Azerbaijan Launches Large-Scale Attack Against Armenia

Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched a major attack on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia at approximately midnight on September 13, 2022. A US-brokered ceasefire came into effect late on the evening of September 14, which continues to hold. The attack, the worst escalation in tensions since the end of the 2020 Artsakh War, left 207 Armenian soldiers dead or missing, 293 injured, three civilian deaths, documented cases of horrific war crimes committed by Azerbaijani troops and 20 POWs who are now in Azerbaijani captivity. Azerbaijani attacks also targeted civilian settlements and infrastructures in Armenia’s regions of Syunik, Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor, causing significant damage.

Although the ceasefire is holding, there are concerns that Azerbaijan is planning a much larger offensive. As such, we will be providing live updates on the situation as it unfolds.

September 20, 2022

10:45 p.m.: On September 20, on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met the Foreign Minister of Serbia Nikola Selaković in New York.

Minister Mirzoyan presented the details of the situation resulting from the Azerbaijani aggression unleashed on September 13, referring to the cases of violation of international and humanitarian law by Azerbaijan and underlining the inadmissibility of the threat or use of force and policy of coercion. The need for targeted response and effective steps of the international community was also emphasized in terms of countering Azerbaijan’s non-constructive approaches.

Mirzoyan and Selaković commended the positive dynamics of the political dialogue between the two countries and emphasized the importance of joint efforts towards expanding the bilateral agenda.

Issues on the process of normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations were also discussed during the meeting.

10:30 p.m.: Aram Torosyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry, announced that on September 20, Azerbaijani Armed Forces periodically violated the ceasefire on the eastern part of the border. As of 10:30 p.m. the shelling has stopped. 

Khachik Baghdasaryan, the mayor of Syunik’s Nerkin Hand village confirmed that Azerbaijani forces fired in the direction of the village for several minutes.

9:25 p.m.: On September 20, within the framework of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with Austria’s Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Alexander Schallenberg.

Mirzoyan briefed his Austrian counterpart on the details and consequences of the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia. Mirzoyan emphasized that the international community should put pressure on Azerbaijan in order to prevent possible new military aggressions and maintain the ceasefire regime, as well as withdraw Azerbaijani troops from the sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia and return Armenian prisoners of war.

8:20 p.m.: Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met Donika Gërvalla-Schwartz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo in New York, on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly. 

The sides noted that regular contacts on international platforms provide an opportunity for both parties to discuss issues of mutual interest and to be aware of each other’s positions on current issues.

The Foreign Minister of Armenia briefed his counterpart on the consequences of Azerbaijan’s recent aggression against the sovereign territory of Armenia and the gross violations of international humanitarian law by Azerbaijan.

Donika Gërvalla-Schwartz touched upon the situation in the Western Balkans. During the meeting, potential collaboration in international platforms was also discussed.

8:10 p.m.: Ned Price, the spokesperson of the U.S. State Department reports that Secretary Antony Blinken and Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu discussed “the tensions in the South Caucasus” in New York, on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly. 

“The Secretary noted that the United States continues to engage to facilitate dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia and help achieve a long-term political settlement to the conflict,” Price said.

7:50 p.m.: The delegation headed by CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas arrived in Yerevan. According to a press release issued by the CSTO, the delegation will assess the situation, prepare a report for the leaders of the alliance’s members states about the situation in the region and will also develop proposals aimed at de-escalating the tension on certain parts of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. 

The delegation will also conduct fact-finding activities on the border regions and meet with Armenia’s political and military authorities. 

Zas is expected to stay in Armenia until September 25.

4:50 p.m.: Karen Sargsyan, the governor of Armenia’s Gegharkunik region, briefed Lila Pieters, Acting UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia and her delegation about the situation in the region following Azerbaijan’s assault against Armenia’s territory. Sargsyan stated that the projects to be implemented by the UN to address the needs of the population affected by the hostilities will have the full support of the authorities in Gegharkunik. Lila Pieters stated that after the meeting, the UN delegation will go to Vardenis to get acquainted with the situation on the ground and assess the needs, to develop and implement an action plan.

2:05 p.m.: During the Ceremony of the Presentation of Credentials by foreign diplomats in Moscow, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin stated that the CSTO is taking measures to de-escalate the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. He also noted that the key to solving the issues of disputed territories between Armenia and Azerbaijan is expert work with the support of Russia within the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan joint border commission. 

“I want to emphasize that any conflict situation between our friendly countries creates great concern for us,” said Putin, calling on all sides to show restraint, strictly maintain the ceasefire and adhere to the trilateral statements signed by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia. 

Vladimir Putin also congratulated Armenia on its upcoming Independence Day, stating that Armenia is Russia’s closest friend and military ally.

1:40 p.m.: Azerbaijan has handed over the bodies of 95 Armenian soldiers to Armenia. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Armenia confirmed to Azatutyun that it participated in the handover of the bodies. Defense Ministry Speaker Aram Torosyan told Civilnet that the bodies are among the 207 dead and missing soldiers that Armenia’s Security Council announced yesterday. 

