Month: December 2023

The establishment of territorial sovereignty for each State in the world is a necessity, it is in this regard that Azerbaijan, by regaining control of Nagorno-Karabakh in September after a lightning offensive, can argue that it was seeking to restore its territorial sovereignty lost during the previous conflict. The reconquest could be seen as a legitimate response to the unacceptable status quo situation that had prevailed in the region for many years, and as a manifestation of the international right of each country to guarantee its territorial integrity. Regional stabilization is an essential element for Azerbaijan. The reconquest of Nagorno-Karabakh could be interpreted as an attempt to restore regional balance and put an end to a persistent source of tension. In this light, Azerbaijan could argue that a tough stance is necessary to ensure stability and security in the region.

Additionally, Azerbaijan’s recent decision to decline participation in normalization talks with Armenia, scheduled to take place in the United States in November, has heightened tensions. Azerbaijan invokes a “partial” position from Washington, thus highlighting the complexity of alliances in the region. Baku’s refusal to engage in negotiations is a direct response to the events of September 19, suggesting that the current situation requires tangible progress on the path to peace to restore normalization of relations.

 American Response and Risks of Loss of Mediation

The reaction of the US national security adviser, Mr. O’Brien, underlines the firm stance of the United States towards Azerbaijan after the events of September. The cancellation of high-level visits and condemnation of Baku’s actions highlight the United States’ determination to push for concrete progress toward peace. However, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry’s response, suggesting that this unilateral approach could cause the United States to lose its role as mediator, highlights the geopolitical risks inherent in this situation.

The rounds of negotiations between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, mediated by the European Union, reflect the complexity of the situation. However, Ilham Aliyev’s refusal to participate in negotiations in Spain citing France’s biased position raises questions about the EU’s ability to play a neutral mediation role. The initially planned presence of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, underlines the importance of European mediation.

The territorial conflict around Nagorno-Karabakh, the massive population displacements, and the flight of more than 100,000 Armenians to Armenia highlight the major humanitarian challenges linked to the conflict. Nikol Pashinian, Armenian Prime Minister, reaffirms Yerevan’s desire to sign a peace agreement in the coming months, despite current difficulties. The leaders of the two former Soviet republics have raised the possibility of a comprehensive peace deal by the end of the year, but this will largely depend on the resolution of geopolitical obstacles and the willingness of all parties to agree. engage constructively in the negotiation process.

Azerbaijan’s attitude towards international mediations, including distrust towards mediation perceived as “biased” by France, can be interpreted as the protection of national sovereignty. This attitude may reflect the belief that crucial decisions related to conflict resolution should be made independently, thereby preserving national autonomy and avoiding harmful external interference.

The deep complexity of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The dynamics at play, shaped by passionate domestic reactions, diverse international interventions and complex regional implications, create an ever-changing geopolitical landscape. The humanitarian challenges resulting from the conflict, such as massive population displacements, highlight the urgency of concerted action.

It is clear that mediation in this sensitive region must adapt to a nuanced reality, taking into account deep national sensitivities, the requirements of international diplomacy and glaring humanitarian imperatives. The search for a lasting resolution requires a delicate balance between these various factors, and the obstacles to mediation highlight the need for a strategic and inclusive approach.

Ultimately, the quest for peace in Nagorno-Karabakh requires a comprehensive vision and the willingness of all parties involved to transcend differences, demonstrate flexibility and resolutely engage in constructive negotiations. The future of the region will depend on the ability of domestic and international actors to skillfully navigate these complexities to forge a path toward a lasting and peaceful resolution.

It is very interesting to come and see a country that he knows a lot about and whose cultural importance he is aware of. World-famous Lebanese American philosopher, writer, and scientist Nassim Taleb said this during the press conference held Thursday within the framework of the Science and Business Days 2023 conference in Yerevan

Taleb said he has always been interested in genetics. There were three waves related to the migration of Armenians to Lebanon. He lives in the West, naturally, he communicates with the Armenian diaspora there, and we know that the Armenian diaspora has many expert abilities and is very skilled. So, Armenia is somehow a source of inspiration for him, he feels very familiar in Armenia, like at home, Taleb said.

