2023
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry has also called on the Armenian population of the region not to leave their places of residence and to become part of a multinational Azerbaijan. Armenia established centers to register and assess the needs of those fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh. The government claimed to be offering accommodation for those in need, although only a fraction of the displaced individuals have applied for such assistance.
Azerbaijani authorities have also taken legal action against former Nagorno-Karabakh leaders, such as Ruben Vardanyan, who faces charges related to financing terrorism and illegal border crossing. Vardanyan was arrested while attempting to enter Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh.
The situation continues to evolve, with political, humanitarian, and security concerns at the forefront as the region undergoes significant changes.
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