11:30 a.m.: The press office of UN Secretary General António Guterres announced that Guterres and Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov discussed the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. 

“They exchanged views on the developments on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Secretary-General expressed hope that the ceasefire will hold and underlined the United Nations’ support for all efforts to resolve the tensions between the two countries peacefully,” the readout of the meeting says. 

11:20 a.m.: On September 19, on the margins of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with Zbigniew Rau, the Foreign Minister of Poland, and the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.

The Foreign Minister of Armenia briefed his counterpart on the details of the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against the sovereign territory of Armenia, calling the targeting of civilian population and infrastructures and gross violations of international and humanitarian law unacceptable. 

Minister Mirzoyan emphasized that with such actions, Azerbaijan is clearly undermining the processes of establishing peace and stability in the region, particularly noting the importance of targeted and clear condemnation by the international community, including the OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office. The urgency of implementing the existing mechanisms within the OSCE framework was also highlighted.

The Armenian side stressed that the large-scale military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against the sovereign territory of Armenia grossly violates fundamental provisions of international humanitarian law, the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act.

During the meeting, the role of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship in promoting the peace process aimed at the comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was emphasized.

10:45 a.m.: Armenia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) reports that bomb shelter improvement projects are being carried out throughout the country, as their importance has grown especially during wartime. First responders of the MES are conducting regular inspections of facilities that can serve as shelters and are reporting the information to the ministry.

9 a.m.: Aram Torosyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that as of 9 a.m. the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border has not changed. 

5 a.m.: Ned Price, the spokesperson of the U.S. State Department issued a statement regarding the meeting between foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, facilitated by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. 

“Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov for the first direct talks since recent fighting. Secretary Blinken conveyed condolences for the lives lost and emphasized the need to prevent further hostilities, underscoring the importance of returning to the peace process. They discussed next steps, and the Secretary encouraged the sides to meet again before the end of the month,” the statement says. 

In a tweet, Price stated that Blinken hosted Mirzoyan and Bayramov to get the peace process back on track.

5 a.m.: On September 19, within the framework of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, a meeting was held between the Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov, with the mediation of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

During the meeting, Ararat Mirzoyan underscored that the armed forces of Azerbaijan must be withdrawn from the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, the use of force or the threat of force is unacceptable, and international mechanisms must be introduced to prevent further escalations. Armenia’s Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of the immediate resolution of humanitarian issues, including the repatriation of prisoners of war.

Minister Mirzoyan reiterated the readiness of the Armenian side to be involved in the process of comprehensive normalization of relations.

Secretary Blinken also tweeted: Today I hosted direct talks between Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. As I conveyed during the meeting, it is time for troops to disengage and diplomats to return to the table.

September 19, 2022

11 p.m.: The press office of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) told TASS that the CSTO fact finding mission, sent to Armenia following Azerbaijan’s attack, presented its findings, as well as suggestions for the de-escalation of the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border to Defense Minister Suren Papikyan yesterday.

10:30 p.m.: Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met Helga Schmid, the Secretary General of the OSCE on the sidelines of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York. 

Foreign Minister Mirzoyan presented the details of the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against the sovereign territory of Armenia, pointing out that it was accompanied by the deliberate targeting of the civilian population and civilian infrastructure, atrocities and torture against Armenian servicemen and prisoners of war. 

Minister Mirzoyan also noted that the aggression carried out by Azerbaijan grossly violates the fundamental provisions of international humanitarian law, the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act.

He also strongly condemned the behavior of Azerbaijan to achieve its expansionist aspirations by using force, especially emphasizing the importance of a clear and targeted response of the international community, including the OSCE, to Azerbaijan’s aggression, as well as the need for the urgent launch of relevant mechanisms within the framework of the organization.

Referring to the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the role of the OSCE Minsk Group was highlighted for the long-term and comprehensive resolution of the conflict. 

Minister Mirzoyan referred to the humanitarian problems caused by the 44-day war, pointing out the need for immediate repatriation of Armenian prisoners of war and other detained persons.

Cooperation programs with Armenia within the framework of the OSCE were also discussed.

10 p.m.: Aram Torosyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that as of 10 p.m. the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border remains unchanged.

9:10 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry reports that within the framework of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, foreign ministers of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, Cyprus Ioannis Kasoulides and Greece Nikos Dendias met in New York.

During the meeting security issues related to the South Caucasus and the Eastern Mediterranean were discussed. Minister Mirzoyan presented the situation resulting from the recent Azerbaijani aggression against Armenia.

Minister Dendias referred to the escalation of the hostile rhetoric of Turkey against Greece.

Minister Kasoulides briefed his counterparts on the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus reunification process.

Ministers Kasoulides and Dendias expressed their solidarity and support to the Armenian people. The foreign ministers expressed readiness to continue active contacts within the trilateral format in order to bring it to a qualitatively new level and expand the scope of cooperation.

The sides also discussed issues related to the Armenia-EU partnership.

