Day: September 19, 2023

EU’s Charles Michel calls for immediate halt to Azerbaijan’s military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh  ARMENPRESS

France condemns in the strongest terms the launch by Azerbaijan of a military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, with the use of heavy weapons, including against inhabited areas, the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“No pretext can justify such unilateral action, which threatens thousands of civilians already affected by months of illegal blockade and goes against the efforts of the international community to reach a negotiated settlement,” the Ministry said.

France calls on Azerbaijan to immediately cease its offensive and return to respect for international law, noting that it will hold Azerbaijan solely responsible for the fate of the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“France requests the emergency convening of a meeting of the United Nations Security Council. It is working closely with its European and American partners so that a strong response is provided to this unacceptable offensive, commensurate with the risks it poses to the security of the region,” the Ministry stated.

At least two people were killed, 23 are injured as a result of Azerbaijan’s attack, Artsakh’s Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan informs.

“The number of civilian injuries as a result has increased to 23. The recoded casualties among civilians are two. Azerbaijan continues its criminal offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh. Civilian objects and infrastructure are also being targeted,” the Ombudsman said.

Azerbaijan has launched a large-scale attack on Nagorno Karabakh, using artillery and drones. The Azerbaijani side calls the attack an “an anti-terrorist operation” to “restore constitutional structure in Karabakh.”

According to Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry, the Russian peacekeeping contingent command and the Turkish-Russian Monitoring Center leadership were duly informed about their plan to launch an attack against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Russian side has refuted the information.

Azerbaijan’s actions are nothing, but a policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide, Artsakh President’s staff said in a statement.

Once again violating the 2020 the tripartite statement of November 9, 2020, Azerbaijan launched large-scale military operations against the Republic of Artsakh on September 19, targeting civilian objects and the civilian population, leading to casualties and injuries among the population, including women, elderly and children.

“Azerbaijan’s actions are nothing but a policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide, and by implementing it, Baku manipulates the humanitarian corridor and other false humanitarian agendas,” the statement reads.

The President of the Republic of Artsakh, Samvel Shahramanyan, has urgently convened a meeting of the Security Council and discussed the created situation and further actions.

Taking into account the threat to the life and health of thousands of people, official Stepanakert calls on international actors and all interested parties to immediately take all necessary measures to stop the aggression against Artsakh.

“The Republic of Artsakh has always been a supporter of peaceful settlement and reaffirms its readiness to resolve all issues through negotiations,” the President’s Office said.

Azerbaijan’s actions nothing but a policy of ethnic cleansing and …  Public Radio of Armenia

Armenia says Azerbaijan launched ‘ground operation’ in Karabakh …  Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)