News Watch Artsakh: September 2023

September 30

10:41 p.m.: Cindy McCain. Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) tweets: “90,000 people have fled into Armenia to seek refuge in the last week. They are often exhausted with nothing but clothes on their backs. WFP is quickly ramping up efforts to support people with: 21,000 hot meals, food parcels for 30,000 people, food cards for 6,000 people.”

8:36 p.m.: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the Armenian government will provide 40,000 drams ($100) to each refugee from Artsakh to cover accommodation costs and an additional 10,000 drams ($25) for utility expenses. The program will commence on October 1 and will continue for at least six months. All refugees from Artsakh, regardless of age, will receive these payments, except those who have apartments or houses in Armenia or are under government care.

The Armenian government had earlier announced the provision of a one-time payment of 100,000 drams ($250) to each refugee from Artsakh.

8:20 p.m.: Hunan Tadevosyan, spokesperson of Artsakh’s police, stated that Artsakh road police and rescue workers will remain in Artsakh to conduct search operations of missing persons. He noted that Artsakh’s Interior Minister Karen Sargsyan remains there as well.

8:14 p.m.: Two brothers from Artsakh, 8-year old Nver and 10-year old Mikayel Ghazaryan, killed in the Azerbaijani attack on September 19 were buried in Masis, Armenia. They were from the village of Sarnaghyur in Artsakh’s Askeran district.

3:25 p.m.: Norwegian Ambassador to Georgia and Armenia Bergljot Hovland announces that Norway is contributing 20 million Norwegian Krone to humanitarian support for the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh. The support will be allocated through partners ICRC, Redd Barna, and the HALO Trust.

3:03 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s General Prosecutor’s Office stated that Artsakh’s former foreign minister Davit Babayan has been charged with “engaging in activities that incited national enmity and hatred and coordinated the activities of terrorist groups.”

12:09 p.m.: Armenian government spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan stated that 100,417 forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh have crossed to Armenia. 32,200 of the forcibly displaced persons had accepted the accommodation provided by the Armenian government.

11:30 a.m.: Artsakh’s former State Minister and Human Rights Defender Artak Beglaryan tweets: “My unofficial info: The last groups of Artsakh people are currently on their way to Armenia. In Artsakh, at most a few hundred persons remain, most of whom are officials, emergency services employees, volunteers, some persons with special needs. They are also preparing to leave.”

September 29

9:02 p.m.: Armenia submitted a request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) yesterday for the indication of provisional measures in the case concerning Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Armenia v Azerbaijan).

Armenia requests the ICJ to reaffirm Azerbaijan’s obligations under the Orders it has rendered in this case, in particular those of 7 December 2021 and 22 February 2023, and to indicate the several provisional measures, including 

• to refrain from taking any actions directly or indirectly aimed at or having the effect of displacing the remaining ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, or preventing the safe and expeditious return to their homes of persons displaced in the course of the recent military attack including those who have fled to Armenia or third States, while permitting those who wish to leave NagornoKarabakh to do so without any hindrance”
• to withdraw all military and law-enforcement personnel from all civilian establishments in Nagorno-Karabakh occupied as a result of its armed attack on 19 September 2023
• to facilitate, and refrain from placing any impediment on, the access of the United Nations and its specialized agencies to the ethnic Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, and shall not interfere with their activities in any way
• to facilitate, and refrain from placing any impediment on, the ability of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide humanitarian aid to the ethnic Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, and shall cooperate with the ICRC to address the other consequences of the recent conflict
• to immediately facilitate the full restoration of public utilities, including gas and electricity, to Nagorno-Karabakh, and shall refrain from disrupting them in the future
• to refrain from taking punitive actions against the current or former political representatives or military personnel of Nagorno-Karabakh
• to not alter or destroy any monument commemorating the 1915 Armenian genocide or any other monument or Armenian cultural artefact or site present in Nagorno-Karabakh
• tol recognize and give effect to civil registers, identity documents and property titles and registers established by the authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh, and shall not destroy or confiscate such registers and documents

8:10 p.m.: The UK has announced “vital funding” of  £1 million to the ICRC as it provides “life-saving medication, healthcare and other essential support to vulnerable people in Nagorno-Karabakh and the wider region.”   

“Following a military operation by Azerbaijan to take full control of the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a significant portion of the ethnic Armenian population has left Karabakh for the neighboring Republic of Armenia and face acute humanitarian challenges,” the UK government said in a statement.

UK Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty said the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has “placed communities under immense pressure” and the UK’s “financial package will help to protect families and provide crucial assistance to the most vulnerable people.”

8:06 p.m.: Armenian government spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan said at a press briefing that 97,735 forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh crossed to Armenia as of 6 p.m.

6:24 p.m.: Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billström states that his country has provided €1.3m in additional humanitarian support to people leaving Nagorno-Karabakh and will continue to support Armenia.

5:53 p.m.: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock tweeted:

“Azerbaijan has promised to open the door to Nagorno-Karabakh for the eyes and ears of the international community. Getting an independent assessment of the situation on the ground is more urgent than ever. Therefore the UN visit needs to take place without delay. 

“This can only be a starting point. Along with our partners, we are advocating for an international observer mission. The residents of Nagorno-Karabakh must be assured that they are not alone.”

4:59 p.m.: The UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has issued the following statement:

“UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is deeply concerned by the rapidly evolving humanitarian emergency in Armenia, with over 88,700 refugee arrivals in less than a week. Refugees are mainly arriving to the Syunik region in Southern Armenia.

“The Government has assumed the responsibility of providing protection and assistance with the support of UNHCR and other UN agencies and NGOs.

“UNHCR is leading the inter-agency refugee response, working with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. An inter-agency response plan is being finalized, to be followed by a joint financial appeal. It is important that the needs in the short term as well as the medium to long term are considered.

“UNHCR teams have been on the ground and at the border since day one when the first groups of refugees arrived exhausted, frightened and apprehensive about the future. They have been living under blockade for the past nine months. They do not know what will happen to the homes they have fled and whether they will return.

“They are anxious about what will happen to them now and worry about whether their children will be able to access education. Most arrived with very few belongings and require urgent emergency assistance, including blankets, bedding materials, medical and psychosocial support and shelter in the immediate term.

“Refugees are being registered by the Government at registration centers at the border, while there are some ten additional humanitarian centers in other regions. In addition to registration, these centers offer immediate psychosocial support, snacks, play areas for children and information about accommodation and other assistance.

“The authorities are providing temporary accommodation to new arrivals with no relatives in Armenia, including in hotels, social centers and schools. However, with such huge numbers of arrivals in a short time, additional emergency centers are urgently needed.

“UNHCR is supporting the Government with technical equipment, including laptops and tablets, to facilitate registration and has provided essential core relief items such as foldable beds and mattresses for refugees, while more core relief items are on the way, arriving this weekend. UNHCR is also scaling up its presence on the ground.

“While the Government is making consistent and commendable efforts to meet the rapidly growing needs with the support of the international community, additional financial support is needed. UNHCR urgently calls on the international donor community for solidarity and responsibility sharing to enable Armenia to respond to this unfolding humanitarian emergency.”

4:53 p.m.: Azatutyun quotes sources close to the Artsakh authorities as confirming that Levon Mnatsakanyan, the former commander of the Artsakh Defense Army, has been arrested by Azerbaijan. Earlier, Russian-state run TASS had reported that news citing its sources. Azerbaijan has not yet confirmed the reports.

4:53 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the possible visit of the UN mission to the “Garabagh region” of Azerbaijan:

“Following the anti-terrorism measures conducted several days ago, Azerbaijan has invited relevant UN agencies to visit its Garabagh region. Such a visit will be conducted in the coming days under the auspices of the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, in line with the UN-Azerbaijan Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2021-2025). 

“The visit will create an opportunity to familiarize with the current humanitarian activities of Azerbaijan in the region. Moreover, certain infrastructure restoration, the process of disarmament and seizure of weaponry from illegal Armenian armed forces, and threats emanating from the landmines will be demonstrated to the members of the team.”

4:36 p.m.: Azerbaijan has arrested Davit Manukyan, former deputy commander of Artsakh’s Defense Army.

4:01 p.m.: European External Action Service (EEAS) spokesperson Peter Stano issued a statement on the displacement of people from Nagorno-Karabakh:

“A mass exodus of Karabakh Armenians is currently taking place, as a result of Azerbaijan’s military operation of 19 and 20 September and of the previous months-long blockade of the Lachin corridor. People are fleeing their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh and are finding refuge in Armenia.

“It is urgent to ensure continuous unimpeded humanitarian support to those who are still in need in Karabakh, as well as to those who have left. The European Union supports the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is facilitating the urgent evacuation of wounded people as well as patients, and the provision of emergency assistance on the ground.

“The European Commission announced an additional package of humanitarian aid of EUR 5M to assist people displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia and those who find themselves in a vulnerable situation inside Karabakh. The EU and its Member States stand ready to provide additional humanitarian assistance. 

“Azerbaijan bears the responsibility to ensure the rights and security of the Karabakh Armenians, including their right to live in their homes in dignity without intimidation and discrimination, as well as the right to return for those displaced. It is essential that a UN mission can access the territory within the next days. 

“The European Union has taken note of the announced launch of a process of registration of Armenian residents through a dedicated portal by the Azerbaijani authorities. The EU will continue following closely the developments on the ground.”

4 p.m.: In a press briefing, government spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan reported that as of 12 p.m. 91,448 people and 19,103 vehicles from Artsakh have crossed to Armenia. 69,916 people have already registered with the government. 23,433 have been provided with shelter by the government.

She later added that at the time of the briefing (4 p.m.), nearly 93,000 people had crossed the Hakari bridge.

2:25 p.m.: Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitri Peskov stated that Russia will discuss the possibility of extending the mission of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh with Azerbaijan. “This is the territory of Azerbaijan, the issue will be discussed with Baku,” he stated.

12 p.m.: In a press briefing, Armenian government spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan reported that as of 10 a.m. 88,780 people and 18,756 vehicles from Artsakh have crossed the Hakari bridge to Armenia. 63,483 persons have already registered with the Armenian government, while 20,306 have been provided with shelter by the government.

Buses provided by the Armenian government have transported 2,000 people from Stepanakert. Baghdasaryan added that the buses will go to Stepanakert again until the last person who wants to move comes to Armenia.

11:23 a.m.: Azerbaijani media reports that Azerbaijani police have been deployed in Stepanakert to “protect public order.” 

10:08 a.m.: Artsakh’s State Service of Emergency Situations reports that rescue teams continue to search the vicinity of the fuel depot blast that occurred on September 25. To date, a total of 170 remains and relics have been found from the area of the blast and transferred to the forensic medical examination bureau, and personal belongings to the operative headquarters.

The ashes and remains will be sent to Armenia for DNA identification.

7:44 a.m.: Armenian government spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan reports that as of 6 a.m., 84,770 forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh have arrived in the Republic of Armenia.

September 28

11:47 p.m.: The UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Armenia is on the ground near the border in Goris, Syunik province supporting families fleeing violence. 

“We have already set up tents to provide up to 2,000 hot meals per day and are preparing to scale up assistance swiftly across the country as needed,” it said.

11 p.m.: Armenian government spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan reports that 78,354 forcibly displaced individuals have crossed from Artsakh to Armenia.

10:45 p.m.: The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) tweeted: “Today, Head of Mission  Markus Ritter with colleagues from EU CPCC [Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability] joined our monitors in Goris for a patrol to the entrance of the Lachin corridor to get better understanding of the current situation. EUMA’s mandate is to observe & report on the development at Armenia-Azerbaijan border areas.”

9:22 p.m.: Canada’s Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen and Foreign Minister 

Mélanie Joly announced $2.5 million in humanitarian assistance funding to the ICRC to address the urgent needs stemming from the deeply concerning crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh.

9:21 p.m.: In a press briefing, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the U.S. “continue[s] to be greatly concerned about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh” and “think[s] it’s important that residents of Nagorno-Karabakh be able to make the decision to leave if they want to leave and to be able to return if they want to return.”

“It’s a decision that they all have to make as individuals, but we think it’s important that they be able to make that decision for themselves. And we think there ought to be unhindered humanitarian access to the region to make sure that populations in need can get the support that they require,” he stated.

Miller said the U.S. is “quite serious about the international mission.” He added: “We think the international mission is important because it relates to all of the other questions about humanitarian assistance, about humanitarian needs in the region. We are so serious about the international mission that the Secretary raised it in his call with President Aliyev, pressed him to support an international mission. You may have seen that the Azerbaijani Government came out yesterday and said that they do support an international mission, and in fact in their statement said one of the reasons they are supporting it is because they have been pushed to support it by the United States.”

“So we are quite clear on it. We’re working with our allies and partners on what the best mechanism to effectuate that is. But we think it’s important to provide transparency and to assure that humanitarian needs are being addressed on the ground.”

9:12 p.m.: USAID administrator Samantha Power tweeted: “Over 50,000 people have fled Nagorno-Karabakh for Armenia in the last few days. The US is ramping up our support to help them. USAID is deploying a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to work closely with partners on the ground to get humanitarian aid to those in need.”

4 p.m.: In a press briefing, Armenian government spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan stated that as of 2 p.m., 70,500 refugees from Artsakh have crossed to Armenia. Of these, 50,866 have registered with the government in Goris and Vayk and 13,922 have been provided with shelter by the government.

3:26 p.m.: Azerbaijani ambassador-at-large Elchin Amirbayov stated that Azerbaijan “does not intend to limit the rights and opportunities of Garabagh Armenians to use their native language, culture and religion.”

“The only red line we will never allow to be crossed is something that could call into question Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added.

2:17 p.m.: In response to Pashinyan’s remarks at the cabinet meeting, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry responded that the “current departure of Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan is their personal and individual decision, and it has nothing to do with forced relocation. If some segments of Armenian residents do not want to live and obey Azerbaijan’s legislation and rule, we cannot force them to do so. On the contrary, we call on Armenians not to leave their places of residence and be part of multiethnic Azerbaijan.”

12:34 p.m.: Armenian government spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan reports that 68,386 forcibly displaced individuals have crossed from Artsakh to Armenia.

11:34 a.m.: Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan reported at a cabinet meeting that 66,500 forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh have crossed into Armenia.

11 a.m.: At a cabinet meeting, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated:

“The exodus of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh continues as a result of the policy of ethnic cleansing carried out by Azerbaijan. Analysis shows that no Armenian will be left in Nagorno-Karabakh in the coming days. This is a direct act of ethnic cleansing and [dispossession], and what we’ve been warning about the international community for a long time. The statements made by various international actors condemning ongoing ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh are important, but if no concrete actions follow these statements will be viewed only for creating a moral statistics for history.”

He added that by simply making statements and not taking action, countries are trying to have an opportunity to separate themselves from this crime: “If no relevant political and legal decisions follow the statements on condemning it, the condemnations become acts of giving consent to what’s happening.”

He said the primary duty of the Armenian government is to “receive our brothers and sisters forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh with the utmost care and ensure their urgent needs are met.”

10:57 a.m.: Azerbaijan’s State Security Service has charged Ruben Vardanyan with “financing of terrorism, participation in the creation and activities of armed formations or groups not provided for by law, organization of illegal entry of a foreigner or stateless person into the Republic of Azerbaijan.”

10:13 a.m.: Artsakh’s President Samvel Shahramanyan signs a decree to dissolve all state institutions and organizations of Artsakh by January 1, 2024, and the “Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) ceases to exist.”

“The population of Nagorno-Karabakh, including those residing outside the republic, shall, after the entry into force of this Decree, become acquainted with the terms of reintegration presented by the Republic of Azerbaijan, with the aim of making an independent and individual decision regarding the possibility of staying (returning) to Nagorno-Karabakh. This Decree comes into effect immediately upon publication.”

9:48 a.m.: Artsakh’s former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan issued a statement acknowledging that since he is on Azerbaijan’s “black list” and Azerbaijan has demanded his arrival in Baku for an appropriate investigation, he will head from Stepanakert to Shushi today.

“This decision will naturally cause great pain, anxiety and stress, primarily to my loved ones, but I am sure they will understand. My failure to appear, or worse, my escape, will cause serious harm to our long-suffering nation, to many people, and I, as an honest person, hard worker, patriot and Christian, cannot allow this,” he stated.

9:36 a.m.: Armenian government spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan reports that as of 8 a.m. 65,036 persons have crossed into Armenia from Artsakh.

9:28 a.m.: Filippo Grandi, Commissioner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, states: 

“More than 50,000 refugees have arrived in Armenia from Karabakh. Their number increases by the hour. UNHCR convoys with more relief supplies are on the way. We are ready to mobilize additional resources to support the humanitarian efforts of the government and people of Armenia.”

9:20 a.m.: Following her trip to Yerevan and areas near the Lachin Corridor, USAID Administrator Samantha Power met with President Aliyev in Baku on the urgent humanitarian needs in Nagorno-Karabakh. She was joined by Acting Assistant Secretary of State Yuri Kim, and Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations, Louis Bono. The focus of the group’s discussion was the urgent humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.

“The Administrator stressed the urgency of allowing unhindered humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh, including those stuck in the Lachin Corridor, and the urgent need for expanded access for humanitarian groups.

“They discussed the need for international monitors on the ground in Nagorno-Karabakh to verify that people’s rights are being respected, and that cultural and religious sites are protected. The Administrator noted President Aliyev’s commitment to protect the rights and safety of ethnic Armenians, and the two discussed steps that would demonstrate the Azerbaijani Government’s intention to uphold that commitment. Administrator Power reiterated the importance of respecting Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Finally, they spoke about the importance of the parties recommitting to long term peace negotiations and the United States’ continued willingness to support that process.”

12:54 a.m.: A bipartisan, bicameral letter by U.S. Senators and Congressmen calls for accountability amid growing human rights violations in Nagorno-Karabakh. 

The signatories cited the discretionary authority of the leaders of both agencies under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to hold the perpetrators of the ongoing human rights crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh accountable.

“Azerbaijan has blocked the Lachin Corridor, the only route connecting Armenia with Nagorno-Karabakh, depriving some 120,000 Armenians of freedom of movement and access to food, medication, hygiene products, and other commercial goods. The blockade’s effects are particularly acute for at-risk groups, such as children, elderly people, people with disabilities and chronic health conditions, whose access to healthcare services is severely limited or disrupted,” wrote the members.

“After over nine months of trying to starve out the ethnic Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Azerbaijani military launched a full-scale assault on the region on September 19, resulting in a ceasefire and the capitulation of the local government on September 20,” added the lawmakers.  “This attack has exacerbated concerns about the worsening of the humanitarian crisis, and statements from the government of Azerbaijan about ‘re-integration’ raise the specter of ethnic cleansing and cultural genocide,” continued the members.

“America is a world leader on international human rights and must continue to serve as a mediating force and supporter of peace in the region,” concluded the members.

September 27

10:18 p.m.: As search and rescue operations continue in Artsakh, another 11 bodies have been discovered and retrieved according to Artsakh’s State Service of Emergency Situations.

The remains of four servicemen and one civilian were removed from the village of Khachmach in the Askeran region. From the territory around the village of Charektar, the remains of four and from Chankatagh the remains of two servicemen were retrieved and sent to Stepanakert. 

While search operations for servicemen and civilians missing following Azerbaijan’s military attack continue, search and rescue teams are also continuing their search at the scene of the fuel depot explosion that took place on September 25.

8:29 p.m.: Amnesty International states that Azerbaijan must allow safe passage to those fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh and seeking safety in Armenia, whilst guaranteeing the right of ethnic Armenians to return to their homes.

8:16 p.m.: NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy and Special Representative for the Caucasus, Javier Colomina tweets: “Welcome resumption of direct dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan yesterday. But backdrop is alarming: large numbers of Karabakh Armenians leaving their native grounds and dire humanitarian situation. The rights and security of Karabakh Armenians must be guaranteed.”

7:54 p.m.: Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly tweets: I spoke with my Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, to discuss the grave situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. Hostilities must stop and humanitarian access must be granted. Canada stands ready to assist.”

4 p.m.: Armenian government spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan stated that as of 3 p.m., 50,243 individuals have crossed the Hakari bridge.

3:14 p.m.: Morris Tidball-Binz, the UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, stated that Azerbaijan must guarantee the rights of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh and ensure that the lives of civilians, detained persons or those otherwise “hors de combat” in recent hostilities are respected and protected in line with its international obligations.

“Azerbaijan must also promptly and independently investigate alleged or suspected violations of the right to life reported in the context of its latest military offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, during which dozens of people, including peacekeepers, were killed,” he said.

2:23 p.m.: Ruben Vardanyan, Russian-Armenian billionaire and former State Minister of Artsakh, has been arrested and detained by the Azerbaijani authorities at the border as he tried to leave with thousands of Armenians.

1:26 p.m.: Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated: “Alarmed by the growing number of Armenians fleeing their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh and the explosion that has caused hundreds dead. The rights and security of the population, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid, must be guaranteed. Spain’s aid of AECID [Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation] will be present.”

12 p.m.: Armenian government spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan reported that 42,500 people have fled from Artsakh to Armenia as of 8 a.m. She later provided an updated figure of 47,115 individuals who have crossed the Hakari bridge.

11:29 a.m.: Armenia’s Health Ministry reports that 237 people have been transported from Artsakh to Armenia, including those wounded by the Azerbaijani attack of September 19-20 and the fuel depot explosion on September 25; 142 persons were transported by helicopters and 95 by ambulances.

10:48 a.m.: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock tweeted: “Thousands of children, women, and men in Nagorno-Karabakh are so afraid for their lives that they see no other way out than to make their way to Armenia — often with only the bare necessities and in completely overcrowded cars. Their numbers are increasing by the hour.

“No one really knows how the people in Nagorno-Karabakh are faring. What is needed now is transparency and the presence of the international community on the ground. Together with our partners, we will work to deploy observers as quickly as possible.

“It would be a sign of trust that Azerbaijan is serious about its commitments to the safety and well-being of the people in Nagorno-Karabakh if it allowed international observers.

“There is still a lack of almost everything. Assistance through the Lachin Corridor must not only reach the people bit by bit but reliably and at all times. I have decided to increase our humanitarian aid through ICRC Armenia from 2 to 5 million euros.”

4:20 a.m.: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted: “I spoke to Azerbaijani President Aliyev today to urge him to refrain from further hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh and provide unhindered humanitarian access without delay.”

1:44 a.m.: Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen tweeted: “The images of refugees fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh are a failure of the international community. For months warnings of ethnic cleansing were ignored. Now it has happened. The world must stand with democratic Armenia and give all the humanitarian support needed.”

September 26

11:50 p.m.: U.S. National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson issues a statement on the explosion at fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh: 

“We are saddened by the news that at least 68 people have been killed and hundreds injured in an explosion at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh and express deep sympathy to the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and to all of those suffering. We urge continued humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh for all those in need. The United States will continue to support those affected by the ongoing crisis as 28,000 people have crossed into Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh. Administrator Power is on the ground and today, the United States is announcing additional humanitarian assistance to address health care and other emergency needs, helping local communities provide shelter and essential supplies – such as hygiene kits, blankets, and clothing – to address the needs of those affected or displaced by violence in Nagorno-Karabakh. Since 2020, we have supported the provision of food, water, emergency medical care and evacuations, and family reunifications for conflict-affected communities in Nagorno-Karabakh and the region.”

10:49 p.m.: According to the Artsakh Infocenter, another five bodies were found in the villages of Chankatagh and Vardadzor in the Martakert region. Three of the bodies were servicemen, two were civilians. Search and rescue operations are ongoing throughout the territory of Artsakh.

10:48 p.m.: Artsakh authorities report that as a result of the fuel depot explosion, there are 68 confirmed deaths; 21 of the bodies have been identified.

290 people were wounded, of whom 168 were transferred to Armenia (96 by Armenian and Russian helicopters and 72 by Armenian ambulances accompanied by the ICRC). 

105 people remain missing. 

10 p.m.: Belgium’s Foreign Ministry tweets: “Following the tragic explosion of a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh, our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. Belgium remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in the region.”

9:23 p.m.: According to the Government of Armenia, 28,120 forcibly displaced persons have entered Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh as of 8 p.m.

9:06 p.m.: The UNHCR tweets: “We are deeply concerned about the increasing number of refugees fleeing into Armenia in recent days. The majority are older people, women and children, who require urgent emergency assistance and psychosocial support. We call for the protection of civilians and full respect of international humanitarian and refugee law.”

Full statement here.

8:34 p.m.: Armenian Prime Minister’s spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan stated that 20,270 individuals from Artsakh have crossed into Armenia.

8:31 p.m.: France will provide €7 million to meet the social needs of the forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh, the French Ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decottignies stated.

8:04 p.m.: UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk issued the following statement on Artsakh:

“I am following with concern the evolving and fragile humanitarian situation. It is important that the rights of the ethnic Armenian population on the ground are safeguarded and all actions rooted in international law.  Protection of all civilians must be an absolute priority. Those affected must have access to humanitarian assistance.

“The rights of internally displaced people and of those in a refugee-like situation must be fully upheld, including ensuring that they are able to exercise their right to return in safety and dignity. I also call for proper attention to reports of missing people.

“Any reported violations of human rights or international humanitarian law require follow-up, including prompt, independent and transparent investigations to ensure accountability and redress for the victims, as appropriate.

“States have an obligation not to deny ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities the right to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion, or to use their own language. Each State should also protect the existence and the national or ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic identity of minorities within its territory and encourage conditions for promoting that identity.”

7:11 p.m.: In a speech at the UN General Assembly, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States Paul Richard Gallagher stated: “The Holy See urges dialogue and negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, with the support of the International Community, which will favor a sustainable agreement, as soon as possible, thus ending the humanitarian crisis and resolving the dramatic situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.  In addition I express my condolences to the families of the victims of the explosion at a petrol station near the city of Stepanakert.”

6:24 p.m.: Catherine Colonna, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs tweets: Emergency equipment will leave France for Yerevan in the coming hours to help treat the injured.

6:12 p.m.: The EU released a statement on the meeting between Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council Armen Grigoryan and Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of Azerbaijan Hikmet Hajiyev under the auspices of EU President Charles Michel.

It was hosted by Michel’s Diplomatic Advisers Simon Mordue and Magdalena Grono, with the participation of Diplomatic Advisers to French President Macron and German Chancellor Scholz, Emmanuel Bonne and Jens Ploetner, as well as EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar. President Michel joined the participants for a brief exchange.

“The EU invited participants to exchange views on the current situation on the ground and various efforts aimed at addressing the urgent needs of the local population.

“The European Union closely follows all these developments and has been engaged at the highest level to help alleviate the impact of hostilities on civilians. The EU reiterated in this context its position on Azerbaijan’s military operation last week.

“Hikmet Hajiyev outlined Azerbaijan’s plans to provide humanitarian assistance and security to the local population. The EU stressed the need for transparency and access for international humanitarian and human rights actors and for more detail on Baku’s vision for Karabakh Armenians’ future in Azerbaijan. The EU is providing assistance to Karabakh Armenians.

“The meeting also allowed for intense exchanges between participants on the relevance of a possible meeting of the leaders in the framework of the Third EPC Summit scheduled for 5 October 2023 in Granada. The participants took note of the shared interest of Armenia and Azerbaijan to make use of the possible meeting in Granada to continue their normalization efforts.

“In this regard, Armen Grigoryan and Hikmet Hajiyev engaged in talks on possible concrete steps to advance the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process in the upcoming possible meeting, such as those with regard to border delimitation, security, connectivity, humanitarian issues, and the broader peace treaty.

“Concrete action and decisive compromise solutions are needed on all tracks of the normalization process.

“The EU believes that the possible meeting in Granada should be used by both Yerevan and Baku to reiterate publicly their commitment to each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in line with agreements reached previously in Prague and Brussels.”

5:09 p.m.: Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan stated that 19,000 Artsakh Armenians have fled to Armenia.

4:26 p.m.: Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, tweeted: “Our thoughts are with the victims of yesterday’s tragic gas explosion in Stepanakert/Khankendi and their loved ones. There is an urgent need for unimpeded international humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh. The EU announced additional assistance and ready to do more.”

4:22 p.m.: The United States government is allocating $11.5 million in humanitarian aid to meet the needs of the forcibly displaced people from Nagorno-Karabakh, USAID Administrator Samantha Power announced during a visit to the Armenian village of Kornidzor.

4:01 p.m.: The critically wounded victims of the September 25 fuel depot explosion in Stepanakert are being airlifted by helicopters to Armenia for treatment. The patients are accompanied by medics from Armenia and the Russian peacekeepers.

2:20 p.m.: Armenia’s Health Ministry reports that following the explosion in Nagorno-Karabakh, seven patients are already at the National Burn Center in Yerevan. At the moment, they are undergoing tests and receiving the necessary treatment.