8:30 p.m.: Business tycoon Gagik Tsarukyan, the leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party and Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan expressed concerns regarding the anti-Russian moods in Armenia. Both businessmen see threats to Armenia’s security in the anti-Russian sentiments.

 

7:05 p.m.: On September 19, Armenia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who is in New York on a working visit, had a meeting with Foreign Minister of Belgium Hadja Lahbib.

Mirzoyan presented the consequences of the large-scale aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against the sovereign territory of Armenia on September 13, condemning the violations of international and humanitarian law and the cases of inhumane treatment of Armenian servicemen and prisoners of war by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.

Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire regime and settling issues through peaceful negotiations. Mirzoyan stressed that the non-targeted appeals of the international community contribute to the aggressive and maximalist behavior of the Azerbaijani side, undermining the efforts of the Armenian side toward establishing stability and peace in the region.

The Ministers also discussed aspects of deepening Armenian-Belgian political dialogue, cooperation on multilateral platforms, development of trade, economic and educational-cultural ties

7 p.m.: Artsakh’s President Arayik Harutyunyan addressed the concerns of citizens of Artsakh online, who were asked to send questions in advance. Below are some of the remarks made by Harutyunyan. 

“Armenian statehood is facing a new war which can be more devastating than the 44-day war. That danger must be mitigated through political as well as military means. Considering the imminent danger, the only solution is to coordinate the efforts of all main actors, especially in Armenia.” 

“Unfortunately, under the circumstances of the fragile world order and regional instability no one can give us long-term security guarantees. The Russian peacekeeping mission has endured some cracks given Russia’s occupation elsewhere and Azerbaijan is using that.” 

“On the other hand, hostile foreign forces are using various provocations to undermine the role of the Russian peacekeeping mission and to create mistrust towards Russia among the public in Artsakh. I am sure the people of Artsakh do not give into such provocations, and the special treatment for the Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh is a manifestation of that.” 

“Despite the challenges, Russia continues to ensure security for Artsakh. And we are hopeful that it will be possible to increase the effectiveness of the peacekeeping mission and ensure its indefinite presence in Artsakh. Considering the mentioned challenges, we have spared no effort and will not spare any effort to modernize our own defense system within the limits of our capabilities and adapt it to the challenges we face.”

“All outstanding issues between Artsakh and Azerbaijan and Armenia and Azerbaijan must be solved through negotiations and Azerbaijan must refrain from the threat of use of force.” 

Harutyunyan also stated that despite the challenges, the only way to keep Artsakh Armenian is to live in Artsakh. 

“My family has lived and will live in Artsakh and I will guarantee the security of every Artsakh citizen as I guarantee the security of my own family,” he said. 

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can only be solved through the right to self determination. 

Harutyunyan once again reiterated that any document which puts Artsakh under Azerbaijan is unacceptable to Artsakh. He also stated that during discussions with authorities in Armenia, they have made reassurances that they will not accept any solution that will go against the interest of the people of Artsakh. 

The authorities in Artsakh are open to engage in negotiations with Azerbaijan to solve security, humanitarian and infrastructure issues, Harutynyan said, adding that any issues that can be solved through negotiations must be done so. Those interactions do not have anything to do with the status of Artsakh. The President stated that it is not possible to provide details about all interactions with Azerbaijan to the public, adding that those do not cross any red lines and that many issues were solved through such interactions. 

Arayik Harutyunyan also noted that a wide range of social programs are being implemented to overcome the consequences of the 44-day war and to ensure a prosperous life in Artsakh.

Lastly, Harutyunyan stated that a political council will be formed to address issues in Artsakh, consisting of former presidents, opposition members and other political actors.

5:50 p.m.: Turkey’s Vice President Fuat Oktay commented on U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s statements made in Yerevan, calling them “biased”. According to him, her statements are “sabotaging diplomatic efforts.” 

He tweeted that her statements, which are “incompatible with historical and current facts, completely devoid of goodwill, reflecting a biased point of view, and sabotaging diplomatic efforts” are not acceptable.

According to the Turkish official, the White House administration should clarify whether the statements of Pelosi and a few “lobby-supported politicians”, who are clearly looking at the votes of the Armenian diaspora, on the Karabakh issue reflect the official view of the U.S.

“At a time when lasting peace and stability in the region is sorely needed, I invite all international actors to act fairly, prudently and, above all, responsibly,” he said. “We will continue to stand by Azerbaijan, who has been struggling to liberate the homeland that has been unjustly and unlawfully occupied for 30 years.”

5:40 p.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Aleksey Overchuk, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, who is heading the Russian delegation for the Russia-Armenia Interregional Council session. The sides discussed Armenia-Russia cooperation and issues of mutual interest for the two countries

5:30 p.m.: Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met the Foreign Minister of Cyprus in New York, on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly. During the meeting Mirzoyan presented details regarding the Azerbaijani aggression against Armenia, the shelling of civilian infrastructure and about the human rights violations resulting from the aggression. 

