Azerbaijan plans to offer amnesty to Karabakh Armenian fighters who surrender their weapons, according to an Azeri presidential adviser. However, some fighters have vowed to continue their resistance even after Azeri forces took control of the enclave. The rapid military operation by Azerbaijan led to the ethnic Armenians of Karabakh accepting a ceasefire agreement, which has sparked calls for the resignation of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The future of Karabakh and its 120,000 ethnic Armenians remains uncertain, with Azerbaijan seeking to integrate the region while Armenians feel abandoned and fear potential ethnic cleansing.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has promised to protect the rights of Karabakh Armenians but has declared the idea of an independent ethnic Armenian Karabakh as history. He envisions turning the region into a “paradise” as part of Azerbaijan. Hikmet Hajiyev, a foreign policy adviser to Azerbaijan’s president, stated that an amnesty is being considered for Karabakh fighters who surrender. He also mentioned that Karabakh Armenians have requested humanitarian aid and supplies of oil and gasoline, with three shipments of humanitarian assistance scheduled to arrive on Friday.
Despite these developments, some individual army groups and officers have publicly stated their intention to continue resisting. However, this is not seen as the biggest security challenge, according to Hajiyev. Karabakh is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but its Christian Armenian population has enjoyed de facto independence since the 1990s. Following the 2020 war, Azerbaijan gained control over a larger territory, leading to their claim of victory over the region.
The situation in Karabakh has historical and geopolitical implications. The region has been influenced by various powers throughout history, including Persians, Turks, Russians, Ottomans, and Soviets. Its strategic location, rich in oil and gas pipelines, has attracted the attention of Russia, the United States, Turkey, and Iran, who are all vying for influence in the South Caucasus region.
Many of the 120,000 Armenians in Karabakh feel abandoned by Russia, the West, and even Armenia itself. They express concerns about potential persecution by Azerbaijan, supported by Turkey. The silence of the international community is deeply troubling to them. Thousands of Karabakh Armenians are still gathered at the local airport where Russian peacekeepers are stationed. They are in need of essential provisions, including food, medicine, doctors, and psychologists. The international community’s commitment and support are urgently requested.
Armenia’s Prime Minister Pashinyan, who has faced protests calling for his resignation, assures that the government has prepared for a possible influx of people into Armenia but emphasizes the importance of allowing Karabakh residents to live in their homes without fear and with dignity. He also highlights the information war targeting his country and warns of potential coup attempts.
Russia, with its peacekeeping presence in Karabakh, has called for calm but has been criticized by some Armenians, including Pashinyan, for not doing enough to support Armenia. In a video circulating on social media, individuals are seen throwing red paint at the Russian embassy in Yerevan, reflecting the frustration and anger among some Armenians.
In conclusion, the situation in Karabakh remains tense and uncertain. The fate of the region and its ethnic Armenian population hangs in the balance as Azerbaijan seeks integration while Armenians feel abandoned and fear persecution. The international community’s support and attention are crucial in ensuring the well-being and safety of the people in Karabakh.
