Azerbaijan Seeks to Ethnically Cleanse Nagorno-Karabakh, Mirzoyan to Lavrov

The expanded meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has begun in Moscow. In his opening remarks, Ararat Mirzoyan stated, “The situation in our region is increasingly inflamed due to Azerbaijan's aggressive rhetoric and ongoing military provocations, not only against Nagorno-Karabakh but also against Armenia. These actions violate the trilateral agreement, making it clear that Azerbaijan aims to ethnically cleanse Nagorno-Karabakh.

Unfortunately, there is almost no point in the trilateral agreement that Azerbaijan has not violated—systematic breaches of the ceasefire regime, occupation of Armenian territory, illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor, continued detention of Armenian prisoners of war, and disruption of the unblocking of regional communications, as well as issues regarding the return of Armenian residents. Azerbaijan's ongoing provocations undermine the maintenance of peace and security in the region. In this context, the active steps of Armenia's allies and partners are crucial to compel Azerbaijan to fulfill its obligations and to deter violations of international law through the threat of force.”