Nassim Taleb, however, speaks with pain about the recent events in Armenia. Today the situation is very sad because we know that during the time of King Tigranes the Great, there was Armenia from sea to sea, as the territory of Armenia reached the Mediterranean Sea. In recent years, however, we have constantly seen territorial reductions in Armenia, and this last shock was also severe, said Taleb.

It is painful for Nassim Taleb that Mt. Ararat is currently located in the territory of Turkey. Armenian culture is very widespread, it even reaches Jerusalem, and today we see that even in Jerusalem this territorial reduction is happening. It is very hard that we are witnessing Armenian ethnic cleansing. What should be done? Maybe inform the world more about it, Taleb said.

Armenia and Azerbaijan on Thursday revived talks over their shared border, Armenian officials said, as normalization negotiations between the arch-foes stalled after Baku reclaimed the long-disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region from Armenian separatists.

Baku and Yerevan have been locked in a decades-long conflict for control of Azerbaijan’s formerly Armenian-populated Karabakh region, which Baku recaptured in a lightning offensive in September.

Internationally-mediated peace talks between the Caucasus neighbors have failed to produce a breakthrough — but both countries’ leaders have said that a comprehensive peace deal could be signed by the end of the year.

The peace process stalled however, after Azerbaijan recently refused meetings under the mediation of the European Union and United States, accusing them of favoring Armenia.

On Thursday, Armenian and Azerbaijani “commissions on border delimitation, chaired by Armenian Vice Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Shahin Mustafayev, began a fifth round of talks,” Grigoryan’s spokeswoman Ani Babayan told AFP.

The meeting “is taking place at Ijevan-Gazakh sector of the state border,” she added.

Last week, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry said Baku “stands prepared for direct negotiations with Armenia on a bilateral basis to finalise the peace agreement as soon as possible.”

In a one-day military operation on September 19, Azerbaijan recaptured Karabakh from Armenian separatists who had controlled the mountainous enclave for three decades.

Almost the entire Armenian population of the region — more than 100,000 people — fled Karabakh over the following days for Armenia, sparking a refugee crisis.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev have met on several occasions for talks under the mediation of the European Union.

But last month, Aliyev refused to attend negotiations with Pashinyan in Spain, citing French bias.

Washington had also organized several meetings between the countries’ foreign ministries.

Azerbaijan however refused further talks due to what it says is Washington’s “biased” position.

The traditional regional power broker Russia — bogged down in its Ukraine war — has seen its influence wane in the Caucasus.

https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/12/01/armenia-azerbaijan-border-talks/

When fighting erupted between the Caucasus nations of Azerbaijan and Armenia in September, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh in search of safety in Armenia. Suddenly living as refugees, they were left without basic necessities. Samaritan’s Purse saw their plight and began a response to help relieve their suffering on Sept. 28.

Over the next several weeks, our DC-8 cargo plane made two trips to the scene, airlifting 53 tons of critical aid, with special thanks to overflight permissions from Turkey. Our staffers gave out blankets, hygiene kits, solar lights, and more to grateful families. At the same time, our teams of doctors, nurses, and physical therapists treated burn victims with severe injuries from a gas explosion. All of this work was bolstered by partnerships with 42 local churches who helped in the distribution of relief supplies.

During this response, more than 35,000 Armenians received:

• 17,000+ Blankets.
• 9,600+ Toys and Games for Children.
• 8,200+ Hygiene Kits.
• 7,500 Solar Lights.
• 5,100+ Backpacks.
• 5,100+ School Kits.
• 5,000+ Bibles.
• 5,000 Gloves.
• 4,900+ Hats.
• 4,900+ Socks.
• 2,800+ Winter Coats.
• 470+ Surgical Procedures for 85 Patients.
• 270+ Physical Therapy Sessions.
• 270+ Cleaning Kits.
• 50 Stoves.
• 40+ Bedding Kits.

Most importantly, while our Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) offered this physical aid, they also pointed the refugees to the only source of eternal hope—Jesus Christ. They did so, in part, by handing out Bibles published in the Armenian language. Even now, weeks after our DART left on Nov. 23, Samaritan’s Purse continues to supply more than 50,000 copies of God’s Word for local congregations to use in outreach.

We thank God for the privilege of representing Christ to displaced Armenians in their time of need.

There will be more international crises like this one. You can help us prepare to respond quickly in Jesus’ Name by giving through our 2023 Christmas Gift Catalog.