2:18 p.m.: The EU announces €5 million to help people in need fleeing Artsakh. It includes €500,000 of emergency support announced last week and €4.5 million new funding, which will assist people forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia and assist vulnerable people inside Nagorno-Karabakh.

2:15 p.m.: Artsakh InfoCenter reports: “Citizens who want to relocate to Armenia, but do not have their own means of transport, can approach the working group operating at the Armenia Hotel in Stepanakert on September 26 starting at 4 p.m. to register. The transportation by buses is planned in the coming days. To carry out the process effectively, we expect discipline and tolerance. At the moment, the priority for us is the urgent transfer of the injured to Armenia’s medical facilities.”

1:50 p.m.: Azatutyun reports: “A large ambulance brigade traveled from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh via Kornidzor. They were escorted by the Red Cross.”

1:24 p.m.: Health Ministry of Armenia reports: 

“In the humanitarian station located in Kornidzor and in Goris, there are first aid stations working around the clock, where doctors sent from the Goris Medical Center and Yerevan Polyclinics provide services. Among the doctors, there are also narrow specialists (neurologist, cardiologist, endocrinologist). Ambulances are also on duty around the clock and transport patients to hospitals as needed. During the first two days, 725 citizens were served, including 355 children and 22 pregnant women. Medical centers and ambulances are stocked with necessary medication and medical supplies.”

12։08 p.m: State Service of Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Artsakh reports:

“As a result of search operations carried out in different directions on September 25, yesterday, the bodies of one dead soldier and one citizen were evacuated from the administrative area of Shosh village of Askeran region. And an elderly woman [was evacuated] from Karmir village.

“Two bodies and one civilian were found from the territory of Kichan village of Martakert region. Another citizen from Vank village.

“One citizen was found and moved from Krkzhan district of Stepanakert city. The Azerbaijani side handed over five citizens and five bodies unharmed to the Armenian side. In total, eight bodies and 10 citizens were retrieved as a result of yesterday’s search. The health condition of the latter group is satisfactory.”

12։05 a.m: Azerbaijani presidential adviser Hikmet Hajiyev tweets: “We are in regular contact with ICRC and also directly with representatives of [A]armenian residences of Karabakh to be responsive to humanitarian needs on the ground. Since yesterday hospitals in Agdam, Sabirabad and Saatly regions of Azerbaijan vocated [his word] to receive a substantial number of patients from Khankandi and these hospitals were reinforced with additional medical staff.  Medicine and other medical stuff, specially to treat burns have been sent. Additionally, food aid was also delivered. It will continue today and the following days as well. Helicopter with a medical team was ensured with access from Armenia to Karabakh to take the persons in need of medical support and provide medical care on the ground. We are currently working on providing ICRC with exceptional access through Gorus-Gafan-Eyvazli-Fuzuli-Shusha-Khankandi road for medical evacuations and aid delivery.”

11:57 a.m: Artsakh InfoCenter informs: “Those citizens who wish to be transported to Armenia and do not have their own vehicle will have the opportunity to register and move by buses in the coming days. Taking into account the need for emergency medical care for the wounded on the Stepanakert-Goris road and our compatriots who were injured in the explosion of the fuel warehouse on September 25, we urge you not to travel to Armenia with your own vehicles for the time being, because human life is more precious to us, and you can help save it. Be assured that the fate of the wounded also depends on your actions. We ask you to approach the issue responsibly.”

11:47 а.m: The Ministry of Health of Armenia reports: “The first helicopter carrying our compatriots injured in the explosion in Nagorno-Karabakh landed in Sisian [Armenia]. From there, they will be transferred to the capital’s hospitals.”

11:24 a.m: Artsakh InfoCenter reports that the Stepanakert-Kornidzor road is congested with people being stuck on the road for days, in most cases, it is not possible to contact them:

“To avoid unnecessary problems, incidents and accidents, please do not rush [to leave]. Due to traffic jams, it is not possible to transport people even from the regions. Please turn to the municipality and the administrations in the regions regarding the relocation [process] of the population of Stepanakert. Please understand that our governing body is dealing with the issues of missing persons, accordingly, with search and rescue operations.”

11 a.m.: Armenia’s Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan will have a working visit to Brussels on September 26. He is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, EU Council President Charles Michel’s advisors and Azerbaijani President’s assistant Hikmet Hajiyev to prepare for a possible meeting of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan scheduled for October 5 in Granada.

10:05 a.m: Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan continues to hold meetings at night with forcibly displaced people from Nagorno-Karabakh in Goris, she continues to remain in Syunik with the representatives of the staff. Fact-finding works are being carried out on the spot, and details are being collected. Yesterday, the Ombudsman visited the Humanitarian Station that is operating near the Kornidzor settlement.

9:50 a.m: The Ministry of Health of Armenia stated: “The team of doctors with the necessary medicine and medical supplies, left for Stepanakert by a helicopter to help our compatriots who were injured in the explosion at the gasoline warehouse in the area adjacent to the Stepanakert-Askeran highway. The transfer of patients from the Republican Medical Center of Stepanakert is being prepared.”

9:35 a.m: Artsakh InfoCenter stated: “On September 25, as a result of the large explosion in the fuel warehouse in the Askeran region, a total of 290 people with various degrees of burns were admitted to the Republican Medical Center of Artsakh, and a number of other medical centers.

Seven people died in the hospital; dozens of patients affected by the explosion remain in critical condition; 13 unrecognized bodies were transferred to the Bureau of Forensic Examination. Many people are missing. The doctors and medical staff in Stepanakert are doing everything possible to save the lives of the wounded in difficult conditions. We will provide additional information regarding the situation.”

9:30 a.m.: The government of Armenia stated: “As of 8 a.m., 13,550 forcibly displaced persons entered Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh. Census data for 11,000 of them has been summarized and needs assessment for 2,550 is being identified. All those who do not have a predetermined place of residence are provided by the government with suitable accommodation.”

1:16 am The Foreign Minister of France, Catherine Colonna tweets: “All my thoughts are with the victims of the fuel depot explosion that happened this evening. France is ready to send emergency resources. Azerbaijan must allow immediate access for humanitarian aid.”

September 25

11:38 p.m.: In response to Azatutyun, the Ministry of Health of Armenia informed that all possible measures are being taken to ensure the transportation of those injured in the explosion in the area adjacent to the Stepanakert-Askeran highway by air and land. However, the nighttime and bad weather conditions are making transportation impossible at the moment.

According to the Ministry of Health, burn specialists and ER specialists are in constant contact with colleagues in Stepanakert. “Active work is being done to organize the transportation of the injured to Armenia by helicopter,” the Ministry said.

11:13 p.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman says the situation is dire following the explosion at a fuel depot earlier this evening: “As a result of the explosion in the fuel warehouse, the number of injured exceeds 200. The health condition of the majority is severe or extremely severe. The medical capacities of Nagorno-Karabakh are not enough to save people’s lives. Sanitary aviation must land very urgently to save people’s lives. Very urgently, without delay.”

10 p.m.: The United States is concerned about the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, U.S. Department of State Spokesman Matthew Miller said at a daily briefing today (link to video, see min 3:40).

“The most important now is that the ceasefire be maintained, that there is no further military action. Secondly, the humanitarian needs of the Nagorno-Karabakh people must be addressed. Third, it’s important for Armenia and Azerbaijan to reach a lasting peace agreement,” the Spokesman said.

With respect to the humanitarian situation on the ground, Miller said, “Ethnic Armenians should be able to stay in their homes in peace and dignity if they chose so.Those who want to leave or return, should be allowed safe passage overseen by an independent neutral third party,” he said.

The Spokesperson stressed that Azerbaijan has the responsibility to protect civilians and ensure the humane treatment of all, “including those suspected of being combatants.”

“We do believe there should be an international mission to provide transparency, reassurance and confidence to the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and ensure that their rights are protected consistent with public statements that Azerbaijan has made,” Miller noted.

He said there have been active discussions about that. “We have called for such a mission for some time, and we are working with allies and partners to secure one,” Miller said.

9:32 p.m.: Gegham Stepanyan, the Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh writes: “There are hundreds of victims as a result of the explosion of the fuel warehouse in Artsakh. It is still not possible to determine the exact number of injured and killed. The Republican Medical Center and the Stepanakert Children’s Hospital are providing medical care to the injured working with limited capabilities and insufficient drugs. However, it is not enough. In order to save the lives of the victims, there is an urgent need to air-lift them.” [see 8:11 p.m.]

9 p.m.: Independent journalist from Stepanakert Siranush Sargsyan tweets: “The situation in the hospitals of Stepanakert is absolutely catastrophic! Shortages of medical staff, panic, people trying to find their loved ones from the blast. Very high number of injured individuals. We need urgent helicopter airlifting ASAP, otherwise many will die!” [see 8:11 p.m.]

8:11 p.m.: The Emergency Services of Artsakh confirms an earlier report of a strong explosion in Stepanakert. The communication says the explosion took place at the gasoline warehouse near the Stepanakert-Askeran highway. “At the moment, rescue and medical services are working on the spot. There are killed and wounded. Many injured victims were taken to medical facilities.”

7:59 p.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the delegation led by Samantha Power, the Administrator of the USAID, which included Yuri Kim, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. 

Power thanked the Prime Minister for the warm welcome and underscored “the deep commitment of the United States to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and democracy of Armenia. I know that USAID works with the Armenian people, and the Armenian government has never shown hesitancy in this matter, and that is very important.”

She said that during this trip they are focused on the crisis and “the humanitarian needs of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, the humanitarian needs of the people who fled from Nagorno Karabakh. I assume about 5,000 people crossed into Armenia today, and we really take very seriously our responsibility to mobilize resources, ourselves, to support local authorities in finding places to stay and other means of support, but also get other countries to do the same.”

Powers said that her government will continue to work with both Armenia and Azerbaijan “to bring about lasting peace between the countries, also considering the profound economic dividends and stability it will bring for the Armenian people.”

Power then conveyed the letter of US President Joe Biden to Prime Minister Pashinyan:

“Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

“I send my best wishes to you and the people of Armenia as you celebrate your Independence Day. This year, as we mark this proud occasion, we are also mourning the recent loss of life of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. I have asked Samantha Power, a key member of my cabinet, to personally convey to you the strong support of the United States and my Administration for Armenia’s pursuit of a dignified and durable regional peace that maintains your sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and democracy.

“Armenia has demonstrated its commitment to that purpose by engaging in peace talks with Azerbaijan as well as implementing critical economic reforms, improving government accountability and strengthening democratic institutions. I assure you that the United States will continue to stand beside Armenia as you work to strengthen the democracy at home and seek stability in your neighborhood.

“The United States is committed to work with your government and address humanitarian needs emerging from the latest violence, which Administrator Power will discuss with you in depth. We will also continue to strengthen our cooperation on energy diversification, resilience, and security, as demonstrated by our recent military exercises.

“Armenia’s rich history has inspired nations and people everywhere to strive for liberty and justice. And the Armenian-American community continues to be a source of strength in my own country. In the year ahead, I hope to continue to further deepen and strengthen the bonds between our nations – and our people’”

7:16 p.m.: Artsakh Info Center reports: With the mediation of the Russian side, on September 25, the representatives of Artsakh and Azerbaijan met in Ivanyan, the place of permanent deployment of Russian peacekeepers.

A number of humanitarian issues were discussed, including the process of searching and rescuing the dead and missing following the military operations, emphasizing the necessity of restoration of natural gas supply, uninterrupted work of the energy system and water supply.

The representatives of Artsakh emphasized the transfer of the wounded, pregnant women, children and citizens in need of urgent medical assistance to the specialized medical institutions of the Republic of Armenia.

The parties reached an agreement on the issue and outlined the agenda of the next meeting.

5:28 p.m.: Armenia’s Government reports: As of September 25, 5 pm, 6,650 forcibly displaced persons entered Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh. The data for  5,580 people has been collected and registered; information from 1,070  is still in process. The Government is providing accommodation to all those who have no place to live. Registration of support needs continues.

3:35 p.m.:  Statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry in connection with the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia: 

“The message of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan on independence dated September 24, 2023 contains unacceptable attacks against Russia and cannot but cause anything but rejection. There is an attempt to relieve oneself of responsibility for failures in domestic and foreign policy, shifting the blame to Moscow. The latest maxims of Nikol Pashinyan confirms our earlier conclusions that processes inspired by the West and spurred on by official Yerevan, destructive processes for our own country and our allied relations, are not episodic, but systemic in nature.

“The head of government, in fact, admitted that all this time the republic was being deliberately prepared for a turn away from Russia. Their steps, designed to set a new – Western – vector for the development of Armenia, are unconvincingly justified by alleged mistakes on the part of the Russian Federation and the CSTO. At the same time, it is forgotten that our states have largely similar interests in matters of security and development, and the United States and other NATO countries have set as their goal not only to inflict strategic damage on Russia, but also to destabilize our common Eurasian space.

“Russia has always been faithful to its allied obligations, respected Armenian statehood and never confronted the republic with a choice: with us or against us. Moscow has provided and continues to provide large-scale assistance to fraternal Armenia in the areas of security, economics and culture. 

“In the fall of 2020, the efforts of the Russian Federation and President Putin personally made it possible to prevent the complete defeat of Armenia. If  Pashinyan had agreed to a truce weeks earlier, the loss would have been less severe. Finally, the selfless activity of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh (NK), sometimes at the cost of their own lives, is a direct confirmation of Russia’s continued commitment to fulfilling its extremely difficult mission in the interests of achieving peace between the Azerbaijani and Armenian peoples, which N.V. Pashinyan chose to remain silent about.

“Our country, despite increasingly frequent signals about the creation of artificial difficulties for Russian companies in the republic, is invariably pursuing a course of increasing economic and investment ties with Armenia both bilaterally and within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union. Today they demonstrate record dynamics, contributing to the impressive growth of the Armenian economy and the well-being of citizens.

“Russia firmly stands in favor of strengthening a common cultural and educational space with Armenia, despite the attempts of individual Armenian representatives to slow down the progress of mutually beneficial projects in the humanitarian sphere.

“In regional affairs, Pashinyan – instead of observing the gentleman’s agreement of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia from November 2020 to leave the issue of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh to future generations – succumbed to the exhortations of the West. In Prague and Brussels, he decided to act based on the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1991, recognizing sovereignty Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. This fundamentally changed the conditions under which the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020 was signed, as well as the position of the Russian peacekeeping contingent. Due to the short-sightedness of the Armenian leadership, it was not possible to implement a number of agreements in the field of strengthening the security of Armenia, in particular, N.V. Pashinyan did not sign the decision already agreed upon by all foreign ministers of six countries to send a CSTO observation mission to the regions of the republic bordering Azerbaijan .

“The situation was also heated by official Yerevan’s persistent denial of the continued presence of Armenian Armed Forces in NK after November 9, 2020, which became one of the key reasons for the latest September escalation. The agreement reached through the mediation of the Russian Peacekeeping Command on September 20 on the withdrawal of the remaining Armenian units and the complete disarmament of the “Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army” with the removal of heavy equipment and weapons revealed the real picture and created the preconditions for sustainable de-escalation.

“Largely as a result of the inconsistent position of the Armenian leadership, which preferred to shy away and run to the West over rhythmic work together with Russia and Azerbaijan, the implementation of a set of trilateral agreements at the highest level for 2020-2022 has stalled. Precious time was lost, during which significant progress could have been made in terms of agreeing on a peace treaty, delimiting the border and unblocking regional communications, which would have become additional security factors for Armenia. It is also noteworthy that at the aforementioned Prague and Brussels meetings under the auspices of the European Union, the Prime Minister of Armenia, while recognizing the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, did not remember the rights and security of the Karabakh Armenians.

“This irresponsible approach of N.Pashinyan’s team caused understandable discontent among parts of Armenian society, which was expressed in popular protests. Of course, allegations that they were inspired by Russia have nothing to do with reality. The head of the Armenian government should be well aware that Moscow does not deal with such things – unlike the West, which is quite skilled in organizing ‘color revolutions’, but by a strange coincidence chose not to notice the numerous facts of persecution of protesters by the authorities in Yerevan. At the same time, as is well known, the US Ambassador maintains close contacts with the government. Against this background, clearly at the instigation of the authorities, a real anti-Russian disorder has unfolded in the Armenian media.

“We are convinced that the Yerevan leadership is making a huge mistake, deliberately trying to destroy the multifaceted and centuries-old ties between Armenia and Russia and making the country a hostage to the geopolitical games of the West. We are confident that the overwhelming majority of the Armenian population is aware of this.”

3:03 p.m.: Samantha Power, the Administrator of the USAID tweets: “Wheels down in Yerevan, Armenia. At this important moment for the country and region, I’m here to reiterate the U.S.’s strong support and partnership with Armenia and to speak directly with those impacted by the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh.”

3:01 p.m.: The State Service of Emergency Situations of Artsakh’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that search operations for servicemen and civilians killed and missing as a result of Azerbaijan’s military assault have been ongoing since September 21; 105 bodies were retrieved and six civilians were evacuated.

“On September 21, the body of a civilian was found in the Ajapnyak district of Stepanakert.

Searches carried out on September 22 found and evacuated one wounded serviceman from the Ghaibalishen area of ​​Shushi region, and the bodies of two killed servicemen from Charektar.

On September 23, 68 bodies were retrieved, four of whom were civilians (two children and an elderly couple) from the village of Sarnaghbyur of Askeran region.

On the same day, two citizens were found alive in the area of ​​Nakhijevanik and Sarushen villages.

As a result of search operations carried out in different directions on September 24, a total of 34 bodies were retrieved, and three civilians were found from Shosh village of Askeran region.”

The last official numbers provided by Artsakh authorities on the number of killed and wounded was on September 20, when it was reported that there were 200 dead and over 400 injured. 

2:48 p.m.: In an interview with reporters today, Russian President spokesperson Dmitry Peskov spoke about the situation in Artsakh following Azerbaijan’s large-scale attack on September 19 and said that “Moscow categorically disagrees with the attempt to blame the situation on the Russian Federation and Russian peacekeepers.” Peskov was referring to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s address [See September 24, 12 p.m.] where he said that Russian peacekeepers could have stopped Azerbaijan’s military actions before they began, and that they allegedly have a share of responsibility for what happened.

Peskov went on to say that they “understand the emotional intensity of this moment” and that Armenia remains an ally. “Armenia is a people close to us. You know that more Armenians live in our country than in Armenia itself, much more. We will continue to fulfill our functions, we will continue the dialogue with the Armenian side, with Pashinyan, including, and we will continue to work to ensure that all the rights of the residents of Karabakh are respected, meaning the Karabakh Armenians.” 

The Russian official expressed hope that meetings with Azerbaijan’s president, foreign colleagues, “including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will help ensure security and normalize life in Nagorno-Karabakh” and he expressed hope that a meeting between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey “will contribute to security in the region and will contribute to the normalization of life in Karabakh after what happened.” Peskov was referring to the meeting taking place today between Erdogan and Aliyev in Nakhichevan for the ceremony of the Igdir-Nakhichevan gas pipeline. Peskov also said that Moscow welcomes the mediation efforts of third parties “if they are not undertaken in vain only to indicate a presence in the region.” He emphasized that if someone can “help integrate the Armenian population of Karabakh into a new reality, this can only be welcomed.” 

2:25 p.m.: A meeting of representatives of Karabakh Armenians and Azerbaijan has been held in Ivanyan (Khojalu). The main base of Russian peacekeepers is located there. The first meeting of the parties took place on September 21 in Yevlakh.

1:45 p.m.: The mayor of Martakert, Misha Gyurjian in an interview with Azatutyun said that Martakert “is completely surrendered, it is empty. The last residents left yesterday, around 1000 cars reached Stepanakert in the evening.” 

Last night, Azerbaijani media published footage of how the Azerbaijani servicemen were placing the flag of Azerbaijan on the sign of the city of Martakert.

1:20 p.m.: Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Yuri Kim and USAID Chief Samantha Power have arrived in Armenia. According to Reuters, a U.S. official said that Power will meet with senior Armenian government officials and will “affirm U.S. support for Armenia’s democracy, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and commitment to address humanitarian needs stemming from Nagorno-Karabakh.”

1:15 p.m.: According to Azerbaijani media, a second meeting between representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) and Azerbaijan has started in Ivanyan.

12:30 p.m.: Armenia’s Government reports: As of September 25, 12 pm, 4850 forcibly displaced persons entered Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh. The data for 3900 people has been collected and registered; information from 950 is still in process. The Government is providing accommodation to all those who have no place to live. Registration of support needs continues.

12:30 p.m.: The State Security Service of Azerbaijan reports that “during anti-terrorist operations” on September 20, suspects in the death of six Azerbaijanis were disarmed and detained. The day Azerbaijan launched a wide-scale assault on Artsakh, Baku accused the Artsakh Defense Army of “sabotage operations” which led to the deaths of the Azerbaijanis in two different mine explosions. Authorities in Baku have not released the names of the detained.

Below is the text of the announcement issued by Azerbaijan’s State Security Service at 9:50 a.m.

“State Security Service appeals to the Armenian population of the Karabakh region:

“As it is known, on September 19-20 of this year, anti-terrorist measures of a local nature were carried out in order to stop acts of terrorism and sabotage of illegal Armenian armed groups in the territories of Azerbaijan under the temporary control of the Russian peacekeeping contingent to disarm them, and consequently the terrorist groups were forced to surrender.

“The relevant persons who as members of an illegal organized armed group were suspected in committing of acts of terrorism and sabotage by placing mines on the newly constructed tunnel road in the territory of the Tagaverd village of Khojavand district and at the 58th kilometer of the Ahmadbeyli-Fuzuli-Shusha road on September 19, 2023 resulting in the death of two civilians and four policemen, were disarmed and detained during abovementioned anti-terrorist measures.

“After the agreement was reached on the complete disarmament of the illegal Armenian armed groups and their withdrawal from their combat positions, in accordance with the instructions of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev, consistent measures were taken to ensure peace in the areas inhabited by the Armenian population, personal safety and social problems of the local residents and the ammunition in the possession of the Armenian military units was taken under the control of the Azerbaijan Armed Forces.

“Addressing to the Armenian residents of the Karabakh region, the State Security Service appeals to the population of the Karabakh region and urges to refrain from actions that threaten the overall development of the regions included in the Karabakh economic region of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as the well-being of the Armenian population, their peaceful reintegration into the Azerbaijani society, the resolution of social and humanitarian issues, the protection of the rule of law, stability and public security, as well as from destruction of properties, documents, and similar illegal actions, and to surrender their weapons as soon as possible.

“Full protection of the rights and freedoms of persons of Armenian nationality who have handed over weapons and comply with the requirements of the relevant legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan shall be provided.”

12:25 p.m.: Armenia’s Ministry of Health reports: As of 12 noon, the health condition of four of the 23 wounded who were transferred from Nagorno-Karabakh and are being treated in specialized medical centers in Yerevan is assessed as extremely serious. Doctors assess the condition of 16 wounded as serious, the health condition of three is moderate.

11 a.m.: Artsakh Infocenter writes that all those who wish to be relocated to Armenia will have that opportunity. Below is the full text of that statement:

According to the agreement reached, there are no set deadlines for relocation, and as we have already informed, citizens who were evacuated and left homeless as a result of military operations, and who want to move to Armenia will be given priority.

The authorities of Artsakh will continue to remain in place and carry out their state administration duties until they fully ensure the transfer process of citizens who wish to relocate to Armenia.

Due to the congestion on the Stepanakert-Goris highway and traffic jams, it is currently not possible to organize the transportation of seriously and extremely seriously injured people, or the import of necessary medical supplies and humanitarian goods.

At the same time, in order to acquire fuel, citizens are causing congestion near gas stations, paralyzing traffic and normal life in the city.

With all this in mind, we ask you to refrain from moving for the time being to avoid accidents and save the lives of the injured.

In this difficult situation, we call on the employees of the state administration system, healthcare sector and power structures to continue to fulfill their professional duties for the sake of the safety and health of our compatriots.

Citizens who want to move to Armenia will be provided with free fuel today at five gas stations in Stepanakert starting from 2 p.m.

We urge you to refrain from violence and disorder, to remain law-abiding that is specific to the people of Artsakh.

7:33 a.m.: As of 6 a.m.., 2906 forcibly displaced people entered Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh. The data for 2100 people has been collected and registered; information from 794 is still being processed. 

1:20 a.m.: As of midnight, 1510 forcibly displaced people entered Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh. The data for 1060 people has been collected and registered; information from 450 people is still being processed. 

September 24

10:42 p.m.: As of 10 p.m., 1050 forcibly displaced people entered Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh. The data for 770 people has been collected and registered; information from 280 is still being processed. According to the Government statement, 410 people have made arrangements for accommodation, 360 people will be moved to government-sponsored lodging.

9:51 p.m.: Artak Beglaryan, former State Minister and Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh writes that electricity has been restored to Stepanakert. According to Beglaryan it is still unclear if the local damaged supply grid or the full power grid from Armenia has been restored. Beghlaryan writes, “The population, which has had zero electricity since the September 19 aggression, now has electricity supply. A small reprieve for tens of thousands facing a deteriorating humanitarian crisis with no fuel, almost no food and displacement from their homes and lives.”

9:19 p.m.: Armenia’s Human Rights Ombudsperson Anahit Manasyan’s statement: 

Eliminating Armenian hatred necessitates more than mere verbal statements; it requires the implementation of systematic and substantial practical mechanisms to address the issue effectively.

Along with creating a humanitarian disaster in Nagorno-Karabakh, old and new videos, photos and other publications containing hostility and hatred towards Armenians are being actively disseminated in the media platforms and social networks of Azerbaijan.

Furthermore, all of this is accompanied by comments by Azerbaijani society full of hate and armenophobic speeches, praising the human rights violations committed by the Azerbaijani armed forces against both military personnel and civilians, including war crimes and atrocities.

The Defender once again records that such an intolerant attitude of the Azerbaijani society is the consequence and proof of the armenophobic policy as well as the policy of ethnic cleansing of the Azerbaijani authorities.

In addition, ethnically based hate propaganda against Armenians in Azerbaijan has also been recorded by international human rights monitoring bodies, in particular, in the concluding observations on the 10th to 12th periodic reports of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) from September 22, 2022, and in the report of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) of 29 March 2023.

Both the committee and the commission have expressed their concern regarding the incitement to racial hatred and the propagation of racist stereotypes against persons of Armenian national or ethnic origin, including on the Internet and social media, as well as by public figures and government officials.

Moreover, the use of discriminatory language and propaganda of intolerance towards ethnic Armenians in school textbooks was also considered worrying. In this regard, ECRI also recorded the prevalence of hate speech against Armenians among the youth, in school and beyond, stressing that it can create fertile ground for further military operations.

Pointing out the existence of aggressive rhetoric against ethnic Armenians in Azerbaijani society, including by officials, ECRI noted that the boundary lines between the Azerbaijani political and other public discourse against Armenian decision-makers and hate speech towards Armenians as an ethnic or national community are blurred and practically impossible to discern, although the Azerbaijani authorities refuse to accept that the resentment on the part of Azerbaijani society is against persons of Armenian origin but not only against Armenian decision-makers.

The Defender emphasizes that this dangerous armenophobic policy of Azerbaijan should be at the center of the attention of organizations with a mandate of human rights protection, noting that this dangerous phenomenon rooted in society as a result of years of coordinated policy cannot be eliminated through the mere verbal declaration of the Azerbaijani authorities, but it is necessary to implement systematic and serious practical mechanisms in that direction.

Considering the important role of national human rights institutions in overcoming human rights-related problems, including the aforementioned ones, the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia continuously monitors various manifestations of hatred within the framework of its mandate and is consistent in enacting mechanisms for overcoming the mentioned phenomenon.

6:54 p.m.: The Armenian government reports: As of 6 p.m., 377 forcibly displaced citizens entered Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh. The data for 216 people has been collected and registered; information from 161 people is still being processed. Out of the 216 people, 118 said they already have living accommodations and 98 are currently provided with government-provided accommodation.

Earlier the government had published the needs assessment form for the Karabakh Armenians that was filled out by the staff of the Humanitarian Center in Kornidzor upon arrival, the data from which will be shared within the government networks of local authorities of the different regions of Armenia and the social services.

6:30 p.m.: Artsakh Info Center reports: On September 24, President Samvel Shahramanyan met with citizens who were evacuated after the recent military operations, left homeless and sheltered near the permanent location of Russian peacekeepers in Ivanyan. Citizens in a desperate predicament expressed their desire to be moved to Armenia to be with their relatives. As a result of the agreement reached, a decision was made according to which 30 buses were allocated in order to transport these citizens to Armenia without any obstacles.

After the relocation of these persons, left homeless and in a desperate predicament, all our compatriots who wish to be relocated to Armenia will have that opportunity in the coming months. The government also plans to provide fuel. Those citizens who were not forced to leave their homes and settlements as a result of military operations, please remain calm and wait for official information about the process. Taking into account the artificial obstacles created by the population, we urge everyone to avoid panic, disorder, violence and criminal activities, to show restraint and abide by the law.

