Azerbaijan Appeals to International Court Demanding Armenia to Halt Mining Activities in Nagorno-Karabakh

Azerbaijan has filed a request with the International Court of Justice seeking provisional measures against Armenia, which includes the cessation of mining activities in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. This is reported by TASS, referencing a statement released by the court today.

In its application, Azerbaijan claims there is new evidence that Armenia "intentionally continued to lay landmines in civilian areas where displaced Azerbaijanis are to return" in 2021 or thereafter, and that "in October 2022, Azerbaijan discovered explosive traps in residential buildings placed by or with the assistance of Armenian soldiers."

In this context, Azerbaijan has asked the court to implement provisional measures within the framework of the proceedings concerning the application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, requiring Armenia to take all necessary actions to clear the territories of Nagorno-Karabakh, including providing information about the location, quantity, type, and characteristics of landmines, explosive devices, and any other hazardous materials.

The request also demands that Armenia refrain from placing explosive devices in areas where Azerbaijani civilians are returning.

Armenia has initiated judicial proceedings against Azerbaijan at the International Court of Justice under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination as of September 16, 2021. The lawsuit accuses Azerbaijan of racial discrimination over decades, which has been particularly highlighted during the conflict in September 2020.

Azerbaijan filed a counterclaim on September 23, asserting that Armenia has committed and continues to commit a series of discriminatory actions against Azerbaijanis based on their national and ethnic origin. During the ongoing case, both parties have also requested the application of provisional measures established by the court to avoid escalating tensions between them, the media reminds us.