Issues on the agenda of Armenia-Cyprus cooperation were also discussed. The ministers also touched upon expanding cooperation within the Armenia-Greece-Cyprus trilateral format. Mirzoyan conveyed Armenia’s position regarding the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process and the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Armenia-Turkey dialogue was also discussed. 

5:10 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry issued a note of protest to the French Ambassador in Azerbaijan regarding yesterday’s demonstration in front of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Paris. During the demonstration, staged by Armenians in France, the protesters tried to break into the Azerbaijani Embassy. Baku demands that French authorities investigate the matter thoroughly. 

4:54 p.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s office announced that a Security Council meeting that took place earlier in the day headed by the PM, made the following announcement: 

“As a result of the large-scale Azerbaijani aggression against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, 207 servicemen are considered dead or missing, there have been three civilian deaths, the location of two civilians is considered unknown, 293 servicemen and three  civilians were wounded, 20 servicemen were captured. There is evidence of cases of torture, mutilation, and thus illegal killing of captured or killed Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijanis.

“The armed forces of Azerbaijan targeted 36 settlements, including Goris, Sisian, Kapan, Jermuk, Vardenis, Tegh, Geghamasar communities, as a result of which 192 houses, three hotels, two schools, one medical facility, one banquet hall were partially or completely destroyed. Four barns, seven electrical infrastructures, five water infrastructures, three gas pipelines, one bridge, two highways, and one street were damaged; two ambulances, four private cars were targeted.

“Azerbaijani forces entered the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia in several directions. Thanks to the persistent and heroic resistance of the Armed Forces of Armenia and the involvement of the international community, Azerbaijan’s attack was stopped, but the military-political situation remains tense.

“The aggressive policy pursued by Azerbaijan is aimed at aborting efforts aimed at establishing peace in the region, opening regional communications, reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue and is aimed at imposing forceful solutions on the Republic of Armenia.

“Having adopted the agenda of establishing peace and opening regional communications, the Republic of Armenia considers the policy of threat and coercion conducted by Azerbaijan unacceptable.

“The Security Council declares that the Republic of Armenia will protect its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity by all available means. Azerbaijani troops must withdraw from the occupied territories of Armenia.

“We call on the international community to continuously put pressure on Azerbaijan to end the occupation of the sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia and to withdraw their troops, and we welcome all those countries and organizations that have taken a clear position.

“At the same time, we reaffirm the commitment of the Republic of Armenia to adhere to the obligation of a responsible member of the international community.”

4:40 p.m.: Vahan Hunanyan, the spokesperson of Armenia’s Foreign Ministry stated that at the initiative of the American side, a trilateral meeting between Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov will take place today in New York.

4:15 p.m.: Andranik Kocharyan, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Security, told Azatutyun that authorities in Armenia are free to look for weapons in other parts of the world, especially now, when the CSTO fails to fulfill its obligations. 

“We can see that, being part of the CSTO, we are dealing with a system that either does not implement decisions, or delays their implementation and at this stage it cannot solve any issue regarding our security,” said Kocharyan. 

He did not clarify whether Armenia will apply to the U.S. for military assistance, stating that during Defense Minister Suren Papikyan’s unscheduled meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Armenia-U.S. cooperation in the field of defense was discussed. 

4 p.m.: During a meeting with Japan’s Ambassador to Armenia Masanori Fukushima, the  Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Hakob Arshakyan presented details about the military operations carried out by Azerbaijani Armed Forces on September 13. He added that there is reliable evidence that Azerbaijan is preparing for a new attack, expanding its geography, including from Nakhichevan, encroaching on Armenia’s territorial integrity.

2:55 p.m.: Arman Tatoyan, Armenia’s former Human Rights Defender, reported that in the Azerbaijani platforms of the Telegram social network, stickers of the photos of tortured and dismembered bodies of Armenian soldiers and civilians were created through chat bots. 

According to Tatoyan, these stickers were created on September 14, 2022, but they found them on September 18. Immediately after their creation, the stickers became publicly accessible with the option to be downloaded and used during communication in public. 

Tatoyan and his team found that 119 stickers have been downloaded more than 20,000 times in five days by Azerbaijani users to their Telegram accounts.

Tatoyan also stated that with the efforts of an expert Telegram closed the option to download the stickers. He raised concern that it is evident that Azerbaijani platforms will use this new tool to terrorize and cause suffering to Armenian society. The photos of atrocities conducted in the 2020 Artsakh War and during the attack against Armenia on September 13-15, 2022, were depicted on the stickers.

“This criminal act is proof that the Armenophobia policy (hatred towards Armenians) supported by the Azerbaijani authorities for decades is deeply rooted in the Azerbaijani society and the calls for peace building by Azerbaijan are nothing but a veil for the eyes of the international community and that they hide their real intentions,” Tatoyan stated. 

2:35 p.m.: Zhanna Andreasyan, Armenia’s Deputy Education Minister, stated that the right to education was violated for 25,000 children from the regions of Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor and Syunik as a result of the Azerbaijani aggression against Armenia. She also stated that in schools where there are no security issues, classes will be held offline, in schools where security concerns persist, classes will be held online. 

