Latest Azerbaijan News | Top Azerbaijan News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking Azerbaijan News Today | English Azerbaijan News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

India Traders Boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan Over Support to Pakistan

May 18, 2025, 2:53 pm

Union Minister of State Bhagirath Choudhary said on Sunday that people across India are angry with countries that support terrorism. His remarks come as public and trade groups call for a boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan over their support for Pakistan.

Public Outrage Against Terrorism Supporters

Choudhary told ANI, “Across the country, there is anger against terrorism and those who support terrorism. Turkey has openly come out in support (of Pakistan). In every sector, those who are engaged in marble, granite are calling for a boycott of all (countries) that support terrorism.”

Gwalior Traders Take a Stand

Traders in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, have decided to stop all trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Their move aligns with India’s strong stance against nations that sided with Pakistan during the recent conflict.

Bhupendra Jain, President of the Madhya Pradesh unit of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), confirmed this. He said, “We have decided to teach a lesson to Turkey and Azerbaijan, the countries that helped Pakistan. We helped Turkey in the earthquake through Operation Dost. Today, it helped our enemy and fired shells, drones and missiles at us.”

Three Key Decisions by CAIT

Jain added that CAIT made three clear decisions:

Stop all imports and exports with Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Discourage tourism to Turkey.
Urge filmmakers not to shoot films in either country.

He stated, “Trade with Azerbaijan and Turkey has been stopped. Three decisions have been taken in CAIT. First, we will not import or export anything. Second, we are opposing tourism in Turkey. Third, national-level filmmaker, director, producer should not shoot films in Turkey or Azerbaijan.”

Nationwide Boycott After Trade Conference

Following a national meeting of trade leaders, BJP MP and CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal announced a broader boycott.

He said, “A collective decision has been taken in the conference of trade leaders today to end all trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan. The reason is clear — Turkey and Azerbaijan have openly supported Pakistan against India.”

Textile Traders Join the Boycott

The Bangalore Wholesale Cloth Merchants’ Association (BWCMA) also announced a halt to all textile trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan. In a letter, the association stated that the boycott would remain until further notice. Any updates would be shared by its governing body.

The growing trade boycott signals India’s firm response to countries that back Pakistan, especially in times of conflict.

Azerbaijan, Turkey Back Pakistan in Wake of Operation Sindoor; Qatar Urges Diplomatic Resolution

May 7, 2025, 10:20 pm

The Republic of Turkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Azerbaijan on Wednesday separately released statements in favor of Pakistan following India launching ‘Operation Sindoor’ against “terror infrastructure” in the neighboring country.

Turkiye’s foreign affairs ministry posted a statement on X, saying, “We are following the developments between Pakistan and India with concern. The attack carried out by India last night (6 May) raises the risk of an all-out war. We condemn such provocative steps as well as attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.”

The Turkish foreign ministry called on both parties to “exercise common sense and refrain from unilateral actions.” They added, “We expect that measures will be taken to reduce tensions in the region as soon as possible and that the necessary mechanisms, including in the field of counter-terrorism, will be put in place to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. We also support Pakistan’s call for an investigation into the 22 April terrorist attack.”

Turkiye was among the rare nations that backed Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor that found international support in targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK.

Azerbaijan and Qatar Weigh in on the Conflict

Azerbaijan also released a statement shortly after the attack, denouncing violence against Pakistan.

In their statement, they said, “The Republic of Azerbaijan expresses its concern over the further escalation of tension between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”

Further, the foreign ministry wrote, “We condemn military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Pakistan that killed and injured several civilians. Being in solidarity with the people of Pakistan, we express condolences to the families of the innocent victims and wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured.”

Qatar’s Response to Operation Sindoor

In a statement released on X, Qatar’s foreign ministry stated on Wednesday regarding Operation Sindoor, “The State of Qatar is following with deep concern the continued escalation between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Qatar urges both countries to exercise maximum restraint, give priority to the voice of wisdom, respect the principles of good neighborliness, and resolve the crisis through diplomatic means.”

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called upon both nations to settle their problems through positive dialogue to promote stability and peace in the region.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the killing of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Armed Forces conducted a strike at nine terror targets, all of which were successful.

