Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: Putin, Macron call for immediate ceasefire

Russian President Vlimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have called for an immediate ceasefire between ethnic Armenian forces and Azerbaijan in contested Nagor-Karabakh region, said Kremlin on October 1. official death toll in bloody armed conflict passed 100 and warring parties said that y would continue fighting.

Kremlin said in a statement that “sharp aggravation” in Nagor-Karabakh conflict was thoroughly discussed and leers expressed “serious concern” over ongoing large-scale hostilities. duo ted that re is alternative to political and diplomatic process to resolve crisis, expressing ir reiness to make a statement on behalf of co-chairs of OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France and United States.

“Vlimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron called on warring sides to halt fire completely and as soon as possible, de-escalate tensions and show maximum restraint,” Kremlin said.

two former Soviet states are in an armed stand-off for years over Nagor-Karabakh, a landlocked region in South Caucasus, and heavy clashes re-erupted on September 27, prompting fears of an all-out war. Nagor-Karabakh is internationally recognised as a part of Azerbaijan but it remains disputed because region is controlled by ethnic Armenians.

Re: Azerbaijan Claims 2,300 Armenian Troops Neutralized In Nagor-Karabakh Region

Re: Armenia Accuses Turkey Of Downing Its Warplane, Latter Denies Allegations

Martial law in conflict zones

Azerbaijan has declared martial law in border areas and Armenia has declared it across country and mobilised its male population after situation escalated in disputed region. Armenia has even accused Turkey of meddling in conflict by sending thousands of mercenaries from Syria, a claim swiftly rejected by Ankara.

conflict broke away in early 1990s with tens of thousands dying in armed clashes and a Russian-brokered ceasefire, Bishkek Protocol, was signed in 1994. However, Bishkek Protocol has failed to turn into a tangible peace process since both sides have continued violating ceasefire on numerous occasion and latest clash could furr escalate tensions. A possible war could severely impact international markets because Nagor-Karabakh serves as a corridor for oil and gas pipelines from Caspian Sea to world markets.

Re: Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict: UN Chief Urges Leers Of Both Sides To Stop Fighting

Re: Armenia Accuses Turkey Of Providing Direct Military Support To Azerbaijan At Karabakh