Classes will be held online in 12 schools near Vardenis in the Gegharkunik region; three schools in Vayots Dzor and 112 schools in Syunik at this stage. According to Andreasyan, they will reassess this decision as necessary.

2:30 p.m.: Kristine Grigoryan, Armenia’s Human Rights Defender, stated that the HRD’s office has information about 16 Armenian POWs being held in Azerbaijan, adding that this is not a final number. 

Grigoryan also noted that eight civilians have been wounded as a result of Azerbaijan’s attacks. She added that there is evidence that Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces also targeted schools and medical centers, as well as ambulances.

2 p.m.: Defense Minister Suren Papikyan received Anatoly Sidorov, the head of the CSTO monitoring mission in Armenia. Sidorov presented to Papikyan the results of their monitoring carried out in Armenia in the last few days. No other information was released.

1:05 p.m.: Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of Russia’s president, commenting on U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Armenia, stated that Russia is ready to welcome any attempts that actually contribute to resolving the situation between Azerbaijan and Armenia. 

“Everything that is not based on words, but on deed, and not loud and not in a populist manner, but is real, quiet and business-like, can contribute to the normalization of relations, can contribute to the stabilization of the situation on the border, all these will be welcomed. Can such high-profile actions and statements really contribute to this normalization? We’ll see, with time it will all be clear,” Peskov stated. 

12:45 p.m.: Aysor.am reports that the body of an Armenian soldier, who was recognized by his family members in a video disseminated on Azerbaijani social networks showing the Azerbaijani side bandaging the wounded soldier, was among the 32 bodies that were handed to Armenia by Azerbaijan on September 17.

The speaker of Armenia’s Representative on International Legal Issues Hasmik Samvelyan stated that the soldier in question was killed while in Azerbaijani captivity. According to Samvelyan, an appeal has already been sent to the European Court of Human Rights asking to implement an interim measure right away, rather than send an enquiry to Azerbaijan. 

The Armenian side will also apply to the International Court of Justice. 

12 p.m.: Armenia’s Health Ministry announced that three out of the seven civilians wounded as a result of Azerbaijan’s offensive against Armenia continue to be treated in different hospitals. One of them is in a critical condition; the doctors are fighting for his life. The condition of the other two civilians has improved; they have been moved from ICU to a regular ward. 

12 p.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan delivered a message on the occasion of the 9th session of the Russia-Armenian Interregional Council which is taking place in Yerevan today. 

In his message Pashinyan noted that despite the difficult situation following the Azerbaijani aggression against the sovereign territory of Armenia, the Armenian government, nonetheless, decided to proceed with today’s events, considering their importance for the development of Russia-Armenia relations. 

Pashinyan stated that the aim of the interregional council is to strengthen and further develop ties in the fields of economy, trade, education, culture, etc. He added that proportionate development of Armenia’s regions is a priority for his government and the ties between the regions of Armenia and Russia will contribute to the development of Armenia’s regions. 

This year’s Russian-Armenian Interregional Council is titled, Armenian-Russian Cooperation: New Challenges and Opportunities. 

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin also sent a message to the participants of the council, stating that it is important that over the last 30 years Russia and Armenia have accumulated extensive experience in constructive cooperation in different areas, and bilateral ties have been brought to a “high allied level.” He added that interregional cooperation has traditionally been a significant component of Russian-Armenian relations and that the regions of Armenia and Russia effectively cooperate in various fields. 

10 a.m.: Aram Torosyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry, reports that, as of 10 a.m., the situation remains unchanged on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. 

9:30 a.m.: Ararat Mirzoyan, Armenia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, will participate in the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in New York starting from September 19. He will have about three dozen meetings with the foreign ministers of partner states and high-level officials of international organizations.

2:30 a.m.: In an Instagram post, Brian May, the guitarist and founding member of the legendary British band, Queen, who was recently in Armenia as part of the Starmus festival wrote:

“Hi Folks. I’m breaking my silence here because another tragedy seems to be unfolding, and there is a danger, as always these days, that the media will not report it truthfully. Armenia is a tiny country, lacking any oil or gas or substantial wealth, an island of Christianity and democracy surrounded on all sides by despotic dictatorships. It is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, with a profound embedded sadness because of its tragic history – during the first World War 1.2 million Armenians were murdered by the Ottoman Empire, in a brutal ethnic cleansing operation still denied by Turkey. 

“Today Armenia is again threatened by a conspiracy to wipe it from the face of the Earth. Just two days ago, peaceful villages on the Armenian border were shelled by Azerbaijan in an offensive to terrorize and destabilize the Armenian people. Against an unholy alliance of three ruthless dictatorships, Armenia is all but defenseless, and needs the full support of the West to survive. Please READ this panel from System of a Down, Armenia’s greatest rock group. I recently had the honor of performing in Armenia with their singer, the brilliant Serj Tankian. The world needs to know this situation – please re-post to counter the misinformation which is being poured out by Azerbaijan and its allies, to pretend that Armenian is an aggressor, just as Russia has tried to make the innocent and hideously violated Ukrainians look like aggressors. In a world dominated by lies, we must all speak up for truth and justice.” #armenia #standwitharmenia”

September 18, 2022

11 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Minister Suren Papikyan received U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the Defense Ministry. Papikyan presented the situation which resulted from the large-scale Azerbaijani aggression against Armenia. Pelosi, in turn, presented the United States’ stance regarding the situation. 