Why Azerbaijan, a Close Pakistan Ally, Is Now Strengthening Ties With India

April 28, 2025, 10:09 pm

Long-time ally Pakistan, Azerbaijan may be angling for a closer relationship with India, a report says, based on recent events.

Under a move that can be interpreted as a confidence-building step between the two nations, Azerbaijan is planning to operate direct flights between its capital city Baku and Ahmedabad from July, indicating increasing interest in linking with Indian metros.

This new destination will be Azerbaijan Airlines’ third in India following Delhi and Mumbai. The airline has confirmed that flights will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays from July 4, the report added.

The flights between Baku and Mumbai will become regular from June 16, with operations on the same days.

Surge in Indian Tourist Arrivals to Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has witnessed a spurt in Indian tourists, with Indian tourist arrivals reaching all-time highs in recent years, The Economic Times reported.

Following the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, Azerbaijan sent a condolence message to India a move important considering Azerbaijan’s traditionally close relationship with Pakistan.

Silence on Kashmir During Pakistani PM’s Baku Visit

In another significant diplomatic turn, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev avoided any mention of the Kashmir dispute during a press conference last month when he welcomed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Baku.

Previously, during such events or his trips to Islamabad, Aliyev had spoken publicly about Kashmir, which was interpreted as a show of solidarity with Pakistan, considering the Azerbaijan-Pakistan security alliance.

Yet, while Aliyev talked over a number of aspects of the two-country relationship, such as defense and economic relations, his recent remark specifically left out any reference to Kashmir.

Some interpret this omission as a delicate diplomatic move, indicating Azerbaijan’s growing desire to enhance its ties with India, the report said.

Bilateral Trade Between India and Azerbaijan Rising Rapidly

Two-country commerce between India and Azerbaijan has increased appreciably over the last few years.

From approximately $18 million in 2000, the trade had risen to over $739 million by 2021 and again spiked to $1.8 billion in 2022, an increase of 156.4%.

Key Indian Exports and Strategic Investments

Indian exports to Azerbaijan, including rice, smartphones, aluminium oxides, drugs, and granite, have also experienced strong growth. Indian exports were $220 million in 2022, as opposed to $45 million in 2011.

Rice is the leading export, making up 80.8% of Azerbaijan’s overall rice imports.

India’s investment in Azerbaijan too has increased. ONGC Videsh has picked up a 2.72% stake in the Azeri, Chirag, and the deep-water sectors of the Gunashli (ACG) fields in the Caspian Sea in 2013 with an investment of over $1.2 billion so far.

As their bilateral trade, tourism, and strategic alliance continue to increase, it seems the relations between India and Azerbaijan are gaining strength in spite of their complicated respective alignments.

Armenia And Azerbaijan Finalize Peace Agreement, Paving Way For Historic Resolution

March 13, 2025, 10:26 pm

Armenian and Azerbaijani authorities made a dramatic statement Thursday that they agreed on the language of the peace deal, creating a monumental advance toward closing virtually four decades of warfare between these two countries in the South Caucasus region.

The protracted war began in the late 1980s when Nagorno-Karabakh, a region within Azerbaijan dominated by ethnic Armenians, attempted secession with the assistance of Armenia. This was succeeded by several wars and massive expulsions between the two, escalating enmity.

Armenia’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed a peace agreement draft completed on its side with the declared intention to negotiate the signing place and date. In response, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged negotiations on the wording of the treaty concluded.

But the schedule for actually enshrining the deal in law is uncertain. Azerbaijan has insisted that Armenia must amend its constitution, which it claims implicitly lays claim to Azerbaijani land. Armenia denies this but has promised constitutional reforms are essential. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has proposed a referendum on such reforms, though no timeframe was set.

Tensions mounted further in January when Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accused Armenia of building a “fascist” threat, something Armenian officials interpreted as a potential pretext to resume fighting.

Peace negotiations were stepped up after Azerbaijan captured Nagorno-Karabakh by force in September 2023, compelling nearly all of the 100,000 ethnic Armenians in the region to flee to Armenia. While both nations have said they desire to make peace official, little progress has been made because they have not solved outstanding issues or overcome suspicion.

Even though the agreement is a major breakthrough, the 1,000-km heavily militarized border between Azerbaijan and Armenia remains a huge stumbling block. The world now waits to see Armenia and Azerbaijan surmount the last hurdles on the way to a long-awaited solution.