We inform you that the process is being monitored around-the-clock by law enforcement agencies, who have received orders to carry out prevention measures.

5 p.m.: Gegham Stepanyan, the Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh tweets: “Sarnaghbyur community of Askeran region had 76 residents before the attack of Azerbaijan on September 19. Five were killed, 15 were wounded, four were captured by Azerbaijan. The names of the civilian victims from Sarnaghbyur: Alexander Alexanyan, Gohar Grigoryan, Nver Poghosyan (child), Mikael Poghosyan (child), David Alexanyan (child).”

4:16 p.m.: Artsakh Info Center reports: During the recent military operations, the residents of Yeghtsahogh community of Shushi region were evacuated, effectively left homeless and expressed their desire to join their relatives in the Republic of Armenia. According to the agreement reached they have already reached Kornidzor accompanied by Russian peacekeepers.

4:08 p.m.: The Defense Ministry of Armenia responds to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs:  “In a release of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Internal Affairs on September 24, as well as in other official statements, Azerbaijan continues falsely claiming that there are units of the Armenian Armed Forces in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Armenia reiterates that there are no units of the RA Armed Forces in Nagorno-Karabakh.”

2:51 p.m.: Armenpress reports that according to the Nagorno-Karabakh Humanitarian Response Coordination Team set up by the decision of the Armenian government, it was decided to move the humanitarian cargo sent by the Armenian government and designated for Artsakh (on June 26) to Goris from where it will be possible to send it to Artsakh through the Russian Peacekeepers and the ICRC. [see 2:15 p.m.]  

2:26 p.m.: Civilnet reports that the first group of Artsakh Armenians, around 40 people, have arrived at Kornidzor. They are currently at the humanitarian center. Civilnet’s reporter Armine Simonyan cites the Governor of Syunik Robert Ghukasyan as saying that currently there is a group of 250 people including volunteers at the Kornidzor center. Ghukasyan also said that there are about 45 ambulances waiting to transfer patients if need be. According to Ghukasyan, pregnant women and people with disabilities will be allocated hotel rooms, and other people will be accommodated in Goris, Tegh and Tatev communities. At this point, the center is ready to accommodate the needs of around 10,000 people.   

2:15 p.m.: According to Azatutyun, trucks carrying humanitarian cargo from Armenia to Artsakh that have been at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor since June 26 are returning. The 400 tons of humanitarian aid were for the people of Artsakh who had been under blockade since December 12, 2022. Azerbaijan had not allowed the aid to reach the people.

1:30 p.m.: Nazeli Baghdasaryan, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson writes: 

“We inform you again that all the decisions about the September 20 ceasefire were made by Nagorno-Karabakh. The Republic of Armenia was not involved in the decision-making. The Republic of Armenia was generally aware that a process was taking place, but did not have specific information about the nuances. The Republic of Armenia had no information about the mechanisms facilitating the discussion of documents and the format of decision-making. Nagorno-Karabakh discussed and coordinated the issues with and/or through the peacekeeping mission of the Russian Federation.”

Baghdasaryan was responding to the statement of the speaker of Artsakh’s parliament Davit Ishkhanyan who said that Nikol Pashinyan was familiar with the text of the statement of the Security Council of the Republic of Artsakh. “In order to avoid unnecessary speculations and to refrain from rumors and fabrications, I would like to inform you that from the first moment of the military operations carried out by Azerbaijan on September 19 of this year, Armenia’s Prime Minister was aware of all the processes and developments. Moreover, the statement of the Security Council of the Republic of Artsakh, which is the document of the ceasefire, was a subject of discussion and the text version of the statement was known in advance by the responsible circles of the Republic of Armenia, including the Prime Minister himself.”

1:10 p.m.: The government of Artsakh issued a statement according to the Artsakh Infocenter:

“Families left homeless as a result of the recent military operations and who expressed a desire to leave the Republic will be transferred to Armenia, accompanied by Russian peacekeepers.

The government will issue information about the relocation of other population groups in the near future.”

12 p.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s live address:

In the last few years, a number of events have given all of us an opportunity to analyze and understand the circumstances.

The answer to the questions of what has happened in Armenia, what is happening now and what needs to happen, will be strategic for the future. 

Azerbaijan’s attacks on Armenia in the last years clearly show that the external security structures Armenia is a part of are not effective from the perspective of Armenia’s security and state interests. The aims and motives of the Russian Federation are also to be reconsidered in view of what has happened in Artsakh from the 44-day war to the blockade of the Lachin Corridor and beyond.

Despite the November 9, 2020 statement, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh are standing before ethnic cleansing; humanitarian aid is not enough. If there are no guarantees for them to live in peace and security in their own homes and the scenario where the Armenians of NK — to save their lives and identity — will have no choice but to leave will substantially increase. In this case the responsibility will fall on Azerbaijan, who adopted the policy of ethnic cleansing and the Russian Peacekeeping Force in Nagorno-Karabakh. 

The Armenian government is ready to accept the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, if Armenia’s attempts, in collaboration with international partners, to protect the rights of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, yield no results. 

The analysis of the situation shows that our allies have set out to showcase our vulnerabilities and cast doubt on Armenia’s ability to be independent and sovereign. This policy is not in response to the government that formed following the 2018 Velvet Revolution. This policy has manifested itself periodically in the last 10 years. Now, not only has Armenian’s external security been targeted but also internal security and stability are under attack in violation of all norms of diplomatic, inter-state ethics and correctness, and in violation of even contractual obligations. 

We call on our allies to respect Armenia’s independence and sovereignty and express our resolute will to fortify our statehood, sovereignty, democracy, internal and external security. 

We call on the international community to express unwavering support for Armenia’s independence and territorial integrity and democracy. My government is ready to collaborate with willing partners and utilize all available tools, including the de jure ratification of the October 6, 2022 Prague and the May 14, 2023 Brussels agreements, which confirm the borders of Soviet Armenia and now de jure the border of the Republic of Armenia. The ratification of the Rome Statute is also one of these international tools, allowing Armenia to apply to the International Criminal Court in protection of its international borders. This decision is in no way against CSTO or the Russian Federation, it stems from Armenia’s security needs and is our sovereign right to make this decision.   

Armenia needs to be peaceful, developed, free and democratic and as we move forward on this path, we need to reestablish our will to be free and sovereign, we do so respecting all our allies but also expecting reciprocal respect. Do we want independence or do we want to live as an outpost of another? This is, already clearly and transparently, the choice presented to Armenia’s internal political reality and the citizen needs to choose between supporting the independence movement or supporting a movement that leads us to becoming an obedient outpost nation.

As Armenia’s prime minister, I lead the independence movement. 

Glory to the fallen soldiers and long live the Republic of Armenia. 

11:10 a.m.: According to Armenia’s Ministry of Health, 23 ambulances accompanied by medical personnel are transporting 23 seriously and critically injured citizens from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. They have now crossed the Hakari Bridge, accompanied by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

12:28 a.m.: U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken tweets: “I spoke to Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan today to express our concern for the protection of the rights and security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh. The United States will continue its steadfast support for Armenia and its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

September 23

7:18 p.m.: Artsakh Info Center reports: According to the agreement reached with Azerbaijan on September 20 through the mediation of the Russian side on the cessation of military operations, the following works are currently being carried out.

• Withdrawal of units of the Defense Army from combat positions and transfer to permanent locations, parallel to the work of disbanding the army,
• Search mission to find dead and missing persons,
• Transportation of severely and critically injured and sick to Armenian medical institutions, accompanied by the International Committee of the Red Cross and Russian peacekeepers.
• Import of humanitarian goods, medical supplies, essential goods and fuel to Artsakh through the Goris-Stepanakert highway, with the mediation of the Russian peacekeeping mission.
• Start of electricity supply restoration works from September 24,
• Organization of political consultations on the future of Artsakh and its people.

The communications concludes, “We ask our compatriots to keep calm, not to panic and provocation. At this fateful moment, the authorities will regularly inform the public about all decisions and developments.”

6:40 p.m.: The International Committee of the Red Cross sent around 70 tons of humanitarian aid to the population of Nagorno-Karabakh through the Lachin Corridor today. Zara Amatuni, head of communication programs of the Red Cross in Armenia, told the state news agency that the main part of the cargo is flour and what is needed for baking bread. Amatuni also confirmed that yesterday ICRC was able to transport nine wounded people to local hospitals in Nagorno-Karabakh. [See September 22, 4:50 p.m.]

Updated: 

The humanitarian aid included:
– 66 metric tons of wheat flour
– 2,700 kg of salt
– 450 kg of dried yeast
– 375 litres of sunflower oil

3:16 p.m.: Azatutyun reports that the first Armenian tank that entered Shushi on May 8, 1992 and later became a monument installed on the road between Shushi and Stepanaket where Armenians paid tribute to those who died in the war has been moved to by Azerbaijan to the “Military trophy park” in Baku. The “Military trophy park” was established after the end of the 44-day war and showcased not only military equipment captured from the Armenian side but also depicted mannequins that were supposed to represent Armenian servicemen in  humiliating condition, chained in a prison cell.

The international court of the United Nations demanded the Aliyev administration remove some exhibits from the park, which contain elements of national hatred and discrimination.

3:14 a.m.: Gegham Stepanyan, the Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh tweets:

“The Office of the Human Rights Defender is receiving multiple terrifying reports about Azerbaijani information terror actively conducted against the civilian population of Artsakh. Azerbaijani telegram channels encourage people to find, kill, torture, and rape the missing persons of Artsakh, even offering money for that. Many relatives of the missing people, who are already in a vulnerable psychological state, complain about Azerbaijan terrorizing and threatening them by calls and text messages. This is yet another expression of Armenophobia and ethnic hatred, which only proves that the civilian population will not have any security guarantees if it is placed under the control of Azerbaijan.”

September 22

10:52 p.m.: The latest statement by the UN Under-Secretary-General & Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide on the situation in Armenia and Azerbaijan, stressing the importance of preventing further violence and ensuring durable peace in the region:

The Special Adviser of the Secretary- General on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, expressed her alarm over the recent military escalation by Azerbaijan, noted the reported ceasefire announced on 20 September and emphasized the importance of preventing further violence and of ensuring a durable peace in the region that protects the rights of all people. 

“Military action can only contribute to escalate what is already a tense situation and to put the civilian population in the area at risk of violence, including risk of genocide and related atrocity crimes. All efforts need to be made to prevent violence and sustain peace,” the Special Adviser stressed. 

Special Adviser Wairimu Nderitu reiterated her call for dialogue and peace, and the call to avoid any escalation of tension, made during her briefing to the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council on 4 July this year, and emphasized the impact of violence on innocent and vulnerable civilians. “Previous instances of military escalation in the region have had significant negative impact on civilian populations; and there have also been reports of civilian casualties from the recent escalation. The region has further seen frequent reports of hate and divisive narratives being used, fuelling tension. Violence and hatred reinforce each other. We must stop this vicious cycle and work to build a future in which hatred and division are no longer present. I urge all parties to promote constructive dialogue and negotiations in full respect of international humanitarian and human rights law.” 

The Special Adviser also expressed concern that these developments are happening despite the recent progress in ensuring humanitarian assistance to the area, including through the Lachin corridor. The Special Adviser recalled the 22 February 2023 Order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which was reaffirmed by the Court on 6 July 2023, indicating provisional measures in the case concerning the Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (Armenia v Azerbaijan). She also echoed calls made by the United Nations Secretary-General on 24 February and 3 August 2023, noting that decisions of the ICJ are binding on the Parties. The Special Adviser expressed the importance that they be fully implemented, including the Order to take all measures to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles, and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. This message she had previously reiterated, including at the 28 April 2023 event organized by the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the United Nations on ‘Prevention of Atrocity Crimes in the Digital Era’. 

The fact that some humanitarian assistance has been able to reach the population in the area constitutes a positive step which needs to be continued, in line with international humanitarian law. This was an important step forward which requires building upon. All people deserve to live a life free from hatred, insecurity, hunger, and conflict.

9:03 p.m.: Yuri Kim, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian Affairs tweets: “Met again just now with Armenia[n] FM Ararat Mirzoyan to discuss Nagorno-Karabakh. As the U.S. Ambassador to the UN said at UNSC yesterday, Azerbaijan has the responsibility to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian organizations can provide food, medicine and other essentials without obstruction or delay. We reiterate that the U.S. will continue to strongly support Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and democracy.”

8:24 p.m.: According to an announcement by Artsakh Infocenter, during Azerbaijan’s military offensive from September 19 to 20, civilian and public infrastructure was also targeted. Azerbaijani Armed Forces targeted residential buildings, kindergartens and schools with rocket artillery and aviation; cars were also damaged. Moreover, there were no military objects or military equipment near them. Due to the lack of communication and transportation, as well as the blocking of roads connecting Stepanakert to the regions, it is not possible to determine the entire extent of the damage.

7:20p.m.: The Russian Defense Ministry reports that Russian peacekeepers ensured the delivery of humanitarian supplies for the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh through the Lachin corridor and along the Aghdam road. In total, over 50 tons of food was delivered. [see 5:40 p.m.]

The Russian MoD communication also says that in accordance with the agreements reached on the cessation of hostilities, the armed formations of Karabakh began the surrender of weapons and military equipment to the control of Russian peacekeepers. As of September 22, the following were delivered: six units of armored vehicles, more than 800 units of small arms and anti-tank weapons, about 5,000 ammunition. 

The Russian peacekeeping contingent continues to shelter 826 civilians, including 440 children, who are currently unable to return to their homes. Their accommodation, food and medical care are organized.

5:40 p.m.: Factor TV reports: “The second convoy of Russian peacekeepers passed through the first checkpoint of the highway from Goris to Artsakh. The convoy is going to Goris in order to transport food and necessary items to Artsakh. However, there is no clear information whether this food will be provided to the people of Artsakh or whether it is intended only for Russian peacekeepers.” 4:50 p.m.:  Eteri Musayelyan, head of public relations of ICRC Artsakh office, said that nine wounded were transferred from Martuni to Stepanakert through the Red Cross in a conversation with Artsakhpress news.

4:15 p.m.: Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met Toivo Klaar, the special representative of the European Union on the South Caucasus. The head of the EU delegation to the Republic of Armenia, Ambassador Vasilis Maragos was also present in the meeting. The military-political situation created around Nagorno-Karabakh and the steps to overcome it were discussed. Both sides emphasized the need for guarantees for the security and rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. There were discussions about the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border as well. Thoughts were exchanged on the current cooperation between Armenia and the European Union.

3:07 p.m.: The ECHR has fully satisfied the request of Armenia and applied an interim measure against Azerbaijan. This was reported by the representative of the Republic of Armenia on International Legal Affairs. The post said: “Taking into account the fact that the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh leads to the most serious danger of violation of the rights guaranteed by the Convention and despite the cease-fire agreement reached on September 20 of this year, on September 22 of this year, the European Court of Human Rights, satisfying the request submitted by the Government of Armenia, an interim measure has been applied towards Azerbaijan. In particular, the ECHR obliged Azerbaijan to refrain from any action that could lead to the violation of the rights guaranteed by Articles 2 (right to life) and 3 (prohibition of torture) of the Convention. The ECHR also made a decision to urgently notify the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Ministers about this.”

3:02 p.m.: Artsakh Info Center reports: Negotiations are underway with the Azerbaijani side through the mediation of Russian peacekeepers to organize the withdrawal of troops and ensure the return of citizens evacuated as a result of military aggression to their homes. At the same time, the procedure of citizens entering Artsakh and leaving Artsakh is also being discussed.

1:06 p.m.: “On the basis of voluntary and individual choice, we ensure the safety of the movement of civilians with their own vehicles along the Khankendi-Lachin road. Those who want to go are mostly family members of military personnel. Military personnel who voluntarily lay down their weapons are free.” This announcement is from a tweet by Azerbaijan’s Presidential Adviser Hikmet Hajiyev. 

Full text below: 

“I had a meeting with the ICRC Baku Office and other international partners. Strict observance of the İnternational Humanitarian Law by the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan and by all means, avoiding collateral damage during the local anti-terrorist measures, which lasted 23 hours and 51 minutes, were commended. As the Prime Minister of Armenia himself admitted, civilians were not harmed. 

‘In this regard, unverified and unserious statements by EU, French and German officials remain incomprehensible. During the meeting with ICRC, we stated that all necessary conditions are provided and will be provided for the delivery of medicine, food and other goods by ICRC via Lachin-Khankendi and Aghdam-Khankendi roads.

“Azerbaijani side is ready to provide medical assistance to wounded servicemen of Armenian origin or help them through the ICRC. Upon the inquiry movement of ICRC medical vehicles is supported to collect wounded military personnel. For this purpose, we are also ready to allocate emergency medical vehicles and provide medical care. For medical evacuations to Armenia medical vehicles can also come from Armenia. 

‘Work is underway with Russian Peacekeepers to collect the bodies of combatants left on the field. – We support receiving additional personnel from the ICRC Geneva Office. We also support sending of additional personnel from the Baku office to Khankendi sub-office. 

“On the basis of voluntary and individual choice, we ensure the safety of the movement of civilians with their own vehicles along the Khankendi-Lachin road. Those who want to go are mostly family members of military personnel. Military personnel who voluntarily lay down their weapons are free as we openly stated. Within the concept of civil-military cooperation, Azerbaijani military and civilian personnel on the ground are helping civilians and will continue to do so.”

12:23 p.m.: Reuters cites Azerbaijan’s Presidential Adviser Hikmet Hajiyev saying that Azerbaijan envisages an amnesty for Karabakh Armenian fighters who give up their arms.”We give these guarantees at the highest level,” Hajiyev said. “We will officially, at the presidential level, guarantee the security and rights of Karabakh Armenians under the Constitution of Azerbaijan. This means that we will treat them like our own citizens. The civilian population should not have a problem. We are also considering the possibility of amnesty for former soldiers, because as a result of the ceasefire and military intervention, we have agreed that those who lay down their arms will be released.”

However, according to Aliyev’s advisor, there may be complications in the process of reintegration of Karabakh Armenians.

“At the moment, we see that there are some individual groups and officers who are publicly declaring that they will not accept our conditions and will continue to resist. We also see that some groups are going to the forests. But we don’t think this is the biggest problem or a problem for security,” Hajiyev said.

“Karabakh is internationally recognized as part of mainly Muslim Azerbaijan, but its Christian Armenian population has held de facto independence since breaking away in a war in the 1990s as the Soviet Union collapsed.

“Azerbaijan’s claim of victory over the region ushers in yet another twist to the tumultuous history of mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh, which over the centuries has come under the sway of Persians, Turks, Russians, Ottomans and Soviets. It could also change the delicate balance of power in the South Caucasus region, a patchwork of ethnicities crisscrossed with oil and gas pipelines where Russia, the United States, Turkey and Iran are jostling for influence.”

11 a.m.: By the decision of the Armenian government, a humanitarian station will be set up in Kornidzor (Tegh Community) in the Syunik region of Armenia at the beginning of the Lachin Corridor. The station is to address the humanitarian crisis created in Nagorno-Karabakh, unite the efforts of international organizations and  to support the work of human rights organizations and international media aimed at the opening of the Lachin Corridor.

The humanitarian station will serve as a platform through which human rights organizations and the world community will be presented with the entire picture of the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. For this purpose, 15,911,700 drams (about 40,000 USD) has been allocated from the state reserve fund.

10:14 a.m: During the Government session Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated: “Residents of Nagorno-Karabakh can have a real chance to return to their homes. There are also some hopes for the improvement of the humanitarian situation. It is not ruled out that larger batches of humanitarian aid will enter Nagorno-Karabakh today. I cannot reveal more details, because there have been certain agreements, the implementation of which should start at this moment, whether it will start or not, remains to be seen. It is important to remember that the situation is dynamic and ever-changing and it is important to stay on course with constantly updated, confirmed information, said Pashinyan.

This morning, there were reports that Baku had sent humanitarian aid to the people of Artsakh through the Aghdam road. Two 20-ton trucks carrying food and hygiene products and two cars of bread were to be delivered to Stepanakert.

9 a.m.: According to a number of sources, Hungary used its veto to prevent the European Union from issuing a collective statement regarding the humanitarian catastrophe in Nagorno-Karabakh. [See September 21, 7:45 p.m.]

12:30 a.m.: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), introduced the bipartisan Supporting Armenians Against Azerbaijani Aggression Act. The legislation responds to the actions of the Government of Azerbaijan by providing humanitarian assistance to Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, preventing additional security assistance from going to the Government of Azerbaijan, and calling for additional accountability for alleged atrocities committed against Armenians.

Specifically, the bill would repeal the waiver authority for section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, banning most assistance to the Government of Azerbaijan. It would also authorize foreign military financing for Armenia, develop a strategy to ensure the security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, and impose sanctions on the Aliyev regime for its actions against Armenians.

“President Aliyev has repeatedly shown he will stop at nothing to eradicate Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh and threaten his neighbors,” said Chairman Menendez. “This urgent bipartisan legislation both solidifies our collective support for Armenians and sends a clear message to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh that the United States will not stand idly by while the Aliyev regime carries out its brutal campaigns of starvation and military action.”

“The Azeri government and President Aliyev used first a blockade and then an attack to force their will upon Nagorno-Karabakh,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Armenians suffered the first genocide of the 20th century, which opened the door for many of the horrors in this century. This is the latest episode of the use of force to resolve things which should be done diplomatically.”

“Azerbaijan’s renewed attacks on Nagorno-Karabakh are unacceptable. The US and international community must act to end the blockade, halt Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenians and hold those responsible accountable. This legislation sends a clear signal that we will not stand idly by in the face of these attacks,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“We cannot stand idly by as Azerbaijan takes escalatory steps to ethnically cleanse Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. We must swiftly pass this legislation to provide immediate support to Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh and to ensure the Azerbaijani regime is held accountable for its grave human rights violations and unprovoked acts of aggression on Armenians in the region,” said Senator Padilla. “I will continue to work to create the conditions for lasting peace in the region.”

“America can’t stand idly by as brutal violence perpetrated by the authoritarian regime in Azerbajian raises the specter of genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh,” said Whitehouse. “This legislation imposes stiff sanctions that will help hold the Azerbajiani government accountable for its clear human rights violations, while authorizing much-needed humanitarian assistance to Nagorno-Karabakh and the people of Armenia.”

September 21

8:04 p.m.: The European Commission is mobilizing €500,000 in humanitarian aid “to support the populations affected by the escalation of hostilities in Nagorno Karabakh.” This emergency funding is in addition to the €1.17 million of humanitarian aid the EU allocated to the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis earlier this year.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, stated: “The escalation of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has had serious repercussions to the civilians. In response, the EU is mobilizing additional €500,000 in emergency humanitarian aid to support the people displaced. We are closely monitoring the situation on the ground and stand ready to offer more assistance.”

7:45 p.m.: European External Action tweets: “The EU condemns the military operation by Azerbaijan against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh and deplores the casualties and loss of life caused by this escalation.” 

Statement by the Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on developments in Nagorno-Karabakh:

“The European Union condemns the military operation by Azerbaijan against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh and deplores the casualties and loss of life caused by this escalation. 

“We have taken note of the respective announcements that a ceasefire agreement was reached. We expect an immediate and complete cessation of hostilities, and for the ceasefire to be respected.

“The EU calls on Azerbaijan to allow immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access to the population in need, including through a full re-opening of the Lachin corridor in line with the ICJ Orders of February and July 2023. The humanitarian actors should be able to operate freely. The EU and its Member States stand ready to provide urgent humanitarian assistance.

“The EU calls on Baku and Karabakh Armenians to urgently engage in a comprehensive and transparent dialogue.

“Azerbaijan bears the responsibility to ensure the rights and security of the Karabakh Armenians, including their right to live in their homes without intimidation and discrimination. Forced displacement of the civilian population through military or other means will be met with a strong response by the EU.

“The EU stands ready to take appropriate actions in the event of a further deterioration of the situation.

“The EU reiterates its support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Azerbaijan and Armenia. We call on Azerbaijan to reaffirm its unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity of Armenia, in line with the 1991 Almaty Declaration.

“The EU stands ready to further support the democratically elected authorities of Armenia: the resilience, security and continuation of democratic reforms in the country. The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) will continue to observe and report on the security situation along the Armenian side of the international border with Azerbaijan.

“The EU calls for the resumption of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan on all pending issues, in view of the conclusion of a peace treaty, and remains fully committed to supporting such negotiations.

“The European Union remains fully committed to facilitating dialogue between the sides, notably under the auspices of the European Council President with support of the EU Special Representative, in order to ensure long-lasting peace for the benefit of all people of the region.”

7 p.m.: Armenia’s Human Rights Ombudsman tweets: “The humanitarian disaster in Nagorno-Karabakh continues: our monitoring reveals massive atrocities and violations of substantial Human Right.”

6:24 p.m.: Artsakh’s State Minister’s office reports that the State Minister Artur Harutyunyan held a meeting with the officials of the state administration to discuss the situation following the Azerbaijani attack in Artsakh including future steps. Harutyunyan tasked officials to quickly develop and implement programs that will help solve the internal problems created in the country. The announcement also mentioned that in the near future, the problem of bread will also be solved and a distribution procedure will be introduced.

6:10 p.m.: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia reports: “On September 21, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Deputy Foreign Ministers Vahan Kostanyan, Paruyr Hovhannisyan and Mnatsakan Safaryan had meetings with the Ambassadors of the UN Security Council member states accredited in Armenia, particularly the U.S., the UK, China, Russia, France, the UAE, Japan, Switzerland. The deputy ministers presented in detail the situation resulting from another large-scale aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan on September 19. Referring to the urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to be held the same day, on September 21, the Deputy Foreign Ministers emphasized the imperative of the united and targeted actions by the UN Security Council.”

5:59 p.m.: Artsakh’s InfoCenter reports, “On September 21, a meeting between the representatives of Azerbaijan and Artsakh took place in the city of Yevlakh with Russian mediation. During the meeting held in a working atmosphere, a number of issues of mutual importance were discussed. The parties especially emphasized that all existing issues need to be discussed in a peaceful atmosphere, with the readiness to continue the meetings.”

5:56 p.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the Armenian people in a Facebook Live to talk about the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. He said that there has been a lot of conflicting information being shared on social networks and the media. Pashinyan spoke of the situation after the ceasefire announcement, referring to the shooting in Stepanakert earlier this morning. He noted that some units of Artsakh’s Defense Army continue to remain in positions where they were before the ceasefire and the same refers to Azerbaijani forces. He noted that for the most part, the ceasefire is holding despite a few isolated incidents. 

The Prime Minister said that their attention is now focused on the number of civilian casualties, as communication has been patchy regarding official numbers and all other news being spread cannot be confirmed. He once again noted that the objective of Azerbaijan’s assault on Artsakh was to pull Armenia into military operations and create chaos in Armenia; reiterated that Armenia was not involved in any way in the drafting of the ceasefire agreement and said, “We were not a side to that document, we have not had any participation.” He referred, once again, to the passage in that document that notes units of Armenia’s Armed Forces having to withdraw and stresses that there were no such units there.

Pashinyan then spoke about the humanitarian situation and about the news that  Armenia would not accept Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians in Armenia. He stressed that the Lachin Corridor has been blocked for the past ten months. The PM said that his government has formed a working group that will make arrangements for the Armenians escaping from Nagorno-Karabakh.

“On the other hand, I have always condemned Azerbaijan that they are conducting ethnic cleansing in NK…and now, when I analyze the situation, there’s an impression that there are forces that want the Azerbaijani plan to ethnically cleanse NK in a manner that Azerbaijan comes out of it blame-free. For Azerbaijan to be able to say, see Armenia, the Armenian government, the society, the Armenians of NK they decided that there should not be any Armenians in NK and they left. This is an extremely dangerous narrative but on the other hand to insure the safety and the right of the NK Armenians to live on their land is our obligation,” Pashinyan said.

The following is an unofficial translation of the rest of PM Pashinyan’s live:

“Tigran Khachatryan reported the other day that preparations to accommodate 40,000 families in Armenia have been completed. And we do not want to voice this because we believe that the Armenians of NK should live in their homes on their motherland with dignity and in a safe environment. Our evaluation of the situation at the moment is that the civilian population of NK is not under direct threat. We also know that, according to what the Russian peacekeepers announced today, there are 1200-1300 citizens at the Russian Peacekeepers’ headquarters and under their care. We too are more than ready to provide humanitarian assistance but as you know the assistance is at Kornidzor. 

