Russia settles fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh?

The self-proclaimed Artsakh Republic (commonly known by its former name, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic) claimed that Azerbaijani forces "crossed their lines" and "occupied several strategic locations while the world stood by and did not intervene".

"Our forces inflicted heavy losses on the enemy despite being outnumbered and outgunned. Unfortunately, we also suffered losses. In some areas, the enemy penetrated our defensive positions, captured some heights and strategic intersections," Reuters quoted the Artsakh Republic as saying.

"The actions of the international community to end hostilities and resolve the situation are inadequate. Taking all this into account, the authorities of the Artsakh Republic accept the ceasefire proposal of the Russian peacekeepers."

Damaged buildings in Stepanakert city, Nagorno-Karabakh region on September 19. Photo: Reuters

The ceasefire will take effect from 1pm on September 20 (local time). Accordingly, the separatist forces in Nagorno-Karabakh will disband and disarm.

Meanwhile, on September 19, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan affirmed that his country "does not participate in military operations and there are no troops in Nagorno-Karabakh". Russian news agency Interfax quoted Prime Minister Pashinyan as saying that Armenia acknowledged the Nagorno-Karabakh government's decision to agree to a ceasefire, but Yerevan did not participate in preparing the text of this agreement.

Azerbaijan has confirmed the ceasefire. Azerbaijan's state news agency reported that the separatists have surrendered. Armenian armed forces stationed in Nagorno-Karabakh and all "illegal armed groups" will disarm. All ammunition and heavy military equipment will be handed over. Russian peacekeepers will help coordinate the ceasefire.

According to Baku, a meeting between Armenian residents living in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Azerbaijani authorities will take place on September 21.

Russia also said its peacekeeping forces were continuing to carry out their missions despite difficult conditions, while also assisting civilians.

The Kremlin dismissed Armenian complaints that Russia “has not done enough to stop the fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh”.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the timing of the phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Pashinyan was still being discussed.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thoi-su-quoc-te/nga-dan-xep-xong-giao-tranh-o-nagorno-karabakh-20230920211910379.htm