Azerbaijan Reports First Mpox Case, Patient Isolated in Baku

January 18, 2025, 4:20 pm

Azerbaijan has its first case of Mpox confirmed by the country’s Ministry of Health and Management Union of Medical Territorial Units, TABIB. Azerbaijani health authorities have isolated and are currently treating a 22-year-old citizen in a Baku hospital.

Patient Information and Condition

The patient had returned from a foreign tourist trip from January 2 to January 11. After some days of return, he reported to the medical facilities in Baku with signs and symptoms that included weakness, fever, a skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, and muscular pain. Authorities have not said where the patient traveled recently.

Family members who have been in close contact with the patient are now under home observation. The health department confirmed that none of them are showing any symptoms of pox yet.

What Is Mpox?

Mpox was formerly known as the monkeypox. It is a viral disease spread by very close contact. It usually presents as a flu-like infection with pus-filled lesions. While the majority of the infection cases are moderate, some infections can become severe, and could potentially cause death.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classified pox as a global public health emergency in August after the Democratic Republic of Congo outbreak. It had already spread to neighboring countries and further abroad, thus creating concern about the transmission of the disease.

Precautionary Measures in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani health authorities are monitoring the situation closely and implementing measures that are necessary to avoid further spread. Public awareness campaigns and precautionary protocols are expected to follow.

This case reminds us of the need for vigilance and quick response to emerging health threats. Travelers are encouraged to be informed about symptoms and take preventive measures to ensure their safety.

This development undoubtedly calls for strong global health measures to effectively stop the spread of such infectious diseases as pox. Meanwhile, as Azerbaijan diligently goes about containing this particular case, global public health monitoring and response units actively continue to assess the evolving situation.

Azerbaijani Plane Crash Near Aktau: 38 Confirmed Dead, Multiple Survivors Found | WATCH

December 26, 2024, 9:05 am

At least 38 people are reported to have died following a fatal plane crash in the vicinity of Kazakhstan’s Aktau area on Wednesday. The plane, which had departed from Baku, Azerbaijan, was headed for Grozny, Russia, with 67 people on board, including five crew members. While preliminary reports suggested that 32 people survived the crash, officials report that the number of dead has risen to 38. The plane was belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines. In several circles over the Aktau airport, the flight went down probably because there was fog in Grozny.

Rescue and Survivor

The Emergency Ministry of Kazakhstan promptly responded to the situation by sending 52 rescuers and 11 pieces of equipment to the site of the crash. Firefighters tried to contain the raging fire that covered the debris. Survivors were immediately transferred to the nearest hospitals. The ministry reported that it had activated a national operations center in order to better coordinate rescue efforts.

Aircraft History and Probable Causes for the Crash

The Embraer ERJ-190 aircraft took off from Baku at 3:55 AM UTC (9:25 AM Indian time). The aircraft was said to have been subjected to severe GPS jamming before losing contact. Preliminary reports suggested that the accident might have been caused by a bird strike, according toRussian news agencies. However, the authorities did not completely dismiss technical failures or other causes.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

BREAKING: Azerbaijan Airlines flight traveling from Baku to Grozny crashes in Aktau, Kazakhstan, after reportedly requesting an emergency landing pic.twitter.com/hB5toqEFe2

— RT (@RT_com) December 25, 2024

Information about Passengers and International Response

Out of the 67 people on board, 37 were from Azerbaijan, 16 from Russia, six from Kazakhstan, and three from Kyrgyzstan. Among the survivors, 10 Russian nationals were confirmed to have escaped the wreckage, according to Russian media. Videos circulating on social media show the plane descending at low altitude before it crashed and exploded into a fireball, while first responders rushed to the site, searching for survivors.

Azerbaijan Airlines Statement

Azerbaijan Airlines confirmed the crash in a brief statement on social media. “The Embraer 190 aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, flight number J2-8243, made an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers near the city of Aktau. Further details will be provided,” the airline posted.

The tragedy has left many in shock, as authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, providing support to the affected families and responding teams

Global Leaders Face Tough Talks As Trump Win And Trade Tension Threaten COP29 Summit

November 11, 2024, 3:08 pm

Calls for $1 Trillion in Annual Climate Finance as Developing Nations Demand Action

The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) opened in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday, with delegates preparing for intense discussions on climate finance, trade, and the pressing impacts of climate change. As the world confronts extreme weather events, developing nations are amplifying their demands for greater climate funding.