“I also want to say that we have information that yesterday, about 10,000 people were invited to the Stepanakert airport, they were told to go because there was a chance that they would be moved to Armenia. These people were photographed and videographed then they were told that the Armenian Government is not allowing for their transportation to Armenia. It is evident to me that this is being done to create internal political shocks and chaos in Armenia 

“To wrap up: since the very first hours of the Azerbaijani attack on NK, the Deputy Prime Minister was instructed by me to concentrate resources to accommodate the possible influx of people, to be able to accommodate them and provide food, and health services as well as hygiene products. We have not announced this because it is not our policy to have Nagorno-Karabakh without Armenians, that would be Azerbaijan’s policy. And it would not be acceptable if we, in an emotional state, find ourselves in a position where we are used for the implementation of Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing policy. This is a very important subtlety that I want to invite your attention to. 

“And what will happen now in NK and what theoretic possibility is there for the Armenians of NK to be able to live in their homes with dignity and in safety? The peacekeepers of the Russian Federation continue to remain in NK and the safety of the civilian population is their direct responsibility. Secondly, you know that a meeting took place today in Yevlakh between the representatives of the NK authorities and Azerbaijan and an agreement was reached to meet again. Our colleagues from NK have so far not disseminated an official statement regarding the meeting but Azerbaijan, at least through its official communication, is trying to give the impression that these processes are on a positive course. Of course, this might have to do with the UN Security Council meeting to take place today which will discuss the situation in NK. Foreign Affairs Minister Ararat Mirzoyan is in New York and he will take part in the session and present our stance and I think that the considerably large international attention that is today concentrated on NK and this international trend of condemning Azerbaijan’s military actions creates the opportunity for us to be able to secure the peaceful and dignified and safe life of our compatriots in NK in their own homes. 

“I also want to share with you the discussion I had regarding this issue with our colleagues in NK. This was after I had instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to prepare for the possible welcoming of our compatriots in Armenia. I told them that I think that evacuation should not be the plan A given the situation, it should not even be the plan B, but it should necessarily be plan C. Again with the consideration that we end up in a situation where we have ourselves ethnically cleansed NK relieving Azerbaijan of the responsibility. There are of course displaced people in Artsakh currently, but in our international communications, we emphasize the need for their return to their homes. Of course, plan C can become plan A given a turn in the situation but it is also important to stress that the Lachin Corridor continues to be closed by Azerbaijan. Movement to and from Lachin has never been restricted by the Armenian side. 

“The next thing that I want to say is something quite transparent. Many can clearly see who, when and how are trying to create shock waves in Armenia. Just the other day (beginning of the week) criminal cases were brought for instigating mass disorder for calls of violence and calls to topple the constitutional order against several dozen people. The law enforcement in Armenia is fully functional but I want to call your attention to one subtlety. We should not ignore the fact that some people resorting to violence is to instigate the law enforcement, or to create a situation, where they might lose self control, use disproportionate force. I also noticed that during the Yerevan Mayoral elections when we were emphasizing the issue of Armenia’s sovereignty or independence, it was being perceived as a pre-election trick but unfortunately the developments that followed showed that it was by no means a pre-election trick and everything that we had been saying in the context of sovereignty and dependence was justified. 

“The foreign policy context for this is that, especially in the Russian media, the narrative is that the Armenian government is trying to blame Russia for its own failures. We are not trying to blame any of our failures on anyone. There is the November 9, 2020 trilateral statement according to which the Lachin Corridor should have completely been under Russian Peacekeeping control. They should have been the guarantors of the safety of the civilian population in Artsakh and we have been vigilant in talking about the issue, still a year and a half ago, pointing out that these processes are not developing in the right direction. We are owning up to our share of blame but we also cannot turn a blind eye to the failures of the Russian Peacekeeping contingent. Last year, the Russians convinced a resident of Martakert, not sure driven with what conviction, to go back on the field in his tractor to do agricultural work and this man was killed by an Azerbaijani sniper while at the wheel of the tractor and while the peacekeeper was sitting next to him. There are many instances that we chose not to speak out about understanding that the situation is complicated and not everything can be controllable. However, this led to this latest escalation. If the peacekeepers can mediate a ceasefire, why could they not have intervened before the attack on NK? Everyone was sounding the alarms about the situation and we were saying that NK has been surrounded by Azerbaijani military equipment. Why would they not mediate then? These are questions that warrant answers. 

“Or on the other hand, representatives of the political parties that you know fairly well are attacking people on the streets. And why are they not answering for the speaker of the NK parliament, their fellow party member, who participated in and spoke in favor of the given conditions of the ceasefire. Will they be giving an explanation for that? Sometimes there is the impression that, just like the Karabakh issue has been manipulated by these well known political circles for internal political intrigues for decades, since 1996-7, the same thing is happening now. And what does it mean that organized groups of students and athletes are trying to organize mass disobedience in Yerevan? Many of these youths are the children and or relations of former officials or high ranking officials from Artsakh. I understand that our citizens want a more firm and operative response and that is what will happen, the response will be firm( gosht). Their aim is to see the government spill blood on the streets of yerevan. We will operate within the confines of the law but the response will be firm. We love our citizens, even those who curse us. And we can not unleash an avalanche of hatred on them.  

“My call, the call of the Government, continues to be the same, maintain calm especially in these emotional times and do not cross the lines defined by law. 

“As a conclusion, I would like to say that it would be important to hear what our NK colleagues have to say about the Yevlakh meeting and following the UN Security Council session. It is important that we register that this time around, as far as the international response goes, everything seems to be clear but on the other hand that is a small consolation.” 

4:42 p.m.: Russian and Azerbaijani media outlets report on today’s meeting in Yevlakh [see 9:44 a.m.]. Tass reports: “In the context of discussing issues of a social and humanitarian nature, representatives of the Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan reported that there is a special need for fuel. At the same time, they asked for humanitarian assistance in the form of food.” According to Tass, Azerbaijan plans to soon provide fuel supplies for heating systems of kindergartens and schools, as well as emergency medical services and fire services, and provide humanitarian support. 

According to Trend.az, the discussions focused on reintegration of the Armenian population of Karabakh, restoration of infrastructure and organization of activities on the basis of the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Trend also cites the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan saying that an agreement was reached to organize the next meeting with the Armenian residents of Azerbaijan’s Karabakh in the near future. 

[Editor’s note: No official/verified comments about the Yevlakh meeting have so far been made by the Artsakh delegation].

2:37 p.m.: In response to Armenpress, Armenia’s Prime Minister’s Office said that representatives of the Armenian government are in constant contact with their partners in Nagorno-Karabakh regarding the humanitarian crisis, including the issue of transferring those who wish to the Republic of Armenia. 

According to Armenpress the Prime Minister’s office said, depending on the situation and the results of discussions between the representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan and the Russian peacekeepers, necessary decisions will be made together with Nagorno-Karabakh. “The Armenian government does not seek the displacement of the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians and believes that their right to live safely and dignified in their homes should be guaranteed, but on the other hand, if it is deemed impossible for NK Armenians or a part of them to stay, necessary decisions will be taken. However, necessary preparations are being made to respond to such a scenario, action plans have been developed.”

2:02 p.m.: Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler, in a telephone conversation congratulated his Azerbaijani counterpart, Zakir Hasanov, and noted that Turkey, as always, stands by Azerbaijan.

1:42 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev had a telephone conversation with Russian President Putin. Aliyev apologized to Putin and expressed deep condolences for the death of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh on September 20. Putin and Aliyev discussed steps for the further stabilization of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and overcoming humanitarian problems. In his conversation with Aliyev, Putin “emphasized the importance of ensuring the rights and security of the Armenian population of Karabakh.”

12:52 p.m.: Artsakh Info center reports: “The Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire agreement reached on September 20 and used firearms in the Stepanakert suburbs. Concrete steps are being taken with the involvement of stakeholders to resolve the situation. We urge you not to give in to posts spreading panic and follow only the official news.”

12:50 p.m.: Artak Beglaryan, former State Minister and Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh tweets: “Azerbaijanis not only didn’t cease the fire yesterday at 1 p.m., shooting and moving in various directions for a few hours, but also today continued violations. Today morning they killed preliminarily a civilian in the occupied Haterq village, now shooting/moving to Stepanakert.”

12:26 p.m.: A report by Artskah police reads: “Azerbaijani Armed Forces, from the neighboring areas of Stepanakert, violating the agreement on the ceasefire, fire from a variety of firearms. Shots can also be heard in the center of the capital. For safety reasons, we urge you to stay in the shelters. We will inform you more about the situation. We have informed the command of the Russian peacekeepers about the incident with the request to take immediate measures.”

12:25 p.m.: Representatives of Russia in the Russian-Turkish peacekeeping center in Azerbaijan told the Russian Ria Novosti news agency the mood at the negotiations in Yevlakh were favorable: “We work closely with the Azerbaijani and Turkish sides. No one creates obstacles in our work; on the contrary, everyone provides maximum assistance, the parties are friendly. There is complete mutual understanding and mutual assistance.”

12:04 p.m.: Nathalie Loiseau, Chair of the Sub-committee on Security and Defense in the European Parliament tweets: “More than 60 MEPs are following me to demand that Europe sanction the Ilham Aliyev regime for its offensive against the Armenian people of Nagorno-Karabakh.”

11:50 a.m.: There are reports coming from Stepanakert from locals that gunshots from small arms can be heard in the capital despite a ceasefire that came into effect on September 20 at 1 p.m. There are also unconfirmed reports that Azerbaijani soldiers are in the city or in the vicinity and that checkpoints have been installed on roads in and out of the city.

Siranush Sargsyan, a freelance journalist in Artsakh tweets: “Azerbaijan has started firing with artillery, causing people to panic. Very close to Stepanakert. It feels like they are not ready to keep their end of the initial agreement.”

Machine guns can be heard in the background of a video posted by Stepanakert-based journalist Marut Vanyan taken from the Stepanakert Republic hospital.

10:58 a.m.: Azerbaijani media report that the meeting in Yevlakh is underway. The Armenian delegation of Nagorno-Karabakh is represented by Sergey Martirosyan and David Melkumyan, MP and a member of the permanent committee on foreign relations. A representative of the Russian peacekeeping contingent attended the meeting as a participant.

9:44 a.m.: The Azerbaijani Trend reports that “representatives of the Armenian minority of Karabakh are gathering in Yevlakh.” The meeting in Yevlakh was part of yesterday’s agreement reached between Artsakh authorities and the Azerbaijani side for the cessation of hostilities. [see September 20, 12:44 p.m.]

According to the Azerbaijani side, issues to be discussed include reintegration [of Armenians into Azerbaijani society], ensuring the rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians, as well as issues of ensuring the vitality of the Nagorno-Karabakh population “within the Constitution of Azerbaijan” are expected be discussed at the meeting between representatives of the local Armenian population and representatives of Baku.

6:59 a.m.: According to the Russian Defense Ministry statement, about 5,000 civilians were brought to the base of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh. “The Russian peacekeeping contingent continues to carry out tasks on the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Continuous interaction is maintained with Baku, Yerevan and Stepanakert, aimed at preventing bloodshed, ensuring security and compliance with humanitarian law in relation to the civilian population, as well as ensuring the safety of the Russian peacekeeping contingent,” the statement read, adding that peacekeepers had evacuated civilians from the Mardakert, Martuni and Askeran regions.

September 20

11:46 p.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman tweets: “The operation of the vital infrastructure has been obstructed by the terrorist attack of Azerbaijan, depriving the entire population of access to electricity, Internet and mobile connection for 35 hours already. People are not able to cook, heat or charge their gadgets, while still staying in the cold basements due to persisting security considerations.”

9:43p.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman tweets: “As of 9:30 p.m., September 20, there are at least 200 deaths and more than 400 wounded persons. The number of injured people among the civilian population exceeds 40 persons, among whom 13 are children. There are 10 confirmed civilian deaths at the moment, among whom five are children.

The fact-finding activities by our Office aimed at establishing the fate of missing people, continue.” [see 8:56 p.m.]

8:56 p.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman tweets: “There are thousands of people who still cannot find their relatives and family members. The Office of the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh launched a fact-finding mission to collect data on the persons whose fate is not known.”

8:45 p.m.: Nazeli Baghdasaryan, the press secretary of the PM Pashinyan reports:

“Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh was discussed. The sides also touched on matters of the Armenia-Russia bilateral agenda.”

8:44 p.m.: Artsakh’s Foreign Ministry tweets: “More than 10,000 people are currently evacuated from their native communities, forced to find shelter in other settlements of Artsakh. Among them are women, children and elderly, many of whom have already been displaced several times due to Azerbaijan’s aggressions.”

8:30p.m.: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev gave a press briefing where he said that the so-called “anti-terror” operation that was launched against Nagorno-Karabakh has ended and Azerbaijan has now restored its sovereignty over Karabakh. 

According to Aliyev, military hardware of Armenian forces was destroyed, but he personally ordered his military to protect Armenian civilians and stressed that he had ordered his Armed Forces to destroy only military targets and not civilian infrastructure.

He admitted that the Azerbaijani side had killed and wounded but did not reveal numbers. Aliyev went on to say that the Nagorno-Karabakh leadership contacted them through mediators to surrender. He also noted that he had spoken with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken who asked him what Azerbaijan would need to surrender and he told Blinken that Artsakh’s defense forces should disarm, surrender their military hardware and disband and since the Armenian side agreed, he ordered a cessation of the military operation, although according to Aliyev some Armenian armed forces continued to resist.

Aliyev says that as of 6:05 p.m. local time, Armenian forces started to disarm and it came to this because after the 2020 Artsakh War, Azerbaijan demanded several times that Armenians  retreat from Karabakh, adding that Pashinyan didn’t recognize Azerbaijan’s sovereignty over Karabakh because he wanted it, but because the “iron fist” made him to do it. He also said that everything Azerbaijan did was legitimate, legal and a new era has started in the region.

Aliyev said that Nagorno-Karabakh’s leadership “brainwashed Armenian citizens of Azerbaijan, ingrained hatred against Azerbaijanis” but that they don’t have hatred toward the Armenian people. He went on to say that the Armenian people aren’t guilty of Khojaly or other atrocities, but rather it was the leadership that was the enemy. Aliyev says Armenian cultural, religious, municipal elections, and education rights will be provided that they will make a paradise out of Karabakh, not only in the seven regions but also Askeran, Stepanakert and other places where Armenians live. Aliyev believes that Armenian people know that he is a “man of his word.” 

Aliyev also praised the leadership of the Republic of Armenia, saying they have demonstrated political competence and this will have a positive impact on peace talks and that Armenia should understand that Azerbaijan acknowledges Armenia’s territorial integrity. He noted that the South Caucasus should be “free of forces, politicians etc. sitting on the other side of the world.”

The Azerbaijani president noted that Armenia’s position during the operation gives hope and soon all three countries of the region will work together, but they shouldn’t forget that “iron fist” stands: “Nobody can dictate and lecture us and Karabakh is Azerbaijan.”

[Translation of his remarks were taken from the Twitter page of Cavid Aga]

8:38 p.m.: Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy tweets: In view of the military operation by Azerbaijan against Karabakh Armenians, I have decided to send EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar to the region. He will report back on the state of play.

7:33 p.m.: Russian Defense Ministry confirms that several Russian peacekeepers were killed (not specifying the number). The report says: “On September 20, while returning from an observation post of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in the area of ​​​​the village of Chankatagh, a car with Russian military personnel came under small arms fire. As a result of the shelling, the Russian military personnel in the car were killed.”

Russian and Azerbaijani representatives of the investigative authorities are working on the spot to clarify all the circumstances of the incident.

7:12 p.m.: In a comment to Russian state media, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov says he does not yet see any reason to talk about “ethnic cleansing” in Nagorno-Karabakh. He said that Moscow expects that Baku will honor its promise not to hit civilian targets [he said this despite a ceasefire announcement at 1 p.m. today – Editor] and that all rights of the residents of Karabakh “must be respected.”

Peskov went on to say that Russia “recognizes that the situation in Karabakh now is an internal matter of Azerbaijan.”

7:07 p.m.: In an interview with News.am, Davit Davtyan, the mayor of the village of Hin Shen said that the ceasefire has not reached his village. “They have not yet hit our village, but they are shelling the outskirts,” Davtyan said. “It is an unbearable situation. Evacuation from Yeghtsahogh was possible, but we have not been able to evacuate; women, elderly, children…they are all here. There is uncertainty, we don’t know what to do.”

Davtyan went on to say that the village is completely surrounded. They do not have any killed or wounded but he said “there are many casualties in the area, we don’t know where many of them are.”

7 p.m.: A large rally is taking place in Yerevan’s Republic Square led by several opposition forces; organizers are demanding the resignation of PM Nikol Pashinyan and his Government, and the creation of a transitional National Committee.

6:57 p.m.: Artsakh President Samvel Shahramanyan visited wounded civilians in hospital immediately after the ceasefire agreement. He noted that all efforts should be made to ensure that the treatment of the wounded is as effective as possible, and in extremely severe cases, it may be possible to organize any further treatment they may require in Armenia.

6:15 p.m.: Artak Beglaryan, former State Minister and Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh tweets: “Thousands of Artsakh people, along with the Azerbaijani forces approaching Stepanakert and especially after the ceasefire announcement, gathered near the headquarters of the Russian peacekeepers. They are demanding evacuation by helicopters and expecting better protection.”

6:07 p.m.: Charles Michel, President of the European Council tweets: “Called on President Aliyev in a phone call this morning to ensure full ceasefire and safe, dignified treatment by Azerbaijan of Karabakh Armenians. Their human rights and security need to be ensured. Access needed for immediate humanitarian assistance.”

5:38 p.m.: At a press briefing, Azerbaijani presidential adviser Hikmet Hajiyev said that the “reintegration plan into Azerbaijani society for the Armenian residents of Karabakh is ready” and that this is “an internal issue in Azerbaijan.”

He went on to say that military operations were initiated “In order to ensure the provisions of the Trilateral Statement, to stop large-scale provocations in the Karabakh economic region, to disarm and withdraw formations of the Armenian armed forces from the territories of Azerbaijan, to neutralize their military infrastructure, to ensure the safety of the peaceful population returning to the territories liberated from occupation, civil servants involved in construction and reconstruction works, and our military personnel, as well as to restore the constitutional order of the Republic of Azerbaijan.”

5:37 p.m.: During a briefing for the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan, Hikmet Hajieyev, adviser to Azerbaijan’s president said that the Azerbaijani armed forces conducted military operations because “the presence of Armenian military units in Karabakh hindered reintegration.” He noted that the Azerbaijani army “behaved with sensitivity and did not attack civilian objects” and residents of Artsakh were sent SMS messages “urging them to stay away from military installations.”

According to Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman, among the killed are seven civilians, two of whom are children, and 35 wounded, 13 of whom are children. [See 11:46 a.m.]. These numbers are expected to rise as communication in Artsakh is severely restricted.

5:20 p.m.: The fire in Artsakh has stopped. According to independent journalist Marut Vanyan, shelling stopped around 3 p.m. “There is no electricity in Stepanakert. There is a connection problem. There is uncertainty in the city now. People don’t know what to do, where to go, some go to the airport,” he told Azatutyun. Vanyan mentioned that he could not go because there is no transportation. He added that he cannot imagine how the Russian peacekeepers will receive such a large number of people at the airport. There are other reports that tens of thousands of people are now at the Russian peacekeepers’ base at the Stepanakert airport without water, food and essential supplies.

4:34 p.m.: Russian opposition news agency Meduza reports that the Kremlin gave talking points on September 19 (the day Azerbaijan launched a massive assault on Artsakh) to Russian state media to frame the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh in a way that blames Armenia and its Western “partners” for everything and show Russian peacekeepers heroically saving civilians from shelling. The publication says that the document instructed the media to emphasize the fact that “the Armenian leadership recognized the sovereignty of Azerbaijan over Karabakh,” citing statements by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in October 2022.

4 p.m.: “The European Union takes note of the ceasefire agreement in Nagorno-Karabakh and is closely following the development of the situation,” said Peter Stano, the spokesperson of the EU’s foreign political service, at the press conference held in Brussels today. According to Stano, Brussels expects Azerbaijan to stop military operations. “It is also important that Baku does not use the military operations as an excuse for the forced displacement of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh,” Stano noted.

2:53 p.m.: The head of the State Aviation Organization of Iran, Mohammad Mohammadibakhsh, announced that, due to” the special conditions of this region and in accordance with the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) of the aviation organization, from today (September 20) all flights to Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan will be canceled until further notice.” 

2:53 p.m.: During a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Russian peacekeepers are actively working with all parties involved in the Karabakh conflict and doing everything to protect the civilian population. Putin said that he hopes the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh will de-escalate.

2:21 p.m.: According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a total of 2,261 civilians, including 1,049 children, are currently sheltering at the Russian peacekeepers’ base camp in Artsakh, near Stepanakert.

1:55 p.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the Armenian people in a Facebook Live. He said that he had seen the statement regarding the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh and “taken note of it.” The PM said that the Republic of Armenia did not participate in any way in the text that was signed and was not a party to the discussions. He goes on to note that the text mentions “the remaining units of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia” which he said is “not understandable for us; we have repeatedly said that in 2021, since August, the Republic of Armenia does not have an army in Nagorno-Karabakh.”

Pashinyan placed full responsibility of protecting the rights and security of the people of Artsakh on the Russian peacekeeping contingent since they were a party to the negotiation. He noted that “conditions must be created so that they protect the rights of the people of Artsakh to live in their homes with dignity… although we believed that that condition was already placed on them by the November 9, 2020 trilateral statement.” He added that he hopes the peacekeeping mission will fulfill the responsibilities they have taken on.

“Mentioning the name of the Republic of Armenia in a text that has nothing to do with the Republic of Armenia justifies my hypothesis from yesterday that one of the main goals of this Azerbaijani aggression is to pull Armenia into military operations,” Pashinyan said, adding that had Armenia been forced into military operations, the “target” would have been Armenia’s independence and sovereignty. He noted that at the moment, the intensity of the shelling has substantially decreased: “We hope that the military escalation will not continue; it’s very important to cease all fire.”

Pashinyan said that they will continue to follow developments and the most important issue is for the Armenians of Artsakh to be able to live in their homes and repeated that the security of the people is the responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping mission.

1:44 p.m.: Oleg Osipov, assistant to Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chair of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, clarified the meaning of Medvedev’s September 19 post, against the backdrop of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.

In his post on his Telegram channel, Medvedev had written about a “colleague from a fraternal country,” who, in his words, tried to “blame Russia for his mediocre defeat in the war,” renounced part of his country’s territory and decided to flirt with NATO by sending his spouse to the enemies of Moscow “with cookies.” 

“Guess what fate awaits him,” asked Medvedev rhetorically.

In his “explanation” Osipov said: “I spoke with Dmitry Anatolyevich. If anyone does not understand, then Russia has been and will be the guarantor of the very existence of Armenia as a state and Armenians as a nation. That’s what God decided. And all Armenian national traitors will be sent to hell along with their overseas patrons.”

1:40 p.m.: Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of Russian President Valdimir Putin, stated:

“Azerbaijan is carrying out military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh on its de jure territory, so Armenia’s accusations that Russian peacekeepers have not fulfilled their obligations are groundless.”

12:44 p.m.: Artsakh’s InfoCenter’s posts: With the mediation of the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent stationed in Nagorno-Karabakh, an agreement was reached on the complete cessation of hostilities from 1 p.m. on September 20, 2023.

The statement also reads: 

“Since September 19, the Republic of Azerbaijan launched a large-scale offensive along the line of contact with the Republic of Artsakh, along with massive artillery and air strikes.

The analysis of the actions of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan shows that the task of dividing Artsakh and causing irreparable damage to its vitality is set. During two days of stubborn battles, the units of the Armed Forces of Artsakh heroically defended against the enemy, which was several times superior in manpower and military equipment, causing him the greatest losses.

Unfortunately, the Artsakh side also has losses and wounded, and in some areas the enemy managed to break into the military positions of the Defense Forces, take control of a number of heights and strategic road junctions.

In the current situation, the actions of the international community in the direction of stopping the war and resolving the situation are insufficient.

Taking into account the above mentioned, the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh accept the proposal of the command of the Russian peacekeeping mission regarding the cessation of fire.

Below is the translation of the continuation of that statement made in Russian:

1. Under the mediation of the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent stationed in Nagorno-Karabakh, an agreement was reached for a complete cease-fire as of 1 p.m. on September 20, 2023.
2. An agreement has been reached on the withdrawal of the remaining units and soldiers of the “Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia” from the deployment zone of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and the dismantling and complete disarmament of the armed formations of the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army and the withdrawal of heavy equipment and weapons from the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh for their rapid disposal.
3. Issues raised by the Azerbaijani side on the reintegration, ensuring the rights and security of Nagorno Karabakh Armenians, as well as the issues of ensuring the vitality of the Nagorno karabakh population within the Constitution of Azerbaijan, according to the agreement reached, will be discussed at a meeting between representatives of the local Armenian population and representatives of the central authorities of Azerbaijani Republic, which will take place in the city of Yevlah 21 September 2023 and during subsequent meetings.

12:08 p.m.: Metakse Hakobyan, a parliamentarian in Artsakh told Azatutyun: “The priority is the rescue of the civilian population, mediated discussions are underway. I came from the hospital a little while ago, you could see many civilians were brought in with injuries. In this situation, the priority is to save the civilian population. I can’t say how. Now is the moment when a dialogue should be held with the Azerbaijani side. The district of Stepanakert where I live, people left their basements and went to the airport. They thought it was safer that way, but now there is no safe place in Stepanakert and the best thing would be to stay in the basements. Movement is also dangerous.” 

She noted that mediated discussions are underway with the Azerbaijani side. She added that there is no evacuation in Stepanakert. There are villages from which people have already been evacuated from Martakert, Martuni and Askeran.

12:06 p.m.: Reuters reports that Pope Francis called for an end to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh:

“I once again appeal to all the parties involved and to the international community to silence their weapons and make every effort to find peaceful solutions,” he said.

11:46 a.m.: Armenia’s Human Rights Defender office reports that as a result of Azerbaijani shelling against the civilian population in Artsakh, there are currently 32 dead and more than 200 wounded. Among the dead are seven civilians (two of whom are children), 35 wounded (13 of whom are children). The statement goes on to say that buildings, civilian vehicles and homes have been damaged.

11:34 a.m.: According to Armenpress, Father Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, abbot of the Hakobavank Monastery in Martakert (of the Diocese of Artsakh of the Armenian Apostolic Church) was wounded on September 19 as a result of Azerbaijan’s offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh. He required surgery and is in hospital in Stepanakert. There are also reports that the mayor of Martuni, Aznavur Saghyan was killed by Azerbaijani shelling yesterday.

11:33 a.m.: According to the Russian TASS news agency, Russian peacekeepers have evacuated more than 2,000 civilians from Nagorno-Karabakh. This was communicated by the Russian Ministry of Defense. All evacuated residents of Nagorno-Karabakh have been provided with places for temporary residence, and doctors are providing assistance to the wounded.

Below, a video from Russian media 

11:08 a.m.: Due to panic among the population, some families went to the Stepanakert airport (the headquarters of the Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh) to evacuate on their own initiative, expecting the support of Russian peacekeepers. In a communique, the municipality of Stepanakert addressed residents saying: “There is no need to move at this time, we urge you to observe the safety rules and stay in the shelters. If evacuation is necessary, Stepanakert Municipality will provide additional information.”

Video from Russian media

11:06 a.m.: Artsakh President Samvel Shahramanyan called an emergency [enlarged] meeting of the Security Council. The situation resulting from Azerbaijan’s large-scale attack and possible developments were discussed. Shahramanyan noted that the reaction of international actors regarding the situation and overcoming it have not been adequate and since no practical steps have been taken, Artsakh, therefore, will be forced to take appropriate measures, with the overarching goal of ensuring the physical safety of the population as a priority.

10:15 a.m.: The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense held a briefing in connection with their military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh. Head of the press service of the Ministry of Defense Anar Eyvazov said that “anti-terrorist measures” will continue “until the complete surrender of the Armenian forces.” Eyvazov went on to say that Baku is in constant contact with Russian peacekeepers and “creates the necessary conditions for them to fulfill their duties.” Eyvazov also said “local anti-terrorist measures continue successfully. Six Ural military vehicles with full ammunition for mortars and four mortars of the Armenian Armed Forces were taken as trophies by units of the Azerbaijani army.”

9:27 a.m.: Siranush Sargsyan, a reporter based in Stepanakert tweets: “My morning walk in Stepanakert: another residential building was bombarded. This is how Azerbaijan wants to integrate us.”

8.10 a.m.: From Azerbaijani Presidential website: 

“On September 19, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a phone call to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.

“During the telephone conversation, the sides exchanged views on the current situation in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.

“The head of state pointed out that the reconnaissance-subversion groups of Armenia’s armed forces in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan had planted mines to perpetrate acts of terror, as a result of which civilians and police officers were killed, and the units of Azerbaijan’s army came under fire from mortars and small arms of various calibers.