The cooperation of Armenia and the U.S. in the field of defense was also discussed.

12:18 a.m.: Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State tweeted, “I spoke with Azerbaijan President Aliyev today to welcome the recent ceasefire and to urge a disengagement of military forces and a return to peace negotiations.”

10:30 p.m.: The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention issued a statement on the recent attacks on Armenia by Azerbaijan. The statement reads: 

The Lemkin Institute strongly condemns Azerbaijan’s ongoing war of aggression against Armenia and its people. Despite the ceasefire agreements, Azerbaijan’s overall genocidal rhetoric by its state authorities demonstrates an enduring determination to eliminate the Armenian national identity and its territory. 

On September 13, 2022, around midnight local time, the Republic of Armenia began to be bombarded by artillery fire from the neighboring Republic of Azerbaijan, a historical adversary whose violent actions threaten the existence of the Armenian people and their homeland.

Armenia and Azerbaijan are two rival countries and former Soviet republics located in the South-Caucasus. Over the past three decades, they have waged two wars over the control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region (called Artsakh by Armenians), which has historically been populated overwhelmingly by Armenians. The last war occurred in 2020 and ended with a cease-fire brokered by Russia. Nonetheless, Azerbaijan has regularly broken the ceasefire and provoked firefights along their shared border since the 2020 war and the ceasefire agreements.

Azerbaijan’s recent provocations date back to the Nagorno-Karabakh war for independence from Azerbaijan in the 1990s. Since then, the Azeri government has been known to attempt to spark renewed fighting with Armenia, notably by moving troops into ceasefire territory and unlawfully bombing Armenian soil, as in the recent provocation. This new aggression, which broke out overnight on September 13th, illustrates how volatile and strained the situation remains.

The recent bombing targeted the Armenian border provinces [towns] of Vardenis, Goris, Kapan and Jermuk, but the Lemkin Institue has concerns that it will escalate and reach the capital of Yerevan if immediate measures are not taken to resolve the conflict and oppose Azerbaijani impunity.

The presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey have threatened to erase Armenia from the world’s map on multiple occasions. The Republic of Armenia has estimated that it has lost 135 soldiers in this recent attack. Azerbaijan has also taken new prisoners of war which add to the ones illegally detained by Azerbaijan since the 2020 war. There are also indications that Azerbaijan deliberately targeted the civilian population in the above-mentioned cities.

The Lemkin Institute would like to draw attention to our recent Red Flag Alert on Azerbaijan published on August 15th, in which we called on “all international and state bodies to monitor Turkey and Azerbaijan for genocidal ideology and practices, to place pressure on Turkey and Azerbaijan to cease their genocidal threats against the Armenian people, and to reinforce the security of Armenians and the Armenian identity in the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Artsakh, and in Diaspora communities worldwide.”

Once again, we urge the international community to explicitly condemn this attack on the Republic of Armenia and to take measures against the autocratic government of Azerbaijan and its ally Turkey.

International bodies and states cannot continue to ignore Azerbaijan’s aggressive behavior towards the Republic of Armenia. If its actions remain ignored and unpunished as they have been so far, the world will soon witness an escalation of the violence and another genocide against the Armenians.

10 p.m.: Aram Torosyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry, reports that as of 10 p.m., the situation remains unchanged on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. 

9:30 p.m.: The Russian Tass reports the head of the Russian Federation’s Council Committee on Defense and Security Viktor Bondarev as saying that the rallies in Yerevan calling for Armenia’s withdrawal from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) are financed by the U.S. or pro-American forces. 

Bondarev noted that Russian-Armenian relations remain stable, despite attempts to bring Armenia to the side of Western countries. “Armenia has long been persuaded to the side of the West (as well as other countries of the former USSR), but Russian-Armenian relations are still stable, good-neighborly and partner-like: both bilateral and relations within the framework of multilateral international blocs and organizations. Nevertheless, the United States and its henchmen are trying with all their might to drive a wedge between us.”

According to Bondarev, only “fools and blackmailers” can support Armenia’s withdrawal from the CSTO. “Fools – hoping that ‘good Uncle Sam’ will protect their territorial integrity and state sovereignty better than Russia. Blackmailers – hoping that such a decision by Armenia will inspire us to take more active steps to protect this country from Azerbaijan: the transition from diplomatic to military actions.” 

The senator stressed that Russia is always ready to help its partners and allies, however, “exactly to the extent that we consider it necessary, and by those methods that we consider acceptable in a particular situation.”