Azerbaijan’s Push for Progress Amid Fossil Fuel Dependency

The summit’s focus is on securing up to $1 trillion annually in climate finance for developing countries, far exceeding the previous goal of $100 billion. Azerbaijan, a country with a rich history of oil production, is seeking to demonstrate progress in its energy transition, despite its continued reliance on fossil fuels, which accounted for 35% of its economy in 2023. The government is aiming to reduce this dependency to 22% by 2028, signaling its commitment to shift toward cleaner energy sources.

Trade Disputes Threaten to Complicate Climate Talks

Complicating the discussions, China proposed that trade disputes, including EU carbon border tariffs set to take effect in 2026, be added to the summit’s agenda. This move, supported by the BASIC group of nations (Brazil, India, and South Africa), was seen as a response to concerns about US disengagement from global climate cooperation under President Donald Trump, who has called climate change a hoax. The summit is expected to grapple with how trade policies intersect with climate goals, with China pressing for dialogue on resolving tariffs that could affect climate finance.

Pressure Mounts as Global Warming Accelerates

This year is set to be the hottest on record, with climate disasters from flooding in Africa to droughts in South America posing growing challenges for both rich and poor nations. Experts are warning that unless collective action is taken, the severity of these disasters will continue to escalate.

Azerbaijan’s Role as an Energy Bridge

Azerbaijan, which has positioned itself as a key energy supplier to Europe, is also advocating for a transition to renewable energy. The country plans to increase its renewable energy share to 35% of its power generation by 2030. However, it continues to promote natural gas as a “transitional fuel” in its bid to balance economic interests with climate action.

International Relations and Domestic Challenges

While Azerbaijan faces scrutiny for its human rights record, including the imprisonment of political prisoners, the government maintains that such issues should not detract from peace negotiations in the region, particularly with Armenia. The outcome of this year’s COP29 is expected to have significant implications for future climate policy and international cooperation.

Taliban Officials To Attend COP29 Climate Summit First Time After Afghanistan Takeover

November 10, 2024, 2:49 pm

Afghan Taliban officials will participate in the upcoming COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, marking their first appearance at a major international conference since taking control of Afghanistan in 2021. This participation, which is limited to the Taliban’s environmental officials, comes as Afghanistan faces severe climate challenges, including devastating flash floods and droughts that have deeply impacted the country.

The Taliban’s participation in COP29 follows years of international isolation due to the group’s human rights record, particularly its restrictions on women’s education and movement. While the United Nations has not granted the Taliban the right to represent Afghanistan in its General Assembly, and most UN member states do not recognize their government, the Afghan delegation has been invited to attend COP29 as observers by Azerbaijan. However, they will not receive full credentials to participate in the core discussions of the summit.

The Afghan Foreign Ministry confirmed that representatives from Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency arrived in Baku ahead of the conference. These officials are expected to engage in peripheral discussions and hold bilateral meetings, although they are excluded from formal proceedings due to Afghanistan’s lack of recognition by the UN

The Taliban’s attendance comes at a time when Afghanistan is suffering the effects of climate change, with the country facing severe flooding and droughts that have devastated agricultural communities. Many Afghans, particularly subsistence farmers, are struggling with worsening food insecurity.

Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern about Afghanistan’s exclusion from international platforms, arguing that the lack of engagement only exacerbates the country’s difficulties. Habib Mayar, deputy general secretary of the g7+, an intergovernmental organization of conflict-affected nations, stated that Afghanistan’s isolation from the international community has intensified its humanitarian needs, calling it a “double price” the Afghan people are paying.

As COP29 kicks off, the focus will be on addressing global climate challenges, but for Afghanistan, the event also underscores the ongoing struggles faced by its people amidst political and environmental crises.

Azerbaijan Accused Of Using Fake Accounts To Promote COP29 Amid Human Rights Criticism

October 29, 2024, 2:06 pm

An investigation has revealed that scores of apparently fake social media accounts are promoting Azerbaijan’s hosting of the COP29 climate summit, drowning out critical voices. Analysis by Global Witness found that the majority of these accounts appeared after July, at a time when seven of the top 10 posts using #COP29 and #COP29Azerbaijan criticized Azerbaijan’s environmental record and its conflict with Armenia. However, by September, all top posts came from the official COP29 Azerbaijan account, boosting the country’s image.