“President Ilham Aliyev stressed that these actions, including the so-called ‘presidential elections’ in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan on September 9, were a continuation of deliberate provocations against the sovereignty of Azerbaijan by Armenia and the so-called separatist entity established and supported by it.

“The President of Azerbaijan said that to prevent such provocative and inciting actions, Azerbaijan had to launch local anti-terror measures in the region. The head of state emphasized that during the antiterror measures, civilian population and infrastructure facilities are not being targeted; only legitimate military targets are incapacitated.

“The head of state mentioned that representatives of the Armenian residents living in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan had on several occasions been invited to dialogue by the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan to discuss reintegration issues, but they rejected it. 

Nevertheless, they have been invited to a dialogue again as the local antiterror measures continued. The head of state said the ant-iterror measures will stop once the weapons are laid down and the disarmament happens.

“U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken expressed concern about the situation, called for a ceasefire and said that the United States supports direct dialogue between Baku and representatives of the Armenian residents living in the Karabakh region.”

7:51 a.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues statement on the situation: 

“On September 19, 2023, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched another military aggression against the Republic of Artsakh in violation of the principles of international law and the provisions of the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020 on the cessation of hostilities. The capital city of Stepanakert and other settlements are currently under heavy artillery shelling and missile attacks and airstrikes. There are casualties, including among civilians.

“The military aggression, unleashed by Azerbaijan under the ongoing illegal siege of the Republic of Artsakh, is an undisguised act of genocide and an extreme form of denial of the fundamental rights of the people of Artsakh. The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan has already openly declared its intention to carry out the forcible displacement of 120 thousand population of Artsakh, which is equal to the destruction of the people of Artsakh as such, its integrity.

“Subjecting the entire country to illegal siege and using starvation as a method of warfare, Azerbaijan has decided to resort to force being sure it will not meet any opposition from the international community. The Azerbaijani authorities have been preparing grounds for this military offensive for the recents weeks by openly and falsely accusing Artsakh and Armenia in military provocations. Whereas, it is to be highlighted that none of those falsifications have been proved by the reports of the Russian Peacekeeping contingent.

“The Azerbaijani military aggression against Artsakh is the direct result of failure of the international community to act, which has become an acceptable method in Azerbaijan’s arsenal due to the lack of collective measures on the part of the international community aimed at ceasing Azerbaijan’s genocidal actions and the illegal blockade of Artsakh that has been ongoing for more than 9 months. By ignoring warnings about Azerbaijan’s criminal intentions and refusing to act accordingly, all the responsible international actors failed to prevent yet another Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh.

“The Republic of Artsakh demands from the international community to take all appropriate measures to immediately stop continuation of the Azerbaijani military aggression and ensure safety of the population. The prevention of the crime of genocide is the erga omnes obligation of each state individually, including the actors involved. Failure to act contributes to the commission of the crime.”

7:49 a.m.: The UN Spokesperson tweets a statement released on September 19 by the Secretary-General:

“The Secretary-General is extremely concerned over the use of military force in the region and reports of casualties, including among the civilian population. He regrets that these worrying developments follow the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance to the local population on 18 September.

“The Secretary-General calls in the strongest terms for an immediate end to the fighting, de-escalation, and stricter observance of the 2020 ceasefire and principles of international humanitarian law. He remains concerned about the humanitarian situation on the ground and reiterates his call for urgent steps to facilitate full-fledged access for humanitarian actors to people in need. He calls on the parties to refocus on efforts to help build confidence and secure long-term peace in the region.”

7:25 a.m.: According to Artsakh’s Defense Ministry battles on the entire length of the contact line continue with varying intensity. Azerbaijani Armed Forces continue operations to advance their positions, targeting civilian infrastructure as well. 

6 a.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman tweets: ​​Around 5 a.m., the ambulance of Stepanakert’s morgue, which was sent to the Martakert region in order to transport eight bodies to the capital, was fired at by the Azerbaijani armed forces. The driver of the ambulance was injured and is currently not able to evacuate the bodies to Stepanakert.

4:59 a.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Internal Affairs issues statement: “The peaceful settlements of Artsakh continue to be a direct target of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. For about an hour, the Azerbaijani air force and rocket artillery attacks have not stopped in the direction of Stepanakert and the regions of the Republic. Information about the victims will be provided later.”

4:04 a.m.: Congressman Adam Schiff tweets: I have warned for months that Azerbaijan was openly implementing a genocidal campaign against the innocent civilians of Artsakh. Today, Azerbaijan proved itself once again to be a ruthless aggressor, launching unprovoked attacks in Artsakh that have destroyed a school, killed at least one child and 24 adults, and injured more than 100 others. We must halt ethnic cleansing and stop a second Armenian Genocide. I call on the Biden Administration to take immediate action: First, President Biden should personally call Aliyev at once and demand he stop all military action against Artsakh.

Second, we must Immediately implement U.S. sanctions to hold the Azerbaijani aggressors accountable, including using tools such as Global Magnitsky and 7031c sanctions. Third, we must immediately halt any and all U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan. Finally, demand the immediate deployment of independent monitors on the ground in Artsakh  To learn more Representatives Gus M. Bilirakis, France Pallone and David Valadao and I released the following statement: 

Today, Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, Representatives Gus M. Bilirakis (D-Fla.), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.), and David G. Valadao (D-Calif.), released the following joint statement in the wake of Azerbaijan’s unprovoked attacks on Artsakh earlier today.

“The Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues has warned for months that Azerbaijan was implementing a genocidal campaign against the Armenian people of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) in broad daylight. The large-scale attack by Azerbaijani forces today further escalates that campaign, taking advantage of a people they have systematically starved over the last 10 months. It is still too early to tell the full breadth and scale of this attack, but initial reports indicate that Azerbaijan is using deadly force, including heavy shelling, against residential and civilian areas in Stepanakert. According to reports, the attacks have so far resulted in at least 138 injured individuals, including 29 civilians, and 25 fatalities, including one child,” said the Members.

“President Aliyev orchestrated this deliberate attack to exile the Armenian population in Artsakh. The so-called ‘humanitarian corridors’ they reportedly opened for civilians to use to leave the area are only meant to further perpetuate their campaign of ethnic cleansing using violence, hunger, and fear to push these people out of their homeland. Armenians have called Nagorno-Karabakh home for thousands of years. The United States should use every diplomatic tool, including sanctions, to help guarantee their right to remain there. We call on the State Department and our international partners to take immediate action to halt any further aggressions by Azerbaijani forces and ensure their safety and security,” the Members continued.

4:02 a.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman tweets: “As a result of Azerbaijan’s targeting of the high-voltage electricity grid in Martakert region, since September 19, around 1:30 a.m., the entire population of Artsakh has been deprived of electricity supply for more than 12 hours now. The deliberate targeting of the vital infrastructure, which leads to more suffering and deprivations among the civilian population, is yet another terrorist act by Azerbaijan.”

3:30 a.m.: As of 3 a.m., according to information received by the Office of the Human Rights Defender, there are 35 injured civilians: 13 children, 15 women and seven men. The civilian casualties and injuries are documented in all regions of Artsakh.

3:13 a.m.: The number of deaths among the civilian population now stands at seven: three women, two children and two men.

2:23 a.m.: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweets: “I spoke to Azerbaijani President Aliyev today and urged him to immediately cease military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh. It is crucial for Azerbaijan to deescalate the situation to promote a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”

1:03 a.m.: French President Emmanuel Macron tweets: “Strong condemnation of the use of force by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh. The offensive must stop immediately and discussions must resume for the rights and security of residents. I remain in close contact with Prime Minister Pashinyan.

12:49 a.m.: Acting US Assistant Secretary of State Yuri Kim tweets: “Spoke with Armenia FM Ararat Mirzoyan about our deep concern over Azerbaijan’s military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh. We are pressing for an immediate end to hostilities and reaffirmed U.S. support for Armenia’s sovereignty and independence.”

12:06 a.m.: Marut Vanyan, a local reporter posts sounds of shelling in Stepanakert. Says shelling is non-stop.

12:40 a.m.: Statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry in connection with the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh:

“In connection with the sharp escalation of the armed confrontation in Nagorno-Karabakh, we urge the conflicting parties to immediately stop the bloodshed, stop hostilities and eliminate civilian casualties.

“The fate of the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement was radically influenced by the recognition by official Yerevan in October 2022 and May 2023 at summits under the auspices of the European Union of Nagorno-Karabakh as part of the territory of Azerbaijan. This changed the fundamental conditions under which the Statement of the Leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia of November 9, 2020 was signed, as well as the position of the Russian peacekeeping contingent.

“Since its deployment in the region, the RMC has conscientiously carried out the tasks of maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring contacts between the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides. Our peacekeepers coordinated efforts to rectify the humanitarian situation on the ground, and also contributed to the launch of a direct dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert. Even during these hours, RMK provides assistance to the civilian population, including medical assistance, and is engaged in evacuation.

“The main thing now is to urgently return to the implementation of the set of trilateral agreements at the highest level for 2020-2022, which spell out all the steps for a peaceful solution to the Karabakh problem, stop the armed confrontation and do everything possible to ensure the rights and security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh.”

12:11 a.m: According to preliminary data reported by Armenia’s Health Ministry, as a result of scuffles that took place between police and demonstrators near the government building during a large demonstration, 34 people were injured, 16 of them are police officers, 18 civilians; 17 have received necessary medical care and were discharged; 16 continue to receive treatment for minor physical injuries. One underwent surgery.

12:02 a.m.: According to Artsakh’s Defense Army: “Fighting continues along the entire line of contact. The Defense Forces of the Republic of Artsakh are persistently resisting the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, which are trying to advance in different directions. Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces continue to use artillery and rocket fire.”

September 19

11:51 p.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman tweets: “In the absence of stable communication and fuel, the Ombudsman’s office is unable to properly conduct fact-finding activities. It is not possible to establish contact with a number of peaceful communities, gathering facts about the population in those communities is impossible.”

11:49 p.m.: According to information received from the Stepanakert morgue by the Office of the Human Rights Defender, as of 10:30 p.m., there are 27 killed, two of whom are civilians. The number of injured exceeds 200 people at this point. The numbers do not include the medical institutions of Askeran and Martuni, as communication is still not established.

11:30 p.m.: The Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters has just submitted a request on applying interim measures against Azerbaijan under Rule 39 of the Rules of Court aiming to prevent massive human right violations resulting from the large-scale aggression by Azerbaijan toward the civilian population of Nagorno Karabakh. In particular, the Government has requested the Court to oblige Azerbaijan to stop targeting all civilian settlements, objects and population.

11:27 p.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman tweets: “Over 7000 people have been evacuated from 16 civilian communities of Askeran, Martakert, Martuni, Shoushi regions of Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh.” Locals are also reporting that shelling continues in Stepanakert while air raid sirens can be heard.

10:15 p.m.: The UN Security Council will convene a session on September 21 to discuss the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh,

10:11 p.m.: The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan issues statement:

“The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan once again calls on the formations of the Armenian Armed Forces stationed in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan to lay down their weapons and surrender. In this case, anti-terrorist activities will be stopped.

“We are in operational contact with the Russian peacekeeping contingent temporarily stationed in the territory of Azerbaijan, and we are creating all conditions for them to fulfill their duties.”

10:07 p.m.: U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller tweets: “The United States is deeply concerned by Azerbaijan’s military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh and calls on Azerbaijan to cease these actions immediately. These actions are worsening an already dire humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and undermine prospects for peace. As we have previously made clear to Azerbaijan, the use of force to resolve disputes is unacceptable and runs counter to efforts to create conditions for a just and dignified peace in the region. We call for an immediate end to hostilities and for respectful dialogue between Baku and representatives of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh.”

10:06 p.m.: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issues a statement:

“The United States is deeply concerned by Azerbaijan’s military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh and calls on Azerbaijan to cease these actions immediately. These actions are worsening an already dire humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and undermine prospects for peace.  As we have previously made clear to Azerbaijan, the use of force to resolve disputes is unacceptable and runs counter to efforts to create conditions for a just and dignified peace in the region. We call for an immediate end to hostilities and for respectful dialogue between Baku and representatives of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh.”

9:43 p.m.:The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe tweets: “Military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh: PACE President calls on Azerbaijan to cease fire immediately.”

9:39 p.m.: A statement by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić:

“During today’s meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, in the margins of the UNGA General Debate, I expressed my grave concern about reports of a military escalation around the Karabakh region.

“I deplored that innocent, vulnerable civilians, who have already been suffering an acute humanitarian crisis in the region, once again bear the brunt of the use of force. This cannot be tolerated.

“I called on Azerbaijan to immediately halt the military actions.

“It is high time to leave weapons, de-escalate and embrace dialogue.

“Only a meaningful, unconditional dialogue, involving all sides, can lead to a long-lasting peace, which has no alternative.

“The Council of Europe remains ready to engage and assist in this process, with a view to ensuring the full enjoyment of human rights by all, including rights of national minorities.”

9:25 p.m.: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey  tweeted:

“Imposition of a status other than this will never be accepted.

“We supported the negotiation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia from the very beginning. However, we see that Armenia has not been able to adequately utilize this historical opportunity.

“We expect Armenia to fulfill its promises, especially the opening of the Zangezur Corridor.

“Our primary goal should be for everyone, including Armenians, to live peacefully side by side on Azerbaijani lands.

“We support the steps taken by Azerbaijan, where we act with the motto ‘One nation, two states’, to protect its territorial integrity.”

9:22 p.m.: The International Committee of Red Cross tweets: “Following today’s escalation of hostilities, we are extremely concerned about the humanitarian impact on civilians in the coming hours and days.

“Communities have endured the devastating effects of the armed conflict over many years. 

In the last few months in particular, basic commodities have been hard to find and access to health care extremely limited. These events are likely to deepen their suffering.

“We are ready to respond to any increased humanitarian needs of the population and to continue our ongoing work across the region.

“We call on all military authorities to do their utmost to protect civilian life and to respect the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law.”

9:15 p.m.: Artsakh’s Foreign Ministry tweets: “Republic of Artsakh demands from the international community to take all appropriate measures to immediately stop continuation of Azerbaijani military aggression and ensure safety of the population. Failure to act contributes to the commission of the crime.” 

9:12 p.m.:  Artsakh’s Human Rights Defender tweets: “The entire population of Artsakh continues to stay in the basements with no electricity, no communication, no food and no heating in the cold weather conditions. Azerbaijan continues to target the civilian infrastructure and the civilian population, using military aviation, artillery and UAVs.”

8:57 p.m.: According to Artsakh’s Health Ministry, there are currently 138 wounded (29 civilians) at Stepanakert’s Republican Hospital. Eleven children, of whom three are in critical condition (and are undergoing surgery) are at the Arevik Children’s Hospital. According to Artsakh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, authorities have not been able to establish connection with the medical institutions of Askeran and Martuni at the moment.

8:39 p.m.: According to Artsakh’s Human Rights Defender, as of 8 p.m, the death toll in Artsakh now stands at 25, two of whom are civilians.

8:30 p.m.: A large demonstration is taking place in front of the Government Building in Armenia’s capital Yerevan. Scuffles are taking place between police and demonstrators, some of whom are demanding the resignation of PM Nikol Pashinyan.

8:22 p.m.: According to Artsakh’s Human Right’s Ombudsman, the civilian population from six communities of Artsakh (Khramort,  Khnabad, Sarnaghpyiour, Nakhichevanik, Machkalashen, Chankatagh) have been evacuated.

8:05 p.m.: The Turkish Foreign Ministry released a statement regarding the “military operation” launched by Azerbaijan in Karabakh: 

“In response to long-standing armed attacks and provocations by Armenian armed elements in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region, an anti-terror operation targeting specific military elements was launched by the Azerbaijani army today.

“After the end of the Second Karabakh War, in the three years since the end of the Second Karabakh War, Azerbaijan has been forced to take the measures it deems necessary on its sovereign lands.

“We believe that the continuation of the comprehensive negotiation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia with a focus on results is the only way to establish peace, security, prosperity and lasting stability in the region.”

8:04 p.m.: The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reports that from 12 p.m. today, Russian peacekeepers recorded numerous ceasefire regime violations by the Azerbaijani side along the entire line of contact. It noted that Russian peacekeepers have organized the evacuation of the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh from the most dangerous areas and provided medical assistance to injured citizens. [See 7 p.m.]

7:54 p.m.: Artak Beglaryan, former State Minister and Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh tweets: “Within the past 15 minutes, there have been tens of explosions heard in Stepanakert. Seems these were shelling and UAV strikes by the genocidal forces of dictator Aliyev. Military activities are ongoing, and the Artsakh defenders are doing their best to prevent a bloody genocide.”

7:42 p.m.: Armenpress tweets: “Demonstrators gather outside Russian Embassy in Yerevan to demand action against Azerbaijani attack in Nagorno-Karabakh.” There are reports that demonstrators have blocked the entrance and exit of the Russian Embassy.

7:28 p.m.: Artak Beglaryan, former State Minister and Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh, tweets: “The genocidal forces of Aliyev used an aircraft strike over 20 minutes ago near Martakert town and a village of the Askeran region. I don’t have any info on the consequences yet. The shelling and battles are continuous, civilian and military deaths/injuries are increasing.”

7:25 p.m.: Joint statement on Azerbaijan’s attack on Nagorno-Karabakh by the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, MEP David McAllister, Chair of the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus, MEP Marina KALJURAND, European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Armenia, MEP Andrey KOVATCHEV, and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Azerbaijan, MEP Željana ZOVKO: 

“We condemn in the strongest terms today’s pre-planned and unjustified attack of Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh. We deplore the loss of life in reported landmine explosions earlier in the day and express our condolences to the families of the victims. However, this under no circumstances justifies Azerbaijan’s large-scale military escalation. The clearly pre-planned attack, reported along the entire line of contact, coming just hours after the blasts and following weeks of observed Azerbaijani military build-up and aggressive rhetoric, is totally unacceptable.

“We call for the immediate halt of all military actions. Direct negotiations between Baku and Stepanakert are the only way to achieve progress on the relations between the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians and Azerbaijan and the EU has always been ready to support this process.

“We deplore the fact that Baku’s offensive seriously undermines the ongoing peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and urge the President of Azerbaijan to accept recent calls of the Armenian Prime Minister for the resumption of talks at the highest level.

“We recall that the attack takes place in the context of a major humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, following Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor for the past nine months, in violation of Baku’s commitments under the ceasefire statement of 9 November 2020 and of the legally binding orders of the International Court of Justice. Humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh needs to be fully and permanently restored.

“We are seriously concerned about the consequences of Azerbaijan’s actions on the civilian population and urge Azerbaijan to refrain from using military escalation as a pretext to force the exodus of the local population. In the absence of an immediate halt to the ongoing attack, we call on the Council to fundamentally reconsider the EU’s relations with Azerbaijan in this light, and consider imposing sanctions against responsible Azerbaijani authorities.”

7:24 p.m.: The Artsakh Defense Army reports that fighting continues along the entire Contact Line. Azerbaijani Armed Forces are utilizing artillery, rocket launchers, UAVs, and combat aviation. 

7:12 p.m.: Artsakh’s Health Ministry reports that there are 80 wounded, including women, children and elderly at the Republican Medical Center, 15 of whom are civilians. The death toll now stands at five.

7:01 p.m.: Freedom House tweets: “We strongly condemn the Azerbaijani government’s violent attacks in Nagorno-Karabakh, heightening the risk of ethnic cleansing against the region’s Armenian population.

“Any attempt to forcibly change the region’s demographics is illegal and unacceptable. We urge the international community to protect the civilian population in Nagorno-Karabakh, prevent crimes against humanity in the region and hold the Azerbaijani government accountable for the wellbeing of Armenians in the region.”

7 p.m.: Information bulletin of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation on the activities of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone:

“The Russian peacekeeping contingent continues to carry out tasks on the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“At 30 observation posts, Russian peacekeepers monitor the situation around the clock and monitor compliance with the ceasefire.

“Since 12 p.m. on September 19, 2023, the Russian peacekeeping contingent has recorded numerous ceasefire violations on the Azerbaijani side along the entire line of contact.

“Russian peacekeepers organized the evacuation of the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh from the most dangerous areas and provided medical assistance to the affected citizens.

“During the day, 469 people, including 185 children, were evacuated to the Russian peacekeeping contingent. Medical workers of the special-purpose medical unit provided assistance to nine wounded citizens, including four children.

“The command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent calls on the parties to the conflict to immediately cease fire, take measures to de-escalate the situation and continue the negotiation process.”

7 p.m.: The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan responds to the “unacceptable” statement of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France on the military operation by Azerbaijan:

”Azerbaijan strongly rejects and condemns the statement issued by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of France regarding the measures taken in response to further provocations of the Armenian armed forces illegally stationed in the Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

“Despite the fact of occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan, as well as the recognition of this fact by four resolutions of the United Nations Security Council demanding full, immediate, and unconditional withdrawal of occupying forces from the territories of Azerbaijan, the engagement of France to maintain the results of the occupation and the status quo in the region instead of contributing to a just solution of the conflict based on international law during its co-chairmanship to the OSCE Minsk group in 1997-2020 is remembered well. 

“In this regard, Azerbaijan considers today’s statement issued by France on the measures taken in response to provocations of the Armenian armed forces illegally stationed in the Karabakh region while refusing to abandon its previous policy in the current post-conflict situation, as the support to the remnants of the occupation.  

“France, being distinguished by its anti-Azerbaijani position and statements during the 44-Day War, remaining outside of peace-building efforts in the region in the post-conflict situation and its issued statements only having a negative impact, as well as issuing statements supporting separatism while further isolating itself from the region is well-known.

“The stance of France demonstrates that it refuses to learn from the current situation in the colonial regions that it faces today and continues its previous behavior and policy in this regard.

“French officials, the National Assembly, and the Senate are even more active than Armenia with the issuance of statements and documents against Azerbaijan.

“Islamophobic and anti-Azerbaijani policy of France, as well as its unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan clearly demonstrates that the farther France is from the region, the better it will be.”

6:59 p.m.: Gegham Stepanyan, the Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh tweets: “Yeghtsahogh community of Shushi region with a total of 150 residents has come under the direct target of the Azerbaijani side. Azerbaijani Armed Forces have destroyed the school of the community. There is no opportunity to evacuate the residents, they are completely surrounded by Azerbaijan.”

6:42 p.m.: The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan responds to the statement of Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the military operation by Azerbaijan

“We deplore the statement by the European Union that deliberately distorts the reasons for recent military escalation, and Azerbaijan’s actions to end the illegal military activities undertaken by Armenian armed forces both against the civilians and military personnel of Azerbaijan on its sovereign territories.

“The military anti-terror operation currently carried out by Azerbaijan led to a number of large-scale military provocations and terror attacks by illegal Armenian armed forces, when in one day only two civilians and four military personnel died in a mine explosion due to sabotage actions of Armenian forces. Moreover, as a result of mortar attacks two military personnel were injured.

“Azerbaijan’s counter-terrorism measures have been launched to prevent possible large-scale provocations by the Armenian armed forces that in contrary to the Trilateral Statement have not been withdrawn yet.

“Any military presence in the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan in violation of international law is a serious threat to regional peace and security, and Azerbaijan’s today’s actions is aimed at disbanding these illegal forces and dissolution of the puppet regime.

“Azerbaijan does not target civilian Armenian residents, and any claim in this regard is groundless and unacceptable.

“Azerbaijan is fully committed to protect all its residents, including of Armenian nationality, and restore its constitutional system throughout Azerbaijan’s territories.”

6:36 p.m.: The Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan issues a statement:

“In response to the ‘call for starting negotiations’ made by the illegal regime created and still supported by Armenia on Azerbaijan’s territory, the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan states that the representatives of the Armenian residents living in our country’s Karabakh region were on several occasions invited by the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan for dialogue on the reintegration issues. However, they have repeatedly rejected it.

“The Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan is prepared for a meeting in Yevlakh with the representatives of the Armenian residents living in our country’s Karabakh region. Nevertheless, for the antiterror measures to stop, the illegal Armenian military formations must raise the white flag, all the weapons must be handed over, and the illegal regime must be dissolved.

“Otherwise, the antiterror measures will be continued until the end.”

6:27 p.m.: U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Senator Menendez tweets: “Azerbaijan’s brazen assault on Nagorno-Karabakh further proves Aliyev’s malicious intention to wipe out the Armenian population there.”

6:21 p.m.: The Azerbaijani MoD stated that its International Military Cooperation Department hosted a briefing for foreign military attachés accredited to the Republic of Azerbaijan and international organizations representatives. “Attachés were informed about local anti-terrorist activities conducted in the Karabakh region. The statements emphasize that Azerbaijani Army Units did not target the civilian population and civil infrastructure facilities, only legitimate military targets were destroyed by using high-precision weapons.”

6:07 p.m.: The Foreign Minister of Germany tweets: “Azerbaijan must immediately stop the shelling and return to the negotiating table, this is the only way lasting peace is possible. We support the negotiations led by the EU.

“In the last few days there have been intensive discussions between the EU and U.S. and Armenia and Azerbaijan about de-escalation. Baku’s promise to refrain from military action was broken.”

The Foreign Ministers of Lithuania, Belgium, Latvia, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Estonia, Luxembourg, Austria all issued statements calling on Azerbaijan to immediately cease their military attack against Nagorno-Karabakh. [We will keep updating this list – Editor]

6:03 p.m.: Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has a telephone call with French President Emmanuel Macron. The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh following Azerbaijan’s large-scale attack was discussed. Both sides emphasized the inadmissibility of using force and the need to use international mechanisms for de-escalation. Macron said that France is initiating an urgent session at the UN Security Council.

5:58 p.m.: “Two dead, 26 injured among the civilian population,” the Human Rights of Artsakh has published.

5:47 p.m.: Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has a telephone call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. They discussed the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh following Azerbaijan’s large-scale attack. Both sides emphasized the inadmissibility of using force and the need to use international mechanisms for de-escalation.

5:46 p.m.: Moscow does not confirm the information disseminated by Azerbaijan that before launching military operations against Nagorno-Karabakh, Baku informed the Russian peacekeeping mission about it. “I cannot confirm that we were informed in advance,” said Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson of the Russian president.

Meanwhile, in response to the same question, the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, said that the Russian Federation was informed, only that it happened “minutes before the start of military operations”.[see 3 p.m.]

5:44 p.m.: Baku regularly provides the command of Russian peacekeepers and the leadership of the Russian-Turkish observation center with information about the “progress” of military operations carried out by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in Nagorno-Karabakh, Anar Eyvazov, the head of the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan, stated in a briefing with journalists today.

5:35 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ararat Mirzoyan tweets: “During a meeting at the UNGA with U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State Yuri Kim, presented Azerbaijan’s large-scale aggression against the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. Stressed imperative to undertake concrete and unequivocal steps to prevent Azerbaijani aggression and ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh.”

5:25 p.m.: According to the Artsakh Defense Army press service, the intensity of Azerbaijani fire on the contact line has significantly decreased. 

5:21 p.m.: Artsakh Info center reports that Artsakh authorities have called on Azerbaijan to immediately stop the fire and sit down at the negotiation table to resolve the situation.

4:59 p.m.: Azerbaijani presidential adviser Hikmet Hajiyev tweets: “Illegal separatist puppet regime must dissolve itself, and the Armenian armed forces stationed in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan must be disarmed. Azerbaijan applies precision guided munitions against legitimate military targets and, by all means, avoids collateral damage to civilians. Rights and security of civilians of Armenian descent in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan will be provided under the Constitution and international obligations of Azerbaijan. Dissolve and disarm!”

4:56 p.m.: The Norwegian Helsinki Committee calls on Azerbaijan to immediately end military escalations in Nagorno-Karabakh. “This conflict can only be solved through negotiations. Nobody needs a third NK war,” says Secretary General Berit Lindeman.

4:55 p.m.: According to Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman the number of civilian injuries has increased to 23. Two civilians have been killed. He writes that civilian objects and infrastructure are also being targeted.

4:54 p.m.: The French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs issues a statement on Azerbaijan’s attack against Artsakh:

“France condemns in the strongest terms the launch by Azerbaijan of a military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, with the use of heavy weapons, including against inhabited areas. No pretext can justify such unilateral action, which threatens thousands of civilians already affected by months of illegal blockade and goes against the efforts of the international community to reach a negotiated settlement.

“France calls on Azerbaijan to immediately cease its offensive and return to respect for international law.

“It will hold Azerbaijan solely responsible for the fate of the civilian populations of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“France requests the emergency convening of a meeting of the United Nations Security Council. It is working closely with its European and American partners so that a strong response is provided to this unacceptable offensive, commensurate with the risks it poses to the security of the region.”

