Armenia Rejects Azerbaijan's Demands, Fears Escalation in Armenia
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been ongoing for decades, with both countries having fought two major wars in the past 40 years. The current situation is further complicated by Azerbaijan's demand for a corridor through Armenia's southern province of Syunik, which could risk shutting off Armenia's access to Iran. The international community is watching the situation closely, urging both sides to work towards a peaceful resolution.
Armenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has stated that the issue of returning Azerbaijanis living in Soviet Armenia is not being discussed between the two countries, describing such demands as a threat to Armenia's territorial integrity. This statement comes amidst rising tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the latter making demands for the return of Azerbaijanis living in Armenia.
The situation has escalated since Azerbaijan's recapture of territory in 2020, with Azerbaijan now in control of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The US has expressed concern over the risk of war, while Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has described Armenia as a threat that needs to be addressed. Experts say that while a return to full-scale war is possible, localized skirmishes are more likely. The border between the two countries has been closed since the early 1990s, and the two countries have fought two major wars in the past 40 years.
Azerbaijan's demand for a corridor through Armenia's southern province of Syunik to its exclave of Nakhchivan has further complicated the situation, risking the shut off of Armenia's access to Iran. The region is strategically important, with major oil and gas pipelines passing through it, and is also a key trade route for Armenia. Armenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan warned of the risk of escalation in the conflict with Azerbaijan, stating that as long as peace is not finally achieved and signed, the risk of escalation remains.
The international community is watching the situation closely, with the US Secretary of State recently commenting on the potential risk of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenia's position is clear: to jointly establish an investigation mechanism to determine whether soldiers are acting under orders or independently. As the situation continues to unfold, the risk of escalation remains, and the international community is urging both sides to work towards a peaceful resolution.