The climate summit, starting November 11, is expected to focus on significant cuts in fossil fuel emissions to mitigate severe climate change. However, Azerbaijan, a nation rich in fossil fuel resources, plans to increase its gas production by 50% in the next decade. The Global Witness report warns that the artificially increased reach of Azerbaijan’s government posts suppresses independent scrutiny of the country’s climate and human rights record. The strategy resembles a similar campaign seen before COP28 in the United Arab Emirates, where numerous inauthentic accounts defended the UAE as host.

Ava Lee, a spokesperson from Global Witness, highlighted the importance of maintaining genuine dialogue on climate issues. “A network of seemingly inauthentic accounts are replacing rightful criticism with flowery positivity,” she said. She urged X to restore authentic discourse on such critical global issues. The investigation revealed 71 suspicious accounts, most of which were created since May and used nature-themed images in profile pictures. Many of these accounts showed coordinated activity, with multiple profiles posting in a controlled sequence, suggesting one individual might be managing them. An additional 111 accounts displayed similar supportive messaging but without nature-themed imagery.

At the time of publication, some accounts had been suspended for violating X’s guidelines, while others faced temporary restrictions for unusual activity. A spokesperson for X confirmed that the flagged accounts had been actioned and assured that safety teams were continuously working to detect inauthentic behavior.

Azerbaijan’s history of deploying inauthentic accounts was also noted by Meta in 2022, where a network linked to the Azeri Ministry of Internal Affairs targeted activists, journalists, and government critics, though the operation was deemed unsophisticated. Azerbaijan’s ministry of foreign affairs and COP29 organizers did not respond to requests for comment.

Azerbaijan To Hold Snap Elections In September

June 28, 2024, 9:55 pm

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has scheduled snap parliamentary elections for September 1, according to a decree published on Friday. This move, though widely anticipated, is not expected to significantly alter the composition of parliament.

Aliyev, who has been in power since 2003, secured a victory in a snap presidential election in February. His New Azerbaijan Party, which currently holds 69 of the 125 seats in the outgoing parliament, is expected to maintain its majority in the oil-rich nation, which has attracted interest from the West, Russia, and Turkey.

While opposition deputies in parliament are generally loyal to Aliyev, some opponents outside the parliament claim they have faced persecution. Several independent journalists and political activists were arrested ahead of this year’s presidential election, which Aliyev won with over 92% of the vote.

Some of the detained individuals have faced charges for what they assert are politically motivated crimes, including smuggling. The authorities, however, deny that the arrests were politically driven.

Aliyev has highlighted the success of a September military offensive that recaptured the former breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh from what Baku described as illegitimate ethnic Armenian leaders. Nearly all of the region’s over 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled, and Baku is now in the process of rebuilding the area with plans to resettle it with Azerbaijanis.

Western energy companies like BP operate in Azerbaijan, which is part of the “OPEC+” agreement between OPEC oil producers and other key exporters, such as Russia, to limit output and support global oil prices.

Azerbaijan President Sends Condolences to Iran’s Supreme Leader on Ebrahim Raisi’s Passing

May 20, 2024, 5:43 pm

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, expressing condolences for the deaths of Iran President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and other officials who perished in the helicopter crash on Sunday.

In the letter, Aliyev stated, “We were deeply shocked by the news of the tragic loss suffered by friendly and brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, and its people — the fatal helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and other accompanying persons. On this day of sorrow, I pray to Allah Almighty to grant patience and fortitude to the friendly and brotherly people of Iran. We share in your grief and on behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I extend our deepest condolences to you, the families and loved ones of those who perished, and to your entire nation.”

“By Article 131 of the Constitution, Mokhber is in charge of leading the executive branch,” Khamenei said in a statement. He added that Mokhber will be required to work with the heads of legislative and judicial to prepare for presidential elections “within a maximum period of 50 days,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Iranian cabinet has named Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani as the acting foreign minister after the passing of Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. In a statement released on Monday morning, Khamenei expressed profound sorrow over the deaths and extended his condolences to the nation’s citizens. Al Jazeera reported Kani has served as deputy foreign minister since September 2021, reported Al Jazeera. Moreover, he was deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council between 2007 and 2013.