4:32 p.m.: The Artsakh president’s office issued a statement, saying that Azerbaijan has once again violated the 2020 tripartite statement of November 9, and launched large-scale military operations against the Republic of Artsakh on September 19, targeting civilian objects and the civilian population, as a result of which there were casualties and injuries, including women, elderly and children. “Azerbaijan’s actions are nothing more than a policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide, and by implementing it, Baku manipulates the humanitarian corridor and other false humanitarian agendas,” the statement says.

President of Artsakh, Samvel Shahramanyan, has convened an urgent meeting of the Security Council and discussed the situation and further actions that need to be taken. “Taking into account the threat to the life and health of thousands of people, official Stepanakert calls on international actors and all interested parties to immediately take all necessary measures to stop the aggression against Artsakh. The Republic of Artsakh has always been a supporter of peaceful settlement and reaffirms its readiness to resolve all issues through negotiations,” the statement concludes. 

4:21 p.m.: Statement by Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the military escalation in Artsakh:

“The European Union condemns the military escalation along the Line of Contact and in other locations in Karabakh. The EU deplores the loss of lives brought by the escalation. We call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and for Azerbaijan to stop the current military activities.

“There is an urgent need to return to dialogue between Baku and Karabakh Armenians. This military escalation should not be used as a pretext to force the exodus of the local population.

“Violence needs to stop in order to provide a conducive environment for peace and normalization talks. Genuine commitment by all sides is required to work towards negotiated outcomes. The EU remains fully engaged to facilitate the dialogue.”

4:21 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry posts: “The units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces continue to fire from various weapons along the contact line. The units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces are also undertaking positional advancement attempts. The Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army is undertaking defensive measures. Parallel to all this, the Azerbaijani propaganda machine uses large-scale information and psychological influence measures. We call on Armenian media and Facebook users not to publish unverified information and to follow only official sources.”

4:12 p.m.: In an interview to Interfax, Andrei Kartapolov, Chair of the State Duma Committee on Defense said that Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh do not have the right to use weapons as long as there is no threat to themselves.

“As long as the peacekeepers themselves are not threatened by anything, they do not have the right to use weapons,” Kartapolov said about whether Russian peacekeeping forces in Nagorno-Karabakh have a mandate to engage in hostilities. 

4:05 p.m.: In a Facebook live, Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan said: “Azerbaijan has started an operation to break the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh, and according to some reports, to take control of settlements. Azerbaijan officially informed Russia about these actions, of course, this is Azerbaijan’s information. However, the fact is that we have not received any information about this operation from our Russian colleagues. The situation along the borders of the Republic of Armenia is relatively stable at the moment, but I emphasize that the main target and purpose of this operation is to involve the Republic of Armenia in a military operation.”

3:53 p.m.: Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh, Gegham Stepanyan tweets: “There are multiple casualties and injuries among civilians including children. According to the data collected at this moment there are at least 2 casualties including one child and 11 injuries including 8 children caused by Azerbaijan’s attacks.”

3:47 p.m.: “There is fighting, we have wounded people,” Martuni Mayor Aznavur Saghyan told Azatutyan.

3:46 p.m.: President of the European Council, Charles Michel, tweeted, “Devastating news coming from former Nagorno-Karabakh oblast today. Military actions of Azerbaijan must be immediately halted to allow for a genuine dialogue between Baku and Karabakh Armenians.”

Video evidence of residential areas being shelled in Stepanakert.

3:30 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry posts: “On September 19, at around 1 p.m., the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, carrying out rocket artillery preparations along the contact line, are trying to penetrate the depth of the defense of the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Ministry.”

3:27: According to Civilnet, approximately 6-7 children have been transported to Arevik Children’s Hospital in Stepanakert. There is no information on their condition. Earlier, there were reports that following the shelling of the village of Sarnaghbyur in Askeran region, children were injured and were taken to Stepanakert.

3:22 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry issues a statement:

“On September 19, Azerbaijan unleashed another large-scale aggression against the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, aiming to complete its policy of ethnic cleansing. 

“Guided by the feeling of impunity, Azerbaijan has openly assumed responsibility for the aggression. The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan has announced that it is starting ‘anti-terrorist measures’ in Nagorno-Karabakh, in the area of ​​responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping troops, about which, according to the official statement of the Azerbaijani side, the command of the Russian peacekeeping troops, as well as the Russian-Turkish monitoring center, have been informed.

“We strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh and the mass crime that took place exactly three years ago in 2020. It is the continuation of the large-scale use of force unleashed by Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh in September. Civilian settlements, the city of Stepanakert, other cities and villages are subjected to shelling by Azerbaijan under the empty pretext of ‘destruction of military objects.’

“The Armenian side has repeatedly warned that the continuous aggressive actions of Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh, the unconcealed belligerent rhetoric, the absolutely false and reprehensible propaganda of calling the population of Nagorno-Karabakh ‘terrorists’ pursues one goal: to subject the population of Nagorno-Karabakh to ethnic cleansing through the use of force, to deprive the population of Nagorno-Karabakh of freedom and from the right to live and create with dignity. The illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, and the complete blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh from December 2020 are pursuing the same goal.

“Among other things, the attack was preceded by the dissemination of false information by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan about mine laying and sabotage operations, which indicates the planning of the attack and the provision of the information field. We declare once again that the armed forces and military equipment of the Republic of Armenia are not stationed in Nagorno-Karabakh, all the news about mine-laying and sabotage operations are false and fabricated.

“We call on international partners, members of the UN Security Council with primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, including the 2020 agreement signed by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia on the basis of the tripartite declaration of November 9, the Russian peacekeeping troops stationed in Nagorno-Karabakh to take clear and unequivocal steps to end Azerbaijan’s aggression.” 

3:20 p.m. A meeting of the Security Council of Armenia, chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has convened to discuss the large-scale military operations unleashed by Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh.

3 p.m.: Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense issued two separate statements about telephone conversations that took place between Azerbaijani and Turkish officials and Armed Forces, where Turkish officials specifically noted that “Turkey, as always stands by Azerbaijan.”

3 p.m.: Maria Zakharova, spokesperson of Russia’s Foreign Ministry, during a briefing stated that Russia calls on the conflicting parties to stop the bloodshed in Karabakh and return to a diplomatic settlement. Zakharova insisted that despite the worsening of the situation, the Russian peacekeepers stationed in Karabakh continue their functions. She added, “We assume that the safety of our peacekeepers will be ensured unconditionally from all sides.”

“The information about starting military operations in Karabakh was conveyed to the Russian peacekeepers a few minutes before the start of the operation.”

2:44 p.m.: Armenia’s Ministry of Defense reports: “As in the past, the false claim that there are units of the RA Armed Forces, military equipment and personnel in Nagorno-Karabakh continues to be found in the official reports and mass media of Azerbaijan. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia has repeatedly and now also announced that the Republic of Armenia does not have an army in Nagorno-Karabakh.”

2:40 p.m.: Artsakh’s InfoCenter posts: 

“Dear compatriots,
Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack on the Republic of Artsakh, using artillery and drones. We request and urge you to stay in the shelters, refrain from publishing videos and photos on the Internet, following only the official news feed.”

2:25 p.m.: Statement by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense:

“Local anti-terrorist activities carried out by the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan are ongoing.

“As part of the activities, only legitimate military installations and infrastructure are targeted and incapacitated using high-precision weapons.

“Considering the deployment of firepower by Armenia’s Armed Forces formations near residential areas, we urge the civilian population to stay away from military facilities and not support the formations of Armenia’s Armed Forces. Related information was sent to Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan via mobile SMS service. At the same time, the population is warned through loudspeakers and information leaflets are distributed.

“The protection and security of administrative, social, educational, medical, religious, and other facilities will be organized in line with the laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the norms of international humanitarian law.

“Women, children, elderly people, as well as people with disabilities and the sick will be rendered necessary medical aid and other assistance. They will be provided with drinking water and food.

“Humanitarian corridors and reception stations have been created on the Lachin road and in other directions to ensure the evacuation of the population from the danger zone.”

2:25 p.m.: Artsakh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweets: “Azerbaijan launched large-scale military offensive against the Republic of Artsakh. At this moment the capital Stepanakert and other cities and villages are under heavy shelling.”

2:22 p.m.: EU’s Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Toivo Klaar tweets: “Tragic reports of loss of Azerbaijani lives from mine explosions today. However, ongoing military action will only worsen the situation. Urgent need for immediate ceasefire to allow genuine dialogue between Baku and Karabakh Armenians as only way to achieve peaceful coexistence.”

2:22 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that on September 19, at around 1 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire along the contact line by launching rocket artillery strikes. Artsakh’s MoD will make additional announcements.

2:20 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement regarding an alleged explosion that claimed the lives of Azerbaijani serviceman, using it as an excuse to launch a large-scale offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh: 

“Statement on response measures against the provocations of the illegally stationed Armenian armed forces in the Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

“On September 19, the Armenian Armed Forces in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan resorted to a series of large-scale military provocations and terrorist attacks.

“Thus, civilians and military personnel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were killed and injured as a result of the explosion of mines pre-installed for terrorist purposes on the Ahmedbeyli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway by Armenian intelligence-sabotage groups. In addition, units of our army were fired upon from mortars and small arms of various calibers. As a result, two servicemen of the Azerbaijan Army were injured.

“In order to continue such provocations, the Armenian Armed Forces have strengthened their combat positions and brought their units to a high level of combat readiness.

Prevention of large-scale provocations expected by the Armenian Armed Forces in the Karabakh economic region, as well as ensuring the implementation of the provisions of the Tripartite Declaration, disarming and withdrawing the units of the Armenian Armed Forces from our territories, neutralizing their military infrastructure, civilians, including civilian workers involved in the reconstruction and reconstruction works in the area and in order to ensure the safety of our military personnel and to restore the constitutional structure of the Republic of Azerbaijan, local anti-terrorist measures have been started in the region.

Within the framework of the measures taken, the front-line and deep positions and long-term firing points of the Armenian armed forces, as well as combat vehicles and military objects, are destroyed by the use of high-precision weapons.

“The target of the measures taken is exclusively illegal military formations and military infrastructure.

“In no case, the Azerbaijani side does not target the civilian population. In this regard, it is necessary for the Armenian civilian population to stay away from military targets.

“The Azerbaijani side has repeatedly stated that, contrary to the provisions of the tripartite statement signed on November 10, 2020, the continued presence of the Armenian Armed Forces in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan is a serious threat to regional peace and stability.

“The only way to achieve peace and stability in the region is the unconditional and complete withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and the dismantling of the so-called regime.”

2:06 p.m.: According to the deputy mayor of Stepanakert, gunshots are being heard on the outskirts of the capital. “We don’t have time, let us take care of the people,” he said in a call with Tert.am. When asked if evacuation is taking place, he said: “We are trying to move as many people to the basements as possible, we hear shots, now we are busy with the people.”

2 p.m.: EVN Report’s contact in the city of Mardakert in Artsakh, says there are explosions being heard, residents have taken shelter in bunkers.

1:22 p.m.: Statement by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense:
“Systematic shelling of positions of the Azerbaijan Army by the formations of Armenia’s armed forces using weapons of different calibers, continued mining of our territories, enhancement of engineering support for battle positions, as well as an increase in the number of trenches and shelters in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan in the past few months have further escalated the tensions. 

“In this regard, we have also registered fortification of battle positions with military personnel, armored vehicles, artillery gun mounts, and other firepower, bringing units to a high level of combat readiness, creation of additional mobilization units, expansion of reconnaissance activities against units of the Azerbaijan Army, as well as penetration in-depth of our positions to carry out reconnaissance-subversion acts by re-planting mines across already de-mined areas and the roads used for civilian purposes. 

“On September 19, a vehicle belonging to Azerbaijan State Agency for Automobile Roads exploded hitting a land mine previously planted by the reconnaissance-subversion groups of Armenia’s armed forces in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, with the purposes of committing terror act, on the Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha Road that killed two civilians. The same day, the explosion of a vehicle carrying the military personnel of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs on the mine, installed by the reconnaissance-subversion groups of Armenia’s armed forces, led to fatalities and injuries among our military servicemen. 

“Such facts are the testimony to the ongoing deliberate and planned policy of terror by Armenia against Azerbaijan. The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated that contrary to the provisions of the Trilateral Statement signed on 10 November 2020, the continued presence of Armenia’s armed forces formations in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan is the source of grave threat to regional peace and stability. Therefore, local anti-terrorist activities have been launched to ensure the provisions of the Trilateral Statement, suppress large-scale provocations in the Karabakh economic region, to disarm and secure the withdrawal of formations of Armenia’s armed forces from our territories, neutralize their military infrastructure, provide the safety of the civilian population returned to the territories liberated from occupation, the civilians involved in construction and restoration work and our military personnel, and ultimately restore the constitutional order of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

“As part of the measures, positions on the front line and in-depth, long-term firing points of the formations of Armenia’s armed forces, as well as combat assets and military facilities are incapacitated using high-precision weapons. We reiterate that the civilian population and civilian infrastructure facilities are not targeted. Only legitimate military targets are being incapacitated. The command of the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation and the leadership of the Turkish-Russian Monitoring Center are informed about the ongoing activities.”

1:38 p.m.: Marut Vanyan, a local journalist in Stepanakert reports that he can hear machine gun fire close to his house: “I hear the sound of a drone… Artillery has been firing non-stop for about 40 minutes.”

1:30 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry statement: Local anti-terrorist measures to ensure the safety of Azerbaijani servicemen and to restore the constitutional order of Azerbaijan have started in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Breaking: 1:20 p.m.: Marut Vanyan, a local journalist in Stepanakert reports that there are explosions in Stepanakert, sirens are going off throughout the city. Other locals reporting that the shelling is coming from the heights of Shushi. 

1։10 p.m.: Official Stepanakert denies Baku’s claims that the Artsakh defense army carried out sabotage operations, as a result of which six Azerbaijanis were killed in two different explosions that took place today.

12:25 p.m.: The ICRC facilitated the transfer of seven patients from Artsakh to Armenia. During the day, six patients who had already received medical care in Armenia are expected to return to Artsakh. 

11:10 a.m.: On September 19, around 11:10 am, Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire in the Askeran region by using mortars. There were no casualties on the Armenian side.

11 a.m.: The Azerbaijani authorities falsely accused Nagorno-Karabakh’s Defense Army of jamming the GPS system of a civilian aircraft en route from Baku to Tbilisi on September 18 

The Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Ministry statement said: “The statement of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry is a complete lie. The aircraft operating the above mentioned route not only doesn’t require to cross into the airspace of Artsakh Republic, but also doesn’t require to approach it. By regularly generating such false statements, Azerbaijan seeks to divert the international community’s attention from the humanitarian disaster resulting from the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor, and prepare the information base for its next provocation.” 

10:45 a.m.: The statement disseminated by the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan that allegedly the units of Artsakh’s Defense Forces opened fire on September 18 around 11:50 p.m. at the direction of Azerbaijani positions located in the occupied territories of the Askeran region of the Republic of Artsakh does not correspond to reality.

10:38 a.m.:  The President of the Republic of Artsakh, Samvel Shahramanian, sent a letter of thanks to the President of Argentina, Alberto Fernandez for addressing the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor in his speech at the G20 summit held in India. 

10:24 a.m.: The message spread by the National Security Service of Azerbaijan about the alleged subversive infiltration and destruction of the 58th km of the Ahmedbeyli-Fizuli-Shushi highway. allegedly placing an anti-tank mine in the area, as a result of which two civilians died on September 18 at around 03:45, is another misinformation.

9:50 a.m.: A statement by Armenia’s Foreign Ministry reads: 

“On September 18, during the meeting with representatives of the diplomatic corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani side presented narratives which sound like diplomatic preparation to start concrete actions aimed at ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh and for a new military escalation in the region.

“The narrative of the Azerbaijani officials voiced at the meeting with the foreign diplomats accredited in Azerbaijan is aimed at making the international community “complicit” in the implementation of the policy of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh and aggression against Armenia, and such an approach is unacceptable.

“During the above-mentioned meeting, the representatives of Azerbaijan claimed that the Republic of Armenia rejects all proposals aimed at reducing tensions. It is unclear what proposals Azerbaijan is talking about, and it was not clarified in the communication about the meeting either. We consider it necessary to mention that the proposal for the mirror distancing of troops from the Armenia-Azerbaijan state border remains relevant and the Republic of Armenia is ready to engage in discussions on its implementation with utmost priority.

“Azerbaijan’s claims that the Republic of Armenia has established a regime on the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh have nothing to do with reality. The support of the Republic of Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh has humanitarian nature, the necessity of which is further emphasized by the humanitarian crisis resulting from the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor. The Republic of Armenia welcomes the entry of the first humanitarian supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh after a long break and hopes that it will be ongoing and stable.

“At the same time, we consider it necessary to emphasize that the 9-month-long blockade of the Lachin corridor is a gross violation of the Trilateral statement of November 9, 2020 and the legally binding Orders of the International Court of Justice of February 22 and July 6, 2023.

There would be no statements by Armenia, international partners, or even Azerbaijan on the readiness to provide humanitarian support to Nagorno-Karabakh, if Azerbaijan itself, with its illegal actions, did not create a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh and did not hinder the access of the UN structures and other international partners to Nagorno-Karabakh. In parallel with the blockade of the Lachin corridor, Azerbaijan has disrupted gas and electricity supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh, which makes it obvious that the Azerbaijan’s narrative about blockade is false: if Azerbaijan explains the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor with false claims about the transportation of weapons and ammunition through the corridor to Nagorno-Karabakh, then it is unclear what else can be transported through the power lines, except electricity, and what else can be transported through the gas pipeline, except natural gas. As for the Azerbaijani claims about the presence of the Armenian army in Nagorno-Karabakh, we once again emphasize that the Republic of Armenia does not have an army in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the false claims about Armenian mining on the territory of Azerbaijan were rejected by the Order of the International Court of Justice of February 22.

“We consider it necessary to emphasize once again that the Republic of Armenia reaffirms its commitment to the peace agenda, as well as to the agreements reached in Prague on October 6, 2022 and in Brussels on May 14, 2023. We note with concern that the official Baku has not yet publicly confirmed its commitment, in particular to the Brussels agreements of May 14, 2023, and such an approach constitutes a key factor of the tension in the region.

“We do not understand Azerbaijan’s considerations regarding the development of Armenia’s military capabilities either. The Republic of Armenia has repeatedly stated that it has no intention to take aggressive actions against its neighbors, and the reforms in the military sector are aimed at ensuring its own territorial security.

“Regarding the situation created around Nagorno-Karabakh, we see the Baku-Stepanakert dialogue as the path to reduce tensions, and we hope that international partners interested in regional stability will take additional steps to establish reliable mechanisms for such dialogue.”

1:51 a.m: The Foreign Minister of France, Catherine Colonna tweeted: “Two humanitarian convoys reached Nagorno-Karabakh through the points of Lachin and Agdam: this must be a first step towards unconditional and unhindered humanitarian access in accordance with international law and the order of the ICJ.”

1:29 a.m.: The U.S. Department of State issued a statement regarding the delivery of the humanitarian convoy through the Lachin Corridor and Aghdam road on September 18:

“We welcome today’s simultaneous shipment of humanitarian goods along the Lachin corridor and the Aghdam roadway into Nagorno-Karabakh, an approach President Aliyev and I recently discussed. These deliveries of critically needed supplies are an important step forward, and we encourage the sides to engage in direct talks and focus on ways to increase the flow of humanitarian supplies to the population of the region. The United States remains committed to supporting efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan to resolve long-standing issues and achieve a dignified and durable peace.”

September 18

9:40 p.m.: The Foreign Ministry of Artsakh issued a statement regarding the humanitarian convoy delivery:

“On September 18, 2023, around 28 tons of humanitarian aid, comprising wheat flour, medical supplies and hygiene items, were transported to Artsakh through the Lachin Corridor and the Akna (Agdam) – Stepanakert road, using vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross. This humanitarian mission has been the result of extensive talks involving the International Committee of the Red Cross, the command of the Russian peacekeeping forces in Artsakh and international mediators, and was undertaken in response to the extremely critical humanitarian situation brought about by the complete blockade imposed by Azerbaijan.

“At the same time, it is important to emphasize that Artsakh continues to remain under siege, being deprived of essential gas and electricity supplies from Armenia and the ability to sustain the normal way of life of its population. It should be also stressed that, without reliable and regular deliveries of food and essential supplies, it is impossible to address the escalating humanitarian catastrophe. This humanitarian cargo delivery, amounting to less than 7% of the daily 400-ton import of goods to Artsakh before the blockade, falls significantly short of replacing the regular commercial deliveries, both in terms of volume and the diversity of essential goods needed to sustain a normal way of life and support the natural development of Artsakh.

“Once again, we emphasize that international actors involved in the resolution of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict must ensure the complete reinstatement of the operation of the Lachin Corridor, ensuring the free, safe and unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo in both directions, in line with the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020 and the Orders of the International Court of Justice. Only in this case can we talk about the end of the blockade and the subsequent restoration of normal life conditions, enabling the full realization of the individual and collective rights of the people of Artsakh, including their fundamental right to freedom of movement, access to healthcare, education and development. We remain hopeful that the collective diplomatic efforts of all involved parties will lead to the attainment of this paramount and pivotal objective.”

4:39 p.m.: The spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova stated that the Russian side continues to facilitate the resolution of the challenging humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Regarding the humanitarian deliveries through the Lachin corridor and Aghdam road she added that Russia expects the continuation of unimpeded and regular humanitarian deliveries for the benefit of the local population.

“We hope that the gradual improvement of the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh will create conditions for initiating a dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert and for the resumption of systematic work on implementing the entire complex of trilateral agreements reached by the leaders at the highest level in 2020-2022 to normalize Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. We are fully committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South Caucasus,” said Zakharova.

3:41 p.m.: President of European Council Charles Michel tweets:  “Humanitarian supplies are finally underway to Karabakh Armenians. Welcome the simultaneous passage of humanitarian cargo via Lachin & Agdam. This must be now regularized. Also essential to launch talks between Baku and KA on their rights and security, which EU stands ready to support.”

2:04 p.m.: According to Artsakh’s InfoCenter, President Samvel Shahramanyan appointed Artur Harutyunyan as State Minister. Moreover, an amendment was made regarding the activities that the State Minister will coordinate which include the ministries of healthcare, justice, agriculture, education, science, culture and sports, social development and migration, territorial administration, urban planning and finance and economy.

11 a.m.: Artsakh’s InfoCenter confirmed that today in the early morning, about 23 tons of flour of Armenian production passed through the Lachin Corridor and were delivered to Stepanakert. At the same time, Russian and Swiss hygiene and medical products passed through the Aghdam road. The InfoCenter also reported that after examining the products that passed through Aghdam, the hygiene and medical supplies will be distributed to the population. It added that “another delivery of goods is planned to take place from the Russian city of Rostov in a few days in the same directions, by ICRC vehicles.”

10:39 a.m.:  Early this morning, it was reported that both the Aghdam road and the Lachin corridor are operational for ICRC vehicles. ICRC Armenia tweeted, “As a result of persistent diplomatic efforts to find a humanitarian consensus between the decision-makers, today we are bringing shipments of wheat flour and essential medical items to people in need via the Lachin Corridor and the Aghdam road.”

7:57 am: Azerbaijani presidential adviser Hikmet Hajiyev tweeted: “Today, around 7 a.m., simultaneous passage of ICRC trucks from Agdam-Khankandi and Lachin-Khankandi roads of Azerbaijan have been ensured. Agdam-Askaran-Khankandi road is open and functional and must be as such! It is the principled, just, legitimate, and irreversible position of Azerbaijan! The whole international community once again witnessed that there was no so-called blockade but deliberate self-blockade, weaponization and politicization of humanitarian issues and theatrical dramas by Armenia and illegal puppet regime, lobby groups and some western corrupt politicians and biased media to mislead, manipulate and confuse! ‘The masks are torn off, while the reality remains’! There is no place for gray zones in Azerbaijan!” 

[The language of the tweet was not edited for grammar].

September 17

7:55 p.m.: The Artsakh Defense Army reports that at around 6:20 p.m., the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime in the Martakert region using firearms and artillery. As a result, an Armenian soldier was wounded. The leadership of the Russian Peacekeeping contingent has been notified. 

In the same report, the Artsakh Defense Army refutes Azerbaijani reports that the Armenian side violated the ceasefire regime in the Martaket region at around 5:45 p.m.. The Artsakh MoD report says Azerbaijani misinformation is an attempt to justify their own violation of the ceasefire.

3:15 p.m.: Artsakh agrees to accept aid from the ICRC through the Aghdam road.

According to the NKR Info Center, authorities in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) have issued a statement regarding the humanitarian crisis. Below is the text of that statement:

“The crisis caused by Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh is deepening daily. The Government organizes the procurement of grain and supply of flour to bread factories in tight circumstances, unfortunately, it is not always possible to provide the daily 200 grams of bread available to a citizen under the coupon system.

“Taking into account the deepening disaster and security situation in the country, the authorities of the Artsakh Republic have decided to accept the joint proposal of the Stepanakert office of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the command of the Russian military group carrying out a peacekeeping mission for the simultaneous transfer of humanitarian cargo to the Red Cross through the Berdzor (Lachin) corridor, on the Goris-Stepanakert highway, and on the Akna-Stepanakert road, with cars of the international committee (goods of foreign origin).

“The organization of the process is necessary both to neutralize the threats to the life and health of our citizens, and to ensure the further transportation of humanitarian cargo through the Berdzor (Lachin) corridor. We also inform you that the mediators are working to organize a meeting with the official representatives of Artsakh and Azerbaijan in order to alleviate the tense humanitarian and security situation in the Republic.”

September 15

3:38 p.m.: Aykhan Hajizada, spokesperson of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds to the comments by U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on September 14:

“First of all, the fact that the initiator and organizer of these hearings is Robert Menendez, pro-Armenian Senator who is notable by a traditional enmity towards our country is well-known. 

“This person’s engagement with anti-Azerbaijani activities based on false claims of radical representatives of the Armenian diaspora while the aforementioned Senator is charged with corruption and the investigation process is underway, once again proves that political morals mean nothing to him at all.

 “Coming to the allegations made by Yuri Kim, U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasian Affairs not reflecting the current situation and realities in the post-conflict situation in the region are just disappointing.

 “These claims not only contradict the agreement on the simultaneous use of the Aghdam-Khankendi and Lachin-Khankendi roads agreed during the contacts between Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Anthony Blinken, US Secretary of State dated September 1, 2023, but also, unfortunately, contain elements of Armenia’s worldwide smear campaign against Azerbaijan. Non-observance of this agreement, which is also intended to be implemented through the mediation of the U.S. side, by Armenia and the so-called regime created by it, and groundless claims on the “blockade and humanitarian situation” are well-known to the U.S.

 “We would like to remind Ms. Kim, who claims that the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan is not over, Azerbaijan has proposed a peace to Armenia based on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of both states following the Trilateral Statement signed on November 10, 2020. Bilateral negotiations on a peace treaty initiated by Azerbaijan and supported by international partners, including the United States, is a fundamental process of the post-war and post-conflict period.

 “Although the war and conflict is over, unfortunately hindering peace and stability in the region, the imitation of negotiations and the continuous military-political provocations of Armenia, as it was during almost 30-year occupation, have not ceased. In this regard, instead of denying the historical opportunity after 30 years of the conflict, we believe that ending provocations committed by Armenia and, most importantly, demanding immediate withdrawal of Armenian armed forces, which have not yet left the territories of Azerbaijan is critical and fair, and we call on the US side to act based on this position.

“Referring to the notion of rights and security of “the Armenian people of Nagorno-Karabakh” while talking about the Armenian residents living in the Garabagh region within the peace treaty, containing the terminology purposefully used by Armenia to promote separatism in our territories, is against our territorial integrity and sovereignty. At the same time, this reference is disrespect to the rights of Azerbaijanis expelled from this region as a result of Armenia’s policy and action of ethnic cleansing and genocide. We would like to remind the US side that the Armenian residents currently living in the Garabagh region do not represent all segments of the population of this region.

“In connection with the allegation on “military attack”, while noting that unlike Armenia, Azerbaijan has never used force against the civilian population, on the contrary we declared measures to be taken to reintegrate Armenian residents into our society at the national level, and despite the obstacles put by Armenia and its puppet regime, we are determined in this direction. The reintegration process is an internal affair of our country, and interference in that regard is unacceptable. 

“We advise the international community, including the U.S. side, not to be a part of such steps that contribute to instability in the region, and not to follow the baseless smear campaign of Armenia.

September 14

9:36 p.m.: In a press briefing, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the U.S. “want[s] the Lachin Corridor to be opened immediately.”

“We have made that clear. Secretary Blinken has engaged with the leaders of both Armenia and Azerbaijan to make it clear that we want the Lachin Corridor to be opened immediately to address the really dire humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh,” he added.

When asked how much time people there have, he responded: “I don’t have any further [comments].”