9:20 p.m.: Aram Torosyan, the spokesperson of Armenia’s Defense Ministry published the names of five Armenian servicewomen, who were killed during the Azerbaijani aggression unleashed against Armenia. According to Torosyan, Susanna Grigoryan, Anush Apetyan, Alisa Melkonyan, Irina Gasparyan and others carried out their mission of defending the border until the very end, showing exceptional courage.

7:40 p.m.: PM Pashinyan’s office issued a press statement regarding his meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In his welcoming remarks Pashinyan thanked Pelosi for the United States’ recognition of the Armenian Genocide, its support to Armenia for strenthening democracy and the concrete disposition of the U.S. regarding the Azerbaijani aggression against Armenia, adding that clear formulations by the U.S. government are very important for Armenia. 

The PM also stated that Armenia anticipates the support of the United States government in keeping the Azerbaiajni attack on Armenia on the agenda of the UN Security Council. In conclusion, Pashinyan stated that he hopes for productive negotiations with the U.S. House Speaker. 

In response, Speaker Peloci stated that the U.S is Armenia’s friend by supporting its democracy, adopting the resolution on recognizing the Armenian Genocide, countering Turkey’s influence in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, adding that her delegation is in Armenia “with respect toward your government.”

Pashinyan and Pelosi discussed issues regarding Azerbaijan’s incursion into Armenia’s sovereign territory and the withdrawal of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces from the territory of Armenia. The opening of regional communications and the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict were also touched upon. 

Pelosi assured Pashinyan that the U.S. would continue to support the development of multifaceted bilateral relations and strengthening democracy in Armenia

7 p.m.: Nancy Pelosi is also expected to meet Defense Minister Suren Papikyan. The meeting was not planned and was added to her agenda once she was already in Armenia. 

6։35 p.m.: Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract Party announced that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. The sides discussed U.S.-Armenia cooperation and issues of mutual interest. 

Pelsoi also met Armenia’s parliamentary opposition members. 

5 p.m.: Aleksey Overchuk, Russia Deputy Prime Minister, is in Yerevan, leading a delegation consisting of over 250 people, to participate in the Ninth Armenia-Russia Interregional Council. According to Overchuk, by arriving in Yerevan he and his delegation want to underline the historic friendship between the Russian and Armenian nations and the intention to strengthen the ties between the people and economies of the two countries. 

“The issue is the practical solution of the economic challenges facing Armenia and Russia, those are not nice words, theories or promises, but real work for the benefit of the people of our countries,” Russia’s Deputy PM said. 

4:30 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the statements made by Nancy Pelosi in Armenia. Baku called the statements unacceptable and a large blow to the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which also increases the tension in the region. 

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry also accused Pelosi of trying to win over Armenian voters before the mid-term elections in November.  

3:45 p.m.: Pope Francis called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to maintain the ceasefire agreement, saying that peace is possible if weapons are put down and talks are happening. 

3:30 p.m.: As Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives is visiting Armenia, people have gathered in French Square calling on the Armenian Government to leave the Russia led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). 

People also gathered near the Cascades, where Pelosi was holding a meeting with civil society representatives at the Cafesjian Center for the Arts.

2:45 p.m.: Nancy Pelosi met with the representatives of Armenian civil society at the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. Before the closed-door meeting, Pelosi gave several remarks. She said that she is delighted to be in Armenia on the eve of Armenia’s Independence Day on September 21. “The Congress conveys its congratulations to Armenia for this holiday,” she said.  

The Speaker of the U.S. Congress also stated, “I am here to say that the United States is committed to support the democracy of Armenia and we stand with the Armenian people in difficult times.”

She went on to say that although the trip was planned in advance, they happened to arrive in Armenia days after the hostilities and “can condemn here Azerbaijan’s unacceptable and threatening actions which threaten the success of the peace process.”

She noted that the U.S., as a OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing country and a friend of Armenia is committed to support the peaceful and stable negotiation process, adding that the U.S. has stated a long time ago that the conflict cannot have a military solution. 

“The ongoing military actions will result in new losses and displacement of people. The U.S. follows the conflict, for President Biden and the Congress it is a priority direction, and in the issues of security, peace and stability the U.S. is committed to support Armenia and Azerbaijan,” she said during her speech. 

12:15 p.m.: Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan received the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. The speakers held a closed door meeting which was followed by an extended discussion. 

Simonyan told Pelosi that the U.S. plays an important role in the political and economic life of Armenia, adding that her visit to Armenia amid this difficult time is appreciated. Simonyan thanked Pelosi for the “fragile” ceasefire brokered by the U.S. that halted the Azerbaijani aggression on September 14. 

The sides also discussed the security situation in the region and in Armenia, including details regarding further processes in the UN Security Council. 

After the meeting, Pelosi and Simonyan gave a joint press conference. Simonyan noted that regional issues and the wide range of bilateral cooperation were discussed during the meeting. 

“Miss Pelosi’s visit to Armenia is very important for us in this very difficult time, whose support we have always felt in difficult and sensitive times for us,” Simonyan said.