Israel-Iran tensions: Countdown to potential strike within 24 Hours

April 19, 2024, 12:45 pm

In a developing situation of heightened Israel-Iran tensions, the possibility of a significant military strike on Iran within the next 24 hours looms large. Recent events have seen Israel displaying what is being termed as a “trailer” of its military capabilities, sparking concerns of a potential major confrontation in the region. The decision to proceed with a large-scale attack hinges significantly on Iran’s response in the coming hours.

The dynamics of this geopolitical standoff are dynamic. Israel’s strategic calculations involve considerations not only related to Iran but also potential responses from allied nations or entities utilizing Iranian bases. Recent reports suggest that Israel has taken control of strategic bases belonging to Iran and Azerbaijan, underscoring the strategic positioning ahead of any possible conflict escalation.

One of the critical factors influencing the decision-making process is the preparation time required by both sides. Iran, having anticipated potential retaliatory measures since April, has been preparing its defenses. Conversely, Israel’s operational readiness and strategic depth are under scrutiny, given its historical context and current regional dynamics.

The specter of cyber warfare adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The involvement of pro-Iranian entities such as China and Russia in cyber activities raises concerns about the broader implications of any military engagement. The recent history of cyberattacks on Western nations underscores the potential global ramifications of a conflict escalation in the Middle East.

As the situation unfolds, observers are closely monitoring Israel’s next moves and Iran’s responses. The delicate balance of power in the region, coupled with the evolving military technologies and strategies, highlights the need for cautious analysis and diplomatic efforts to prevent a full-scale conflict with far-reaching consequences. The coming hours will be crucial in determining the trajectory of this escalating crisis.

Armenia-Azerbaijan Dispute: Russia Claims to Work Hard on the Situation

January 25, 2023, 1:32 pm

Russia has claimed that it is working hard to resolve the dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Lachin corridor, the sole road linking Armenia to the Armenian-populated enclave of Nagorno Karabakh.

Demonstrators posing as environmental activists impeded traffic by erecting tents, due to which the mountainous route into Azerbaijan has been closed since December 12. In Nagorno-Karabakh, some 120,000 ethnic Armenians rely on the blocked route for their food, fuel, and medical needs.

International tension has been simmering from the deadlock and on Monday, the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken demanded the rapid restoration of the passage.Since it holds a dominant position in the area, Russia has peacekeeping forces stationed there along the Lachin corridor. Armenia is frustrated by its inability to reopen it.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia “continues painstaking and difficult work with both Armenia and Azerbaijan,” when asked to comment on Blinken’s remarks. But he did not elaborate as to what exactly Russia’s action will be.

Armenia claims that the demonstration was planned as an intentional blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh by the government of Azerbaijan. However, Azerbaijan refutes it, asserting that the protesters are legitimately protesting against unlawful mining.

Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the two nations have fought two wars over Nagorno-Karabakh, which is recognised internationally as a part of Azerbaijan but is mostly populated by ethnic Armenians.

Full-fledged clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia risk again

September 14, 2022, 1:33 pm

Azerbaijan and Armenia clashed again on Wednesday, a day after nearly 100 soldiers were killed in the deadliest fighting between the ex-Soviet republics since 2020.

At least 49 Armenian and 50 Azerbaijani soldiers were killed in the clashes on Tuesday, with both Yerevan and Baku blaming each other for the violence, which prompted Russian President Vladimir Putin to call for calm.

The clashes have raised fears of another major armed conflict in the former Soviet Union, while Russia’s military is involved in the Ukraine invasion.

A full-fledged conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan risks entangling powers such as Russia and Turkey, as well as destabilising an important corridor for pipelines carrying oil and gas, just as the Ukraine conflict disrupts energy supplies.

The Armenian defence ministry accused Azerbaijan, which is backed politically and militarily by Turkey, of launching a new attack on Wednesday.

“The situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border remained tense,” it added, restating Armenia’s position that Azerbaijan launched attacks on its sovereign territory.

Azerbaijan accused Armenia, which is allied with Moscow and hosts a Russian military base, of firing mortars and artillery at its military units.

“Our positions are periodically being fired against at the moment,” Azerbaijan’s defence ministry said. “Our units are taking the necessary response measures.”