Nagorno-Karabakh forces agree with Azerbaijan’s demands to disarm
Just twenty-four hours following the commencement of an offensive by Azerbaijan’s military in Nagorno-Karabakh, ethnic-Armenian forces have agreed to the terms proposed by Russia for a ceasefire.
Among the key stipulations that Karabakh forces have now accepted is a proposal for complete disarmament. Notably, this South Caucasus enclave is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, although it is home to around 120,000 ethnic Armenians.
Three years ago, Azerbaijan successfully recaptured territories both within and surrounding Karabakh. On Tuesday, they demanded an unconditional surrender from the Karabakh side.
According to Karabakh officials, the ongoing conflict has resulted in a tragic toll, with at least 27 individuals killed and around 200 others wounded since the Azerbaijani military initiated what they referred to as “anti-terror” operations.
Azerbaijan’s presidency has announced that officials will convene with Armenian representatives from Karabakh to discuss “re-integration” matters in the Azerbaijani town of Yevlakh on Thursday. Notably, Yevlakh is located approximately 100km (60 miles) north of Karabakh’s regional capital, which Armenians refer to as Stepanakert.
Leaders in the enclave said in a statement that through mediation carried out by Russian peacekeepers, an agreement had been reached on a complete cessation of hostilities from 13:00 local time (09:00 GMT).
However, loud explosions could still be heard in the regional capital just after the ceasefire came into effect.
