UN chief Antonio Guterres commented on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, where the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan escalated on September 27. Guterres called on both sides to immediately cease hostilities and return to peace talks, RIA Novosti reported.
“The Secretary-General is extremely concerned about the resumption of hostilities along the line of contact in the Nagorno — Karabakh conflict zone,” said Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for the Organization’s Secretary-General. In addition, Guterres condemns the use of force and regrets the casualties among the populations of both countries.
Armenia declared martial law and General mobilization
At the same time, the UN chief noted that he intends to contact Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
On the morning of September 27, it became known about the aggravation of the situation in the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Yerevan and Baku blame each other for the escalation. Mobilization has been declared in Armenia, and the authorities of the disputed region report the deaths of Armenian soldiers and civilians.
In 1991, Nagorno-Karabakh, populated mainly by Armenians, declared independence from Azerbaijan. Baku tried to return the region by force, and war broke out. In 1994, Azerbaijan, Armenia and the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic signed a Protocol of truce with the mediation of Russia. Periodically, military operations resume.