Miller added that Washington’s short-term priority is to “re-open the Lachin corridor” and the long-term priority, which it would want to happen as soon as possible, is to “reach a peaceful resolution to the overall matter.”

8:46 p.m.: In their daily bulletin, Russian peacekeepers recorded two ceasefire violations, one in the Martuni and another in the Martakert regions. An Artsakh serviceman was wounded as a result.

5:41 p.m.: U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff tweeted: “As the House considers the Defense Appropriations Bill, Rep. Jake Auchincloss and I are urging Congress to cut off aid to Azerbaijan. The ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan has cut off essential aid to over 120,000 people. Time is of the essence. The blockade must end.”

12:15 p.m.: The ICRC has facilitated the transfer of nine patients from Artsakh to Armenia.

11 a.m.: In a cabinet meeting, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the “humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is critical” and the “Russian humanitarian cargo that entered Nagorno-Karabakh through Askeran cannot have any visible impact on the situation.” Pashinyan added that the situation along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border remains tense as “Azerbaijan continues movements of its troops along the state border with Armenia and the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh.”

9:47 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that the Azerbaijani military violated the ceasefire in the Martuni region in the early hours on September 14.

September 13

11:55 p.m.: Artak Beglaryan, Artsakh’s former State Minister, tweeted that the “genocidal Aliyev regime has once again lied” as they “publicly promised that once a truck enters from Azerbaijan to Nagorno-Karabakh, the Lachin Corridor would be opened in 24 hours.”

“Over 38 hours have passed since the entry of a Russian [Red Cross] truck, but the Lachin Corridor remains blocked,” he stated.

4:29 p.m.: Fergus Auld, British Ambassador to Azerbaijan, tweeted: “We applaud the passage of the cargo vehicle belonging to the Russian Red Cross Society, which is delivering humanitarian aid to the Armenians in Karabakh via the Aghdam-Khankendi road. As the next step, we support the ICRC’s use of the Aghdam-Khankendi and Lachin roads to deliver humanitarian aid to Karabakh.”

2:20 p.m.: Azerbaijani presidential adviser Hikmet Hajiyev issued the following statement:

“We continue to engage with the ICRC to ensure the soonest and simultaneous opening of Agdam-Khankandi and Lachin-Khankandi roads for ICRC convoyed trucks as agreed in the telephone conversation between President Aliyev and Secretary Blinken on September 1st. 

“Twelve calendar days have passed since then, but the illegal regime subordinated to Armenia refuses to allow this passage and opening of roads. We urge our international partners to redouble their efforts and expert pressure on Armenia and its proxy/subordinated illegal regime to end this destructive  policy. 

“Maintaining gray area status quo and deliberate weaponization of humanitarian issues are their futile strategy.”

1:11 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 12:15 p.m. the Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire in the direction of Nor Shen village in the Martuni region by using small arms. One soldier is reported wounded.

12:58 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that around 11:50 a.m. the Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire in the direction of Chankatagh village in the Martakert region by using small arms.

10:33 a.m.: Ecaterina Casinge, Spokesperson for European Council President Charles Michel, issued a statement regarding Armenia and Azerbaijan:

“In line with elements and proposals outlined publicly in our statement on September 1, 2023, President Michel continued to be closely engaged in advancing those and other approaches, with a primary focus on de-escalation of tensions and the humanitarian situation facing the Karabakh Armenians.

“In particular, President Michel has been engaged in intense contacts over the past few days, both with Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev during telephone conversations on September 9, 2023, but also with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the margins of the G20 New Delhi summit on September 10, 2023.

“These efforts, supported by daily interaction of his office and EUSR Toivo Klaar with Baku, Yerevan and representatives of Karabakh Armenians, have been aimed at de-escalation of tensions and working out a solution for unblocking humanitarian access to Karabakh Armenians.

“In this context, we note the passage today of a Russian humanitarian delivery via the Agdam-Askeran route. We understand all the sensitivities associated with this development; it is our expectation that it will create a momentum for the resumption of regular humanitarian deliveries to the local population.

“The situation on the ground is deteriorating quickly. It is vital to ensure essential products are supplied to Karabakh Armenians. The opening of the Agdam-Askeran route today is an important step that should facilitate the reopening also of the Lachin corridor. We call on all stakeholders to show responsibility and flexibility in ensuring that both the Lachin and the Agdam-Askeran route will be used.

“This difficult situation on the ground has lasted for too long; it is now important to find sustainable and mutually acceptable solutions to ensure humanitarian access, also ahead of the autumn and winter seasons.

“We reiterate our strong belief that the Lachin corridor must be unblocked, in line with past agreements and the ICJ Order, and underline our belief in the usefulness also of other supply routes, for the benefit of the local population.

“The EU expects that today’s developments will be followed by more concrete steps in the coming days and weeks, also regarding the dialogue between Baku and Karabakh Armenians on their rights and security, reconciliation efforts and the overall Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process.” 

2:23 a.m.: U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Yuri Kim stated: “On September 12, a truck from the Russian Red Cross entered Nagorno-Karabakh from Azerbaijan to provide the first humanitarian delivery since June. Important first step. Now it’s time to open – immediately and simultaneously – both Lachin and Aghdam routes for the ICRC to end the suffering in Nagorno-Karabakh and open the path to sustained political dialogue.”

September 12

9:56 p.m.: At a speech at the Conference on Latin America and the Caribbean on Peacekeeping Operations of the United Nations, Uruguay’s Defense Minister Javier García stated: “We cannot turn a blind eye either, as they say when the Armenian people suffer a humanitarian crisis in Artsakh, and human rights violations occur as a result of the closure of the Lachin Corridor. If this continent of peace that unites us and to which we are committed is truly a continent with a leadership responsibility, it cannot refrain from condemning the violations of peace and human rights that exist in Ukraine, stemming from the Russian invasion, as well as the human rights violations suffered by the Armenian people.”

9:20 p.m.: In a press briefing, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the following on the situation in Artsakh: 

“I’ll just say that we continue to work to resolve the situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan. As I spoke to yesterday, the Secretary has been personally involved in this, with multiple conversations just in the past week. We did note – I will say – you brought up the topic – that in the last 24 hours one shipment of humanitarian supplies passed through the Aghdam route into Nagorno-Karabakh, and so we will reiterate our call on the specific question about the importance of opening both corridors into the country and as a more – as a short-term matter, and as a more long-term matter, the two countries coming to an ultimate agreement.”

8:53 p.m.: At the OSCE meeting, the French representative stated: “In accordance with the commitment of President Emmanuel Macron, France called on the OSCE for the immediate reopening of the Lachin corridor and advocated for the imperative of immediate measures to address the needs of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh.”

8 p.m.: At a press briefing, Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General was asked about the UN position on the presidential election in Artsakh, to which he responded: “From our point of view, we would like to recall Security Council resolutions affirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and a call for its full respect. The Secretary-General urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to intensify efforts towards the long term normalization of relations for the benefit of peace and security in the region.”

7:43 p.m.: Artsakh President Samvel Shahramanyan held a meeting with top law enforcement and military officials to discuss the situation in the region, including the ongoing Azerbaijani military movements and buildup.

5:40 p.m.: Dutch member of the European Parliament (MEP), Anja Haga, tweeted: “The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is becoming increasingly dire. The EU should move from mere statements to concrete measures. Sanctions against Azerbaijan and reversing the gas deal should be seriously considered. Written questions are on their way.”

5:15 p.m.: The UK Ambassador to the OSCE, Neil Holland, delivered the following statement on the ongoing disruption to the Lachin corridor and its humanitarian consequences.

“The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the ongoing disruptions to the Lachin corridor and the associated humanitarian consequences for the local population, particularly with regard to the supply of medicine, health care, and other essential goods and services. It is therefore crucial that the ICJ Order of February 2023 is respected to ensure unimpeded movement along the Lachin corridor in both directions.

“The UK also strongly urges all parties to allow the ICRC access along all available routes – such as via the Aghdam road – for the organization to be able to undertake its vital work. All parties must refrain from the further politicization of humanitarian aid in order to meet the needs of the civilian population.

“The United Kingdom notes with concern the heightened tensions following a recent increase in border violations and military maneuvers on both sides. We are clear that there is no military solution to this conflict and urge both sides to redouble their efforts to make progress in internationally mediated negotiations, including by making provisions to protect the rights and security of the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“It is only through diplomacy and in line with the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act that we will see a lasting resolution to this conflict and an historic peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”

4:09 p.m.: Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued the following statement on the situation in Artsakh: 

“The Russian side is taking consistent steps aimed at resolving the difficult humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. In line with the initiative put forward by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov during a trilateral meeting with the heads of the foreign ministries of Azerbaijan and Armenia on July 25 of this year, in Moscow, in collaboration with all interested parties, a scheme for parallel unblocking of the Lachin and Agdam routes was worked out. Taking into account the significant divergence of positions and the high level of mutual distrust, this work did not proceed easily.

“As a first step, on September 12 this year, a batch of humanitarian aid was delivered to the region through the Russian public organization “Russian Red Cross”. About 15 tons of food, personal hygiene items and bedding were donated to residents of Nagorno-Karabakh in need of help. We expect that, taking into account the previously reached understanding, in the near future, in parallel with the Agdam route, the Lachin corridor will also be unblocked, and then humanitarian aid will flow into the region unhindered in both directions on a regular basis.

“We hope that in this way the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh will be stabilized and the normal functioning of the local population will be restored. This, in turn, will create conditions for launching a dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert and resuming rhythmic work on the implementation of the entire complex of trilateral agreements at the highest level for 2020-2022. on the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.”

2:57 p.m.: At the OSCE, Slovenia “expressed its serious concern about the restrictions along the Lachin corridor and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Immediate measures are necessary to meet the needs of the local population!”

2:24 p.m.: Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that while Armenia has recognized Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan, questions arise related to the humanitarian component and the mandate of Russian peacekeepers. 

“The mandate is still in force. But issues of a humanitarian nature, preventing any kind of ethnic cleansing there, of course, have not disappeared. I completely agree with this. I hope that the Azerbaijani leadership, as they told us and are still telling us, is not interested in any ethnic cleansing whatsoever. Moreover, on the contrary, it is interested in ensuring that this process occurs gently.”

2:20 p.m.: At the OSCE meeting, U.S. Ambassador Michael R. Carpenter stated:

“The United States is deeply troubled by the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.  Secretary of State Tony Blinken spoke with Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on September 9 and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on September 10 to express the United States’ concern and to underscore the need for dialogue, compromise, and to stress the importance of building confidence between the parties.  The Secretary pledged continued U.S. support for the peace process.

“We note that humanitarian supplies are positioned near both the Lachin and Aghdam routes, and we repeat our call for the immediate and simultaneous opening of both corridors to allow passage of desperately needed humanitarian supplies to the men, women, and children of Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as the resumption of gas and electricity flows.  We also urge leaders against taking any actions that raise tensions or distract from this goal.  The use of force to resolve disputes is unacceptable.  Let me repeat that: The use of force to resolve disputes is absolutely unacceptable.

“We have consistently said the Lachin corridor must be open to commercial, humanitarian, and private traffic, in keeping with the ICJ’s February 22nd ruling, and underscore the severity and urgency of the situation facing the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh.  We reiterate the call for Azerbaijan to take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles, and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.  We have conveyed this message both publicly and privately to all levels of the government of Azerbaijan on numerous occasions, and we urge the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh to accept delivery.  Access to food, medicine, baby formula, and energy should never be held hostage.

“I am deeply concerned that unless immediate action is taken by the sides to find a solution, the humanitarian situation inside Nagorno-Karabakh will continue to deteriorate.    

“In light of the recent increase in tensions in the South Caucasus, the United States will continue to strongly support efforts by Armenia and Azerbaijan to resolve outstanding issues through direct dialogue, with the aim of achieving a dignified and enduring peace.  Negotiations towards a sustainable peace should be based on dialogue on the ground, the normalization of relations on the basis of mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and protections for the rights and security of ethnic Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh.  This is the only way to resolve this conflict.  The United States urges restraint from any action that could undermine confidence, jeopardize dialogue, or further delay the opening of the corridor.  

“We encourage direct talks at all levels, including between officials in Baku and representatives of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh.  We reiterate that any peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan must protect the rights and security of the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh. 

“The United States remains ready to engage bilaterally and multilaterally with all partners to help Armenia and Azerbaijan reach a peaceful settlement.”

2:20 p.m.: At the OSCE meeting, Russia’s Deputy Representative Maxim Buyakevich stated that “Russia is helping to resolve the crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. This morning a pilot delivery of humanitarian supplies was carried out by the Russian Red Cross through Agdam” and that it is “extremely important to refrain from politicizing the issues of humanitarian supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh. We call on the parties to exercise restraint for the sake of peace in the South Caucasus.”

2:20 p.m.: At the OSCE meeting convened at the initiative of Armenia, EU Permanent Representative to the OSCE Rasa Ostrauskaite made the following statement:

“The European Union expresses its deep concern regarding the persistent restrictions on free movement along the Lachin corridor and the deteriorating humanitarian situation on the ground, which has now reached a critical level. It emphasizes the urgent need to take immediate measures to address the needs of the local population.

“For the past 9 months, the movement in the Lachin corridor has been hindered, and since June 15th, it has been almost entirely blocked, except for sporadic medical evacuations. As a result, medical supplies and essential goods are in critical shortage or have already been exhausted, with disastrous consequences for the local population. The European Union also regrets the significant hindrance to the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the region and calls for their full and rapid resumption, including the transportation of humanitarian supplies.

“In light of this situation, it reiterates the call to Azerbaijan to ensure freedom and security of movement along the Lachin corridor in both directions and to ensure that the crisis does not further escalate, in accordance with the November 2020 trilateral declaration and the February 2023 International Court of Justice ruling.

“The European Union recalls the proposal made by President of the European Council Charles Michel for a progressive approach based on a series of steps in the full utilization of the Lachin corridor and the potential use of complementary routes to be determined by the parties involved. It takes note of Azerbaijan’s willingness to transport essential goods and medical supplies through the town of Aghdam.

“The European Union reiterates that the Lachin corridor must be reopened in accordance with previous agreements and the International Court of Justice ruling.

“At the same time, the European Union emphasizes the urgent need to restore electricity and gas supplies to the local population. It reminds that the rights and security of Armenians in Karabakh must be guaranteed, and a dialogue between them and Baku must commence as soon as possible.

“The European Union has closely monitored the growing tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia along their international border in recent months, with almost daily reports of shootings. It laments the new casualties caused by these incidents. We call on all parties to avoid further incidents and reaffirm their commitment to dialogue. In order to observe and report on the situation on the ground, the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) conducts patrols along the Armenian side of the international border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The mission’s goal is to contribute to conflict resolution and build trust between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“All the aforementioned efforts have one single objective: to ensure an irreversible normalization of relations between Baku and Yerevan in the interest of all populations on the ground. Acts of violence, threats, antagonistic statements, and the dissemination of false information must cease to create an environment conducive to peace negotiations and normalization. It is now time to find courageous compromise solutions, especially given the risk of escalation. In this regard, the reported recent buildup of troops and military equipment along the Karabakh contact line and near the internationally recognized border between Armenia and Azerbaijan raises concerns and contradicts the EU’s calls for de-escalation. The European Union has participated and intends to continue actively participating in these efforts with other international actors through regular personal contacts and exchanges of views on the best way to address the current situation, which cannot persist. It reiterates that all disputes must be addressed through negotiation, far from any facts on the ground. It urgently requests that all commitments made be fully and in good faith implemented.

“The European Union remains fully committed to facilitating dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan and supporting efforts to strengthen peace and security in the South Caucasus, in the interest of all populations in the region. We must not lose the momentum created in recent months for the resolution of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Today, it is more important than ever to continue negotiations.”

Non-EU states North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra and San Marino, aligned themselves with this EU statement.

11:22 a.m.: Artsakh authorities report that the Russian humanitarian aid includes the following goods in four sets/kits: food products, hygiene products, bedclothes, and children’s products.

Each set of food products, a total of 1,000 sets, includes sunflower oil (0.9 liters), sugar (1 kg), wheat flour (2 kg), pasta (1,500 grams), buckwheat (1 kg), semolina (1 kg), oat flakes (0.5 kg), canned meat (2.5 kg). Each food set weighs 11.4 kg.

A total of 270 bedding sets, with linen, a pillow, and a blanket.

A total of 200 hygiene kits that includes three toothbrushes, 10 soap bars, and a thermometer.

A total of 192 children’s kits with each including, kissel (jelly), vitamins, a toothbrush, eight portions of baby food, fish oil, baby powder.

9:53 a.m.: Artsakh authorities report that the humanitarian cargo sent by the Russian government has been transported to Artsakh through the city of Askeran by the Russian Red Cross.
“Vitally important goods of Russian production are included in the assistance,” the statement said.

12:50 a.m.: Freedom House President Mike Abramowitz issued a statement in response to increasing military tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan and worsening conditions in Nagorno-Karabakh:

“We are deeply concerned by reports that the Azerbaijani military is massing equipment along the Armenian border. We condemn any plans to attack the sovereign territory of Armenia and urge mediating parties to work toward preventing any further violation of Armenia’s borders.

“Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin corridor risks ethnic cleansing of the region’s Armenian population and is exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. We urge the Azerbaijani government to engage sincerely in peace talks, refrain from weaponizing the security of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians, and unconditionally open the blockade to guarantee unimpeded two-way movement of people, vehicles, and cargo along the Lachin corridor. We also urge the United Nations Human Rights Council to appoint a special rapporteur to assess the human rights situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.”

September 11

11 p.m.: In an interview with Public TV, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated:

“I regret Arayik Harutyunyan’s resignation. I can say that during the whole time we had a very good working environment and mutual understanding. I can express regret over his resignation. Regarding the new elected leader of Nagorno-Karabakh, Samvel Shahramanyan, I think the situation is such that there’s not much to congratulate. Very heavy responsibility rests upon him.”

He said Armenia must focus its efforts on overcoming the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Artsakh. “We shouldn’t allow the issue’s humanitarian essence to transform into a political one by unnecessary politicization. Our approaches stem from this logic,” he said.

9:27 p.m.: In a press briefing, U.S. Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the U.S. is “deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.”

“We repeat our call, as the Secretary did in a statement over the weekend, for the immediate and simultaneous opening of the Lachin and Aghdam routes to allow passage of desperately needed humanitarian supplies to the men and women and children in Nagorno-Karabakh. We urge the leaders, as the Secretary did in his calls, against taking any actions that raise tensions or distract from this goal.

“And I will say, in addition, we have consistently stressed this need for open – to open routes in Nagorno-Karabakh and for a dialogue between the parties. While it is important that Nagorno-Karabakh have credible representatives for this process, as we have said in the past, we do not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent and sovereign state, and therefore we do not recognize the results of those so-called presidential elections that were announced over the last few days.”

4:08 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry has expressed its protest to the Argentine Ambassador regarding the remarks made by the President of Argentina, Alberto Fernández on the situation in Artsakh during the G20 Summit [September 9, 9:55 p.m.]. 

3:13 p.m.: Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry states that it “strongly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the friendly Republic of Azerbaijan, condemns any interference in its internal affairs, and does not recognize the so-called presidential elections in Karabakh held on September 9, 2023.”

1:46 p.m.: Germany announces additional assistance to the ICRC for its work in Artsakh:

“The humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is very tense. Germany is therefore providing an additional €2 million to ICRC for life-saving work in the region. It is important that the aid reaches its destination now, which is why we are advocating for open humanitarian access,” the German government said in a statement.

12:09 p.m.: In a press conference, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani stated that “Karabakh is a part of the Republic of Azerbaijan” and the “rights and security of the people of this region must be determined specifically.” 

9:06 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani allegations that the Artsakh Defense Army attempted to carry out fortification works in the Martuni region, which were thwarted by the actions of the Azerbaijani units.

September 10

9 p.m.: USAID Administrator Samantha Power tweeted: “The humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is rapidly deteriorating. It’s essential that the Lachin and Aghdam routes be reopened immediately so lifesaving assistance can reach the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.”

7:29 p.m.: The delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Azerbaijan stated: “We refute allegations that the ICRC is hindering efforts by the Russian Red Cross to deliver assistance in the area or is furthering any political agenda whatsoever. The decision to allow humanitarian aid through or not is in the hands of the sides.”

7:13 p.m.: Georgia’s Foreign Ministry issued the following statement: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia expresses its support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan and doesn’t recognize the so-called Presidential elections in Karabakh, which took place on 9 September 2023.”

5:30 p.m.: According to the Artsakh Defense Army, reports by Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry that an Armenian subversive operation to plant mines, which resulted in an Azerbaijani soldier sustaining injuries on September 10 at 1:30 p.m., are “completely fictitious.” 

The Artsakh Defense Army communication points out that similar accusations by Azerbaijan have recently become more frequent; Azerbaijan has also adjusted the narratives: “If before the Azerbaijani side falsely accused the Defense Army of ceasefire violations or transporting weapons and ammunition, now it makes false accusations of carrying out subversive operations or preparing for such operations.” Azerbaijan is creating conditions of a pretext for another provocation, says the report. 

4:30 p.m.: A press statement by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reads:  

“The United States is deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. We note that humanitarian supplies are positioned near both the Lachin and Aghdam routes, and we repeat our call for the immediate and simultaneous opening of both corridors to allow passage of desperately needed humanitarian supplies to the men, women, and children in Nagorno-Karabakh. We also urge leaders against taking any actions that raise tensions or distract from this goal. The use of force to resolve disputes is unacceptable.

“In light of the recent increase in tensions in the South Caucasus, the United States will continue to strongly support efforts by Armenia and Azerbaijan to resolve outstanding issues through direct dialogue, with the aim of achieving a dignified and enduring peace. We reiterate that any peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan must protect the rights and security of the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh. We also encourage dialogue between Baku and residents of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“The United States further reaffirms the only way forward is peace, dialogue, and the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the basis of mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

12:30 a.m.: Hikmet Hajiyev, Azerbaijani presidential adviser tweeted: 

“In response to many inquires from international journalists, including Reuters, Politico and BBC, would like to make the following clear: 

“Tomorrow Russia initiated food cargo by Russian Red Cross will go along Agdam-Askaran road towards Khankandi in coordination with Azerbaijani Red Crescent. It is a separate deal and shouldn’t be confused with the suggestion of simultaneous opening of Agdam- Khankandi and Lachin- Khankandi roads for ICRC delivery. 

“Thus, on September 1st Azerbaijan expressed its consent as a good will gesture to ensure simultaneous opening of Agdam-Khankandi and Lachin-Khankandi roads. But illegal regime refused. However, in the Lachin checkpoint Azerbaijani’ s customs and border control regime must be observed. Sham and fabricated elections or I would rather call selection is serious setback and counter productive. Illegal puppet regime must be dissolved and disarmed. It is the only way to ensure lasting peace where Armenian and Azerbaijani residents of Karabakh can live and co-exist.”

[Hajiyev’s spelling and grammar have been cleaned up]

9:55 a.m.: Fergus Auld, British Ambassador to Azerbaijan, tweeted: “Great Britain does not recognize the sham ‘presidential elections’ held in Karabakh on September 9. Emphasizing the importance of international law principles and norms, we support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.”

September 9

10 p.m.: In response to the EU statement on the election of Artsakh president, Nathalie Loiseau, Chair of the European Parliament Subcommittee on Security and Defence, tweeted: “Not only is the EU too often too silent as regards Nagorno-Karabakh, but it raises its voice at the worst possible moment. EU’s attitude regarding the situation of Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh is a disgrace.”

9:55 p.m.: At the G20 Summit in India, Argentine President Alberto Fernández stated: “Azerbaijan’s blockade in the Lachin Corridor is causing a humanitarian crisis that once again punishes the Armenian people in a part of their territory.”

9:25 p.m.: The Artsakh Defense Army states: “The statement disseminated by the Azerbaijani MoD claiming that on September 9 at around 7:25 p.m., the Artsakh Defense Forces carried out fortification works in the Martuni region that allegedly had been suspended by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces is another disinformation.” 

This is the second announcement by the Defense Army. Earlier at approximately 7 p.m. local time, it tweeted that information released by Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry that fortification works by Artsakh Defense Forces at approximately 5:25 p.m. were suspended by Azerbaijani Armed Forces, was false.

8:50 p.m.: According to the Artsakh Info Center, the authorities in Artsakh have agreed to allow the entry of Russian goods through the Aghdam road [See 3:26 p.m.]. According to the statement, taking into account the humanitarian crisis in the Republic, the government of Russia “took an initiative to provide humanitarian aid to the Republic of Artsakh.” The truck full of Russian goods was dispatched by the Russian Red Cross and will be allowed entry through the city of Askeran to help mitigate the acute humanitarian crisis that the people are facing as a result of the complete blockade of Artsakh.

Artsakh Info Center also informs that an agreement has been reached (sides to the agreement and timeline not mentioned) to restore humanitarian cargo transportation to Artsakh through the Lachin Corridor by the Russian peacekeepers and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

8:35 p.m.: Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice-President of the EU Commission tweets: 

“In a call with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, I reiterated my concerns regarding the humanitarian situation facing Karabakh Armenians.

“The Lachin corridor must be re-opened now. Other roads, such as Aghdam, can be opened as part of the solution, but not an alternative.”

4:13 p.m.: Nabila Massrali, Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU, issued a statement on the “so-called elections in the former Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast.”

“In view of the so-called ‘presidential elections’ in Khankendi/Stepanakert on September 9, 2023, the European Union reiterates that it does not recognize the constitutional and legal framework within which they have been held.

“At the same time, the EU believes that it is important for the Karabakh Armenians to consolidate around a de facto leadership that is able and willing to engage in result-oriented discussions with Baku. The EU is committed to supporting this process.”

3:26 p.m.: Azerbaijani media reports that under the “joint cooperation of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society and the Russian Red Cross Society at the initiative of the Russian government, in order to meet the food needs of the Armenian residents living in the Garabagh economic region of Azerbaijan, under the relevant legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a total of 1 truckload of food and non-food products provided by the Russian Red Cross Society crossed the territory of Azerbaijan from the Samur departure point to deliver its cargo to Khankandi through the Aghdam-Asgaran road at around 2:30 p.m.”

3:25 p.m.: Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry issues a statement on the “non-recognition of the so-called ‘presidential elections’ in the territory of Karabakh, Azerbaijan”:

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine condemns the holding of the so-called ‘presidential elections’ that took place on September 9th in the territory of Karabakh (the Republic of Azerbaijan).

“The conduct of these so-called presidential elections contradicts the norms and principles of international law, and their results are null and void.

“Ukraine once again expresses its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders and advocates for the resolution of the Karabakh conflict through political and diplomatic means.”

3:02 p.m.: Turkey’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the “so-called elections held in the territories controlled by illegitimate Armenian forces in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.”

“The elections organized in the territories controlled by illegitimate Armenian forces in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan represent a new manifestation of efforts to unilaterally legitimize the existing situation, which is contrary to international law, including United Nations Security Council resolutions and OSCE principles.

“We perceive and condemn these elections held during a period when peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia are ongoing as an act aimed at undermining the peace talks.

“Turkey does not recognize this illegitimate election, which constitutes a violation of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call on the United Nations and the international community not to recognize this election.

“Turkey continues to support the peace negotiations process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and maintains its belief that the timely signing of a permanent peace agreement will greatly contribute to the peace and stability of the region.”

3 p.m.: Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

According to the Prime Minister’s website, the sides “referred to the deepening of the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor, the accumulation of Azerbaijani troops around Nagorno-Karabakh, and the increasing tension on the Armenia-Azerbaijan state border.”

PM Pashinyan once again emphasized his commitment to settling all issues exclusively through diplomatic means and in a constructive atmosphere.

Blinken emphasized the importance of resolving all issues through dialogue and peaceful diplomatic means, and noted that the US will continue active efforts in that direction.

The parties considered the escalation of the situation unacceptable, stressing the need to ensure peace and stability in the region. Similar to his conversations today with the leaders of France and Germany, Pashinyan emphasized that he is ready to have urgent discussions with the President of Azerbaijan for this purpose.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili to underscore the deepening crisis in the region.

2:31 p.m.: Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the “illegal activities named as ‘elections’ by the puppet regime created by Armenia in the Garabagh region of Azerbaijan”:

“The illegal activity under the false pretext of ‘presidential elections’ by the puppet regime created as a result of the occupation by Armenia is a gross violation of the Constitution and legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan as well as norms and principles of international law.

“Only the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan form the legal basis for the expression of will through elections in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

“The puppet separatist regime is the consequence of the aggression and ethnic cleansing policy that continued for nearly 30 years. The steps taken by this regime to continue its existence due to the military, political, financial and other types of support of Armenia, have no legal validity whatsoever. 

“The mentioned step is another element of the provocative and inflammatory activity of Armenia, which has deteriorated recently, and is a serious blow to the efforts of normalization in the region and reintegration of ethnic Armenian residents into the constitutional framework of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

“Holding the so-called ‘elections’ once again clearly shows that Armenia and the puppet regime created by it, which have taken steps to maintain the status quo and continue its occupation policy, are not really interested in the peace process, on the contrary, have taken the path of provocation and escalating the situation.”

12:52 p.m.: Artsakh’s parliament elects Samvel Shahramanyan as president of Artsakh. He was the only candidate and received 22 votes in favor and one vote against out of a total 33 parliamentarians. Former President Arayik Harutyunyan had announced that he would be stepping down on August 31 and then submitted his resignation to Artsakh’s National Assembly on September 1.

12 p.m.:  Armenia’s Prime Minister had telephone conversations with the leaders of France and Germany where he reaffirmed his commitment to the Prague agreements of October 6, 2022 and the Brussels agreements of May 14, 2023, and to “solving all issues exclusively through diplomatic means and in a constructive atmosphere.” 

In his call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Pashinyan spoke about the deepening humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, the buildup of Azerbaijani troops around Nagorno-Karabakh, and the increasing tension on the Armenia-Azerbaijan state border. 

Macron emphasized the need to reduce tension along the borders. According to Pashinyan’s press office, the Prime Minister expressed readiness to hold urgent discussions with the president of Azerbaijan aimed at reducing tension.

Pashinyan expressed similar sentiments in his call with Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, who said he is ready to support efforts aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region.

September 8

7:45 p.m.: In a phone call, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock discussed the situation in Artsakh with her Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov.

“The Lachin Corridor must be reopened. The people in Nagorno-Karabakh must receive vital humanitarian aid. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spoke today with the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov about the opening of this and possible additional routes,” the German Foreign Office tweeted.

7:04 p.m.: In an article in the Rolling Stone, Kim Kardashian and Dr. Eric Esrailian “write about how it’s time for America (and the world) to take action to protect Armenians from Azerbaijan.”

“As citizens, we are appealing to leaders such as President Biden, Secretary of State Blinken, and their colleagues to take a stand immediately. They must pressure Azerbaijan to open the corridor without preconditions,” they write.

“The United States has the ability to mobilize a response. Leaders who are effective and help our people will be remembered for their heroism. Even if well-meaning, the ones who are inert and ineffective will be remembered for allowing a genocide to take place under their watch. The choice is theirs,” Kardashian and Esrailian said.

5:51 p.m.: A briefing for the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan was held by Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, presidential adviser Hikmat Hajiyev, and presidential representative Elchin Amirbayov.

Azerbaijani officials said Armenia stages a “world-wide smear campaign against Azerbaijan” and “escapes from real negotiations, behaves insincerely, and torpedoes all previously reached arrangements and understandings” with the aim to “sustain separatism in the territory of Azerbaijan through all possible ideological, political, military, financial and other means.”

The Azerbaijan MFA said in a statement that since June 15, the ICRC has conducted 27 operations, 312 Armenian residents accompanied by 208 persons (total 520) have traveled to Armenia, while 380 persons returned to “Garabagh having completed their treatment.” A total of 425 vehicles of ICRC passed in both directions. “While returning back to Garabagh, they also bring essential goods, such as medicines, baby formula. Thus, the claim that since June 15 no good is transferred to Garabagh has no basis, and simply is not true,” they said.

Azerbaijani officials stated that “Azerbaijan continued engagement with all partners to realize the well-received algorithm of synchronized use of Aghdam-Khankendi and Lachin-Khankendi roads.”

“If the situation were humanitarian, it could have been solved weeks ago on the basis of the proposal of synchronized use of multiple roads. Under the pretext of humanitarian needs of the Armenian residents of the Garabagh region, Armenia in essence took hostage these people to its policy of separatism and continues to spread the idea of intolerance and hatred,” they continued. 

They claimed that in recent days Azerbaijan has “witnessed even more intensified military provocations accompanied by increased military build-up, both along the undelimited border and in the Garabagh region. Armenia digs new trenches, builds fortifications and accumulates personnel and equipment in an apparent effort to go into another military adventure.” 

It also dismissed the expected elections of Artsakh president as “yet another extremely provocative step. This is a clear violation of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is by no means admissible and tolerable.”

4:40 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani allegations that at around 2 p.m. the Artsakh Defense Forces carried out fortification works in the Askeran region that allegedly had been suspended by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.

12:56 p.m.: The ICRC has facilitated the transfer of ten patients from Artsakh to Armenia.

12:49 p.m.: Stepanakert-based journalist Marut Vanyan reports that the situation is “really critical.” 

“Two women leave the bakery crying, ‘Disgusting, unbearable life… We’ve been standing here since five in the morning.’ Empty handed… Everyone is talking about bread in the streets,” he tweeted.

9:05 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani allegations that at around 12:25 a.m., units of the Artsakh Defense Army carried out fortification works in the Askeran region, which were supposedly stopped as a result of the actions taken by Azerbaijani units

“Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry continues to carry out…preparations for another provocation by disseminating false statements,” it said.

1:34 a.m.: Yuri Kim, Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, spoke on the phone with the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

She described the call with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov as a “constructive conversation […] on progress toward immediately and simultaneously opening Lachin and other routes to get humanitarian supplies into Nagorno-Karabakh.” 

“Opening routes and direct talks are key to resolving outstanding issues. Welcome the release of the three students [see September 7, 5:57 p.m.],” she tweeted.

In her call with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, she expressed the U.S.’ “serious concerns over the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.”

“We urge all sides to work together now to immediately and simultaneously open Lachin and other routes to get desperately needed humanitarian supplies into Nagorno-Karabakh,” she tweeted.

September 7

5:57 p.m.: Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman reports that the three young men — Alen Sargsyan, Vahe Hovsepyan and Levon Grigoryan — abducted by Azerbaijan on August 28 at the illegally installed checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor were returned. They were detained for ten days. The men were arbitrarily arrested as they were being brought to Armenia from Artsakh under the protection of Russian peacekeepers to continue their studies. More details to follow.

4:59 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army reports that Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry has “significantly increased the frequency of publishing false reports, alongside movements and accumulations of personnel, weapons, and military equipment.” 

“These actions suggest Azerbaijan is preparing an information ground [pretext] for another provocation,” it said.

1:18 p.m.: In an interview with Ouest-France, Artsakh’s Foreign Minister Sergey Ghazaryan stated that the cause of every third death in Artsakh is hunger/starvation and malnutrition.

1:12 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 12:10 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired upon a combine harvester working in the fields of Sarushen village in the Askeran region.

12:11 p.m.: The ICRC facilitated the transfer of 10 patients from Artsakh to Armenia.

11:20 a.m.: In a cabinet meeting, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the situation in the region escalated significantly last week due to “Azerbaijan’s ongoing military buildup along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.”

10:39 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani allegations that the Defense Army tried to carry out fortification works in the Kelbajar (Karvachar) region, which were prevented by Azerbaijani actions.

12:13 a.m.: U.S. Representative Frank Pallone tweeted: “Secretary Blinken is rightfully calling for an end to the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, but these words must be met with meaningful action. Especially, as the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh continues to worsen.”

September 6

10:07 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani allegations that Defense Army forces fired upon Azerbaijani outposts in the Kelbajar (Karvachar) region at around 7:50 p.m. Earlier, Azerbaijan also alleged that the Defense Army carried out fortification works in the same area. Artsakh’s Defense Ministry said by spreading misinformation, Azerbaijan is creating a pretext for a provocation.

9:12 p.m.: In a meeting with foreign ambassadors, Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council, provided details regarding the buildup of Azerbaijani Armed Forces on the Nagorno-Karabakh contact line and along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. He brought up the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh and emphasized the importance of efforts by international partners to prevent Azerbaijan’s possible aggression.

9 p.m.: The Tom Lantos Congressional Human Rights Commission hearing took place on Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor. Following opening remarks by Rep.Chris Smith, Co-chair of the Commission, former ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo, and Adjunct Professor David Phillips, Director of  Peace-Building and Human Rights Program, Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights, provided testimony.

6 p.m.: EU High Representative Josep Borrell made the following statement on Artsakh on behalf of the European Commission in response to a written question:

“Armenia and Azerbaijan were discussed as a separate agenda item at the 26 June 2023 Foreign Affairs Council where the High Representative/Vice-President provided an overview of the deteriorating situation resulting from the almost total blockage of the Lachin corridor. He warned Foreign Ministers of the risk of a humanitarian crisis and conveyed the European Parliament’s call to impose sanctions on Azerbaijan. Several Member States expressed support for the efforts of the President of the European Council and the High Representative, and voiced concern over the continuous blockage of the corridor. 

“The EU has been closely following developments in and around the Lachin corridor and their humanitarian implications since the beginning of December 2022. The EU has repeatedly called for the full opening of the corridor and remains heavily engaged at the highest level in helping Armenia and Azerbaijan work towards mutually acceptable normalization of relations. 

“In this regard, the suspension of the Memorandum of Understanding on Energy signed on 18 July 2022 with Azerbaijan, part of the EU’s efforts to diversify its energy sources, is currently not being considered. However, the EU will continue to impress on Baku the need to urgently address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, and that failure to adequately do so could have a practical impact on its relations with the EU.”

5:15 p.m.: U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on September 1 to express the United States’ concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. 

“He reiterated our call to reopen the Lachin Corridor to humanitarian, commercial, and passenger traffic, while recognizing the importance of additional routes from Azerbaijan. The Secretary underscored the need for a dialogue and compromise and the importance of building confidence between the parties. He pledged continued U.S. support to the peace process,” the State Department readout said.

1:55 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani Defense Ministry allegations that the Defense Army carried out fortification works in the direction of Berdzor (Lachin), which was supposedly prevented as a result of the actions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.

1:30 p.m.: At the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, the EU made the following statement on recent developments around the Lachin corridor:

“The European Union is following with great concern the continued restrictions on free movement along the Lachin corridor and the serious humanitarian and security consequences affecting the Karabakh Armenians.

“Movement through the Lachin corridor has been impaired for almost 9 months, and, since 15 June, the corridor has been almost completely blocked, with the exception of sporadic medical evacuations. As a result, medical supplies and essential goods are in critically short supply or have already run out, with dire consequences for the local population.

“The EU deplores that the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the region have been heavily hampered and calls for their full and swift resumption, including transport of humanitarian supplies.

“The EU reiterates its call made by the HRVP [Josep Borrell] on 26 July to ensure freedom and security of movement along the Lachin corridor in both directions and to guarantee that the crisis does not escalate further, in line with the Trilateral Statement of November 2020, the European Court of Human Rights interim measures of December 2022 and the ICJ order of February 2023.

“The EU has taken note of the readiness voiced by the Azerbaijani authorities to supply goods via the city of Aghdam. The EU strongly believes the Lachin corridor must be unblocked, in line with past agreements and the ICJ Order.

“The EU has been closely following the growing tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia along their international border over the past months, with shooting incidents reported almost on a daily basis. We call on all sides to avoid further incidents and recommit to dialogue.  

“In order to observe and report on the situation on the ground the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) is conducting patrols along the Armenian side of the international border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The objective of the mission is to contribute to conflict resolution and to build trust and confidence between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“The EU reiterates its calls for restraint and dialogue among all parties involved. Continuous efforts are necessary to rebuild confidence between Armenia and Azerbaijan, in order to secure sustainable peace and stability in the region for the benefit of the local civilian population. Swift establishment of dialogue between Baku and representatives of Armenians living in the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast is crucial, in particular for the solution of the humanitarian crisis in the area, but also concerning rights and security of Karabakh Armenians and other issues.

“The EU also notes that the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe stands ready to engage with all the relevant interlocutors to assist in overcoming the existing humanitarian challenges.

“The EU, and in particular the President of the European Council Charles Michel, has been heavily engaged in supporting the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“At the last trilateral meeting on 15 July 2023, hosted by President Michel with President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia, the leaders of the two countries reiterated their strong commitment to the peace process. They notably reconfirmed their full respect for the other country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and their unequivocal commitment to the 1991 Almaty Declaration as a political framework for border delimitation. The ultimate delimitation of the border should be agreed through negotiations. Further substantial progress on delimitation is an important factor in reducing tensions, avoiding misunderstandings and incidents at the international border. 

“Violence, threats, harsh rhetoric and the spread of misinformation must cease in order to create an environment conducive to peace and normalization talks. The recommitment to dialogue in good faith remains as urgent as ever. This requires genuine commitment by all sides to work towards negotiated outcomes. Humanitarian issues must be resolved and concrete steps need to be taken urgently to rebuild trust.

“The EU remains fully committed to facilitating dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan and to supporting efforts to strengthen peace and security in the South Caucasus, for the benefit of all people in the region. We should not lose the momentum built in recent months for settling the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is important to continue the negotiations.”

7:51 a.m.: The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention publishes a report on the risk of genocide by Azerbaijan in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). It uses the UN Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes.

“We are deeply concerned about what is currently taking place and believe that it is genocide. There is much the international world can do to stop the Second Armenian Genocide, but it must act boldly and swiftly,” the institute said.

September 5

9:15 p.m.: In a press briefing, U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel made the following remarks on the situation in Artsakh: 

“We are deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the continued blockage of food, medicine and other essential goods. The U.S. has worked continuously with the sides over the past several weeks to allow humanitarian assistance to reach the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, and we reiterate our call to immediately reopen the Lachin Corridor to humanitarian, commercial and passenger traffic as well.”

9:11 p.m.: In an interview with Arab News, Azerbaijani presidential adviser Hikmet Hajiyev made several remarks on the situation Artsakh:

“There is no strangulation or blockade of the Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. What Azerbaijan is suggesting is to have multiple roads. And one of the important roads is the Aghdam-Khankendi [Stepanakert] road. It is much more efficient and has more logistical capabilities to reach out to the Karabakh region because Azerbaijan has completely rebuilt it.

“Currently, the Lachin-Khankendi [Stepanakert] road is operational and functional. The International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent is conducting convoys along this road. But what we are saying is, let’s open the Aghdam-Khankendi road. It will ensure integration, so Azerbaijan will have direct access to Khankendi [Stepanakert] and direct contact with Karabakh Armenians who in turn will also have a chance to use Azerbaijan’s major road system to reach other parts of Azerbaijan.

“But, unfortunately, the warlords at the helm of the current subordinated Armenian puppet regime in those territories of Azerbaijan are using the humanitarian situation for their own benefit, to prolong their survival as a separatist entity that will not accept Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, and for the benefit of propaganda, disinformation and misinformation of the international community. This has always been their raison d’etre.

“We invited them to have a dialogue. But they say no to dialogue. [This is a] destructive attitude. They also say no to food staples or whatever comes from Azerbaijan. This is racism. Because of the origin of the food product, they said they won’t accept it.”

He said on August 5 there was a “gentleman’s agreement whereby the ICRC would be welcome to use the Aghdam-Khankendi [Stepanakert] road for its humanitarian convoys. And in the next 24 hours we will also ensure the full opening of the Lachin-Khankendi [Stepanakert] road, but Azerbaijan’s customs and border security and border control regime must be respected.”

He added that Azerbaijan was “forced to establish the Lachin checkpoint on its border with Armenia. Azerbaijan cannot afford to have yet another grey zone on its sovereign territory.”

“But my question is: Why is the illegal Armenian regime resisting the opening of this second road? By all means they are still manipulating the international community’s view. The road is civilization. The road is culture. Saying no to a road has an element of racism to it. It’s a destructive policy. But the time of occupation is past,” he stated.

8:16 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports, with an accompanying video, that Azerbaijan is amassing troops and equipment, including artillery, near the line of contact.

8 p.m.: In their daily bulletin, Russian peacekeepers recorded a ceasefire violation in the Askeran region.

5:32 p.m.: In a press briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made the following remarks on the situation in Artsakh and Russia’s efforts to alleviate the humanitarian issues:

“The Russian side, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and other relevant agencies, maintains constant communication with all interested parties and takes steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. 

“We advocate for unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to the region, both through the Lachin corridor and the Agdam route. However, we call for avoiding unnecessary politicization of this issue.”

She criticized statements made from Armenian officials in recent days as “unacceptable” and undermining the “overall effort and do not serve the main goal of helping people.”

3:33 p.m.: Graeme Meehan, Australia’s Ambassador to Russia (also accredited to Armenia), tweeted: “Australia is deeply concerned about the unfolding humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. We call for the Lachin Corridor Road to be reopened and for all parties to enable delivery of humanitarian supplies via all routes. We support the work of the ICRC.”

12:17 p.m.: The ICRC has facilitated the transfer of nine patients from Artsakh to Armenia.

September 4

2:20 p.m.: In an editorial, the French newspaper Le Monde calls for Azerbaijan’s blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh to end.

“Baku’s closure of the only corridor linking Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia is a tremendous political error and a challenge to the most elementary rules of international law. Its reopening is a humanitarian obligation,” it wrote.

1:47 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani allegations that its forces were engaged in fortification works in the Martuni region which was prevented by Azerbaijan.

11:53 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry reports that Azerbaijan has violated the ceasefire by firing upon a combine harvester carrying out agricultural work in the Sarushen village at around 10:10 a.m. No one was hurt in the incident.

September 3

8:43 p.m.: Beginning on September 5 bread will be sold in Stepanakert with vouchers. Half a loaf of bread (around 200 grams) will be sold per person.

8:01 p.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani claims that at around 6:10 p.m., units of the Artsakh Defense Army were engaged in fortification works in the Askeran region, which was prevented by Azerbaijan.

3:48 p.m.: Artsakh Defense army reports that around 2:20 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire in the direction of Jankatagh village by using small arms and grenade launchers. The Azerbaijani military targeted the water truck. As a result of the ceasefire violation, there is one injured on the Armenian side. As of 3:30 p.m., the situation on the contact line is relatively stable.

12:20 p.m.: The body of Helen Dadayan, a resident of Artsakh who died in a car crash on August 14 is still stranded in Goris. She would have turned 21 today. For 20 days Azerbaijan continues to refuse the transfer of her body to Artsakh for burial.

September 2

Statement on the Occasion of the 32rd Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Artsakh, Artsakh MFA 

Thirty-two years ago, on September 2, 1991, a joint session of the Councils of People’s Deputies of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and the Shahumyan region proclaimed the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Beginning from the day of illegal subjugation of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan on 5 July, 1921 and throughout its stay within the Azerbaijan SSR, the policy of apartheid and discrimination intensified in Nagorno-Karabakh, an atmosphere of hatred and intolerance was created towards the indigenous Armenian people, resulting in armed clashes, human losses and mass deportation of the civilian population of Armenian villages.

To prevent the disastrous course of events, the people of Nagorno Karabakh exercised its right enshrined in the USSR Constitution and laws in force, specifically, the provision of the Law of the USSR Supreme Soviet “On the secession of the Union Republics from the USSR” dated April 3, 1990, according to which “the peoples of the autonomous republics and autonomous formations retain the right to independently resolve the issue of staying in the USSR or in the seceding union republic, as well as to raise the issue of their state-legal status”.

The independence of Nagorno-Karabakh was reaffirmed by the results of the nationwide referendum held on December 10, 1991 and the Declaration of Independence adopted on January 6, 1992 at the first session of the NKR Supreme Council.

Thirty years later, Azerbaijan occupied a significant part of the territory of the Republic of Artsakh as a result of a large-scale war it had unleashed. Aiming to achieve the final de-Armenization of Artsakh, ignoring the provisions of the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020, the legally binding decisions of the International Court of Justice and the ECHR, as well as numerous calls by the international community, Azerbaijan has been keeping the 120,000 population of Artsakh under total siege for about nine months since December 2022, depriving it of all fundamental rights and freedoms, creating unbearable living conditions and subjecting it to starvation.

Considering the above-mentioned facts, as well as the constant threats against the people of Artsakh and calls for their reprisals by the authorities of Azerbaijan, the international recognition of the Republic of Artsakh can become one of the basic and important guarantees of preventing the genocidal policy against the people of Artsakh.

Expressing our gratitude to all the Armenian sons, who fought for the right to self-determination and freedom of the people of Artsakh, and bowing to the memory of our heroes martyred in the three Artsakh wars, we reiterate that Artsakh was and remains the core of the Pan-Armenian unity, continuing the path it has chosen and fighting for our dignity.

We call upon all the international actors involved in the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict settlement process to take immediate and efficient steps to prevent the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh and deportation of its indigenous people from the homeland.

12:19 a.m.: In response to a media inquiry, Armenian Foreign Minister spokesperson Ani Badalyan stated that at the trilateral meeting in Brussels on July 15 with the participation of the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and the President of the European Council “no agreement was made on alternative routes for transportation of cargo to Nagorno-Karabakh. Moreover, the Republic of Armenia has no authority and cannot discuss issues related to other roads for cargo transportation to Nagorno-Karabakh.”

“Once again, we firmly emphasize that the Republic of Armenia has on its agenda only the issue of lifting the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the road established to ensure the unimpeded connection between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, and Armenia is not going to get engaged in discussions on any other roads,” she added.

11:20 a.m.: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan issues a statement on the 32nd anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence of Artsakh:

“Thirty-two years ago on this day, the joint session of the deputies of all levels of the Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Region and Shahumyan region, referring to the right to self-determination, made a decision on the adoption of the declaration of independence of Nagorno Karabakh.

“During that period, the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh witnessed the massacres of Sumgait, Baku, and Kirovabad, and the adoption of the declaration of independence was also conditioned by an existential threat.

“As a result of the 44-day war, even today, our compatriots living in their homeland, Nagorno-Karabakh, face the threat of ethnic cleansing as a result of Azerbaijan’s policy, due to the illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor, the stop of supplies of essential food, gas and electricity.

“The international community is also witnessing the ongoing processes, and the UN Security Council discussions on Nagorno Karabakh also noted the existence of a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh and the fact that the lives and security of 120,000 people of Nagorno Karabakh are in doubt. At the same time, it was emphasized that the decisions of the International Court of Justice of February 22 and July 6, 2023 on ensuring uninterrupted movement of people, vehicles and cargo in both directions through the Lachin Corridor have not been fulfilled by Azerbaijan.

“We expect the international community to make efforts to prevent the implementation of the policy of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh.

“I would like to emphasize once again that all statements about the non-existence of Nagorno Karabakh as a territorial entity and that the Nagorno Karabakh issue is resolved are groundless, unless the issues of security and protection of the rights of NK Armenians are irrevocably addressed.

“Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh and the international community clearly record that the comprehensive and long-term settlement of the conflict should take place exclusively through the peace process, including the Baku-Stepanakert dialogue under the international mechanism.

“We remember all our heroes martyred for the Motherland and bow before them.

“The Republic of Armenia will continue its efforts to ensure normal life, security and protection of rights in Nagorno-Karabakh. Today, we express our appreciation to all our compatriots of Nagorno-Karabakh, and our task is to ensure their inalienable right to live and create in peace through peaceful, civilized means, through negotiations.”

September 1

6:16 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry comments on the the statement by Charles Michel, President of the European Council, regarding the situation in the region:

“We took note of the statement by the spokesperson of Charles Michel, President of the European Council regarding the situation in the region dated September 1, 2023.

“As it was stated by the European Union, the issues of delivery of cargo to the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan by various routes, as well as intensification of usage of the Lachin road in parallel with the use of the Aghdam-Khankendi road were agreed as a result of negotiations at the trilateral meeting held in Brussels on July 15, 2023 between President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of the European Council Charles Michel and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.

“Notwithstanding this, Armenia’s backstepping from the reached agreements through its illegally installed puppet regime by introducing illegitimate preconditions and various pretexts, prevented implementation of the mentioned agreement. 

“We would also like to remind that despite the fact that at the beginning of August of this year, an agreement was reached on the organization of a meeting between the special representative of Azerbaijan and representatives of local Armenian residents, Armenia refused this meeting at the last moment.

“Unfortunately, from July 15 to today, Armenia and its puppet regime continuing to impede the implementation and promotion of this agenda agreed within the framework of the abovementioned trilateral meeting undermine the efforts of the European Union and other international partners in this direction.

“Azerbaijan offered a peace to Armenia based on equal and reciprocal respect for legitimate interests of both sides through mutual recognition of and respect for each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders. On another track, Azerbaijan is determined to reintegrate ethnic Armenian residents of the Karabakh region as equal citizens guaranteeing all the rights and freedoms envisaged in the Constitution of Azerbaijan.

“At the same time, against the backdrop of the ongoing military-political provocations of Armenia, Azerbaijan’s adherence to both these tracks is without prejudice to its right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity by all legitimate means safeguarded in the UN Charter and other universal international law instruments.”

3:40 p.m.: Artsakh Human Rights Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan responded to the statement of Charles Michel, President of the European Council [see 2 p.m.]:

“You make efforts, they are visible, but not tangible. The dire situation of 120,000 people, including 30,000 children, is not alleviated by statements. People don’t even have daily bread. Diplomacy works slowly while people are facing starvation.”

2:05 p.m.: Aykhan Hajizada, spokesperson of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, responded to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s remarks on Artsakh [see August 31, 10:45 a.m.]:

“These are all the products of false Armenian propaganda! Azerbaijan has already proposed to Armenian residents living in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan to get what they need to live. Repeated rejection of Azerbaijan’s goodwill demonstrates that all the voiced allegations have no ground.”

2 p.m.: Charles Michel, President of the European Council, issues a statement regarding Armenia and Azerbaijan:

“President Michel has continued to be intensely engaged in advancing the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process. His efforts over the past weeks, supported by Toivo Klaar, EU Special Rapporteur (EUSR) for the South Caucasus, have focused as a priority on addressing the humanitarian situation of Karabakh Armenians.

“EUSR Klaar and President Michel’s team have been in frequent contact with Baku, Yerevan and representatives of Karabakh Armenians to work out a solution for unblocking access.

“The current humanitarian situation on the ground is deteriorating rapidly; it is imperative to take steps to address the needs of the local population.

“European Council President Charles Michel has proposed a step-by-step approach which would reflect a sequencing in the full-fledged operation of the Lachin corridor and the opening of the Agdam route.

“Sequencing of these steps and the type of cargo that would be delivered by each of these roads, as well as attendant procedures, have been the core of the recent discussions.

“The EU strongly believes the Lachin corridor must be unblocked, in line with past agreements and the ICJ Order, and notes that the use of the Agdam road to provide supplies can also be part of a concrete and sustainable solution to the provision of urgent and daily basic needs. Discussions on these elements had started following the last meeting of the leaders in Brussels on 15 July 2023.

“The EU side has also stressed the need for Baku to provide clarity to Karabakh Armenians in terms of procedures for their movements through the Lachin corridor to and from Armenia.

“In parallel, exchanges have also focused on restoring electricity and gas supplies to Karabakh Armenians as soon as possible.

“Beyond the immediate situation, the EU side has stressed the need to address legacies of the conflict to facilitate a long-term sustainable resolution.

“Dialogue between Baku and representatives of Armenians living in the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast will be essential in this regard. The rights and security of Karabakh Armenians must be guaranteed and discussions on specific modalities should start as soon as possible.

“The dialogue between Baku and the Karabakh Armenians needs to strengthen confidence and trust. To this end the EU has provided various suggestions for international support to this process, as well as for engagement on the ground to underpin the implementation of agreements reached.

“All the above efforts have only one goal: ensure irreversible normalization of relations between Baku and Yerevan for the benefit of all populations on the ground. It is now time for courageous compromise solutions, also in light of today’s escalation.

“The EU has been engaged with other international actors in these efforts, through regular personal contacts and exchanges of views on how best to address the current unsustainable situation.”

12:10 p.m.: Artak Beglaryan, former adviser to the Artsakh State Minister, tweeted: “Aiding and abetting genocide and crimes against humanity is also a crime. President Joe Biden and the State Department are supporting the Aliyev dictatorial/genocidal regime. Prioritizing short-term geopolitical interests over supporting democracy, human rights and preventing genocide is a shame for the U.S.”

12:03 p.m.: The ICRC has facilitated the transfer of 11 patients from Artsakh to Armenia.

10:24 a.m.: In her message on Knowledge and Education Day, Armenia’s Education Minister Zhanna Andreasyan noted that “in the conditions of the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, our compatriots are deprived of the opportunity to fully and with dignity exercise their right to education, which should cause serious concerns among international institutions.”

“This September, the entrance of first graders to the schools of Nagorno-Karabakh is not a celebration, but an environment of anxiety, uncertainty and growing fears. It is our duty to support our compatriots in every possible way and to return to the natural process of education. Therefore, today more than ever, education is important, learning is important, development is important,” she said.

EVN Security Report

9:27 a.m.: Siranush Sargsyan, a reporter based in Stepanakert tweets: “My morning walk in Stepanakert: another residential building was bombarded. This is how Azerbaijan wants to integrate us.”this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.