Simonyan also presented the facts of the Azerbaijani offensive against Armenia’s sovereign territory, adding that it is evident that Azerbaijan’s military and political authorities take advantage of the fact that the attention of the international community is directed to the situation around Ukraine. He thanked the United States for their efforts, through which a “fragile” ceasefire was agreed on September 14, adding that Armenia is also thankful to the leadership of the U.S., especially to the many congressmen and congresswomen for their targeted response to Azerbaijan’s aggression. Simonyan noted that any aid from the U.S. has vital importance for Armenia’s statehood, expressing Armenia’s belief that concrete sanctions can become another leverage to stop Azerbaijan’s expansionist aspirations and authoritarian war against democracy. 

Nancy Pelosi, in her turn stated:

“Thank you very much Mr. Speaker. Thank you for hosting our Congressional delegation and for your commitment to strengthening the partnership between our two countries and between our two parliaments. It was my honor to host the speaker in the U.S. capital earlier this year, during which we discussed issues related to advancing democracy and security in Armenia. It is a great honor to be the first speaker of the house, the first high ranking American ever to visit Armenia, to travel to the Republic of Armenia.

“We were continuing our dialogue. We just had a productive meeting, during which I reconfirmed the commitment of the U.S. congress in advancing the security, economic development, democratic institutions in Armenia and in the region. We discussed with pride, a pride that the congress took in leading the U.S.’ formal recognition of the Armenian genocide, which we did in formal legistaltion in 2019, which President Biden made official last year. We have been trying to do this in a bipartisan way, in both houses of the congress for a long time, finally we had a president who said he would sign the Armenian Genocide Resolution. We are grateful for President Biden for that and for inviting the prime minister to participate in the Democracy Summit earlier this year.

“Our meetings always have a particular focus on security. We planned this trip before the assault on the sovereignty, on the border of Armenia took place. Again, when we leave home, it’s always about security; our security, regional security, our mutual security, global security. Our meeting again had a particular importance to us, because it focused on security following the illegal and deadly attacks by Azerbaijan on Armenian territory. We strongly condemn those attacks on behalf of Congress, which threatens the prospects for such a needed peace agreement. 

“The United States, which is an OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair country, has made long and clear that there can be no military solution to the conflict. We continue to watch the situation closely; and we continue to support a negotiated, comprehensive and sustainable settlement to all issues related to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. I mentioned in the meeting earlier that for a long time now, for decades, in the Congress, in a bipartisan way we have tried to hold Turkey responsible, as well as Azerbaijan for the conflict that exists in Nagorno-Karabakh.

“Before we open to questions, let me express my pride in traveling with three of the strongest champions of Armenia to ever have served in the Congress. Congressman Frank Pallone of New Jersey, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Chairwoman of many committees…she chairs on two subcommittees, no one chairs on two sub committees but Jackie does; and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, former member of the Intelligence Committee, now Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. I give their leadership roles because of their standing that they have in the Congress is very respected so their support of Armenia in case of Congresswoman Esho and Congresswoman Speier comes naturally to them as Armenian-Americans, but its intellectual in terms of strategic thinking, knowledge of what’s going on and a commitment to supporting a strong and free Republic of Armenia.

“As Californians, all three of us recognize that 40 percent of Armenian-Americans are in California, so we feel this is a family visit for us, as we are surrounded by not only their love of their heritage but their great patriotism in America.

“Our meeting was one of the several important engagements that will continue to inform Congress’s work. We learned a lot listening to members of parliament about the specificity of the issues, but not only that, of the challenges that they see, we all face in this. To strengthen our partnership with Armenia, advance our values and interests here, in the region and globally.

Asked about the stance of the U.S. regarding Azerbaijan’s demand for a corridor through the territory of Armenia and whether sanctions will follow, Pelosi responded: 

“As you saw, the immediate response from the U.S. was to stop the violence and to have a ceasefire. We, our delegation, have been very outspoken in saying that this was initiated by the Azeris, and that there has to be recognition of that and how that will stop. What we have been learning on this visit is some of the challenges that were presented by the so-called peace agreement coming from the resolution of the conflict in 2020 and how that may be contributing to the violence now on the part of the Azerbaijanis.”

Congresswoman Jackie Speier also weighed in on the question. 

“The House of Representatives has already introduced a resolution, coauthored by all of us here that will say that we condemn the actions by Azerbaijan, that they must cease and desist. I am hopeful that we will take that resolution up soon. As to our commitment to Armenia, we will continue to support the integrity, the democracy of Armenia and the borders and resist any effort to have those borders changed.”

Asked about Armenia’s expectation from the U.S., Simonyan noted: 

“In regard to what kind of support Armenia expects, we await active support towards self-determination, democracy and territorial integrity from all directions.”

Asked about whether the U.S. expects Armenia to leave the CSTO and the Russian influence zone, the U.S. officials stated the following: 

Congressman Frank Pallone said, “I speak for myself, we understand that Armenia is part of this security arrangement with Russia. We are not suggesting anything about that. What we are suggesting is that the U.S. is very concerned about Armenia’s security; we want to do whatever we can, we are supportive of Armenia’s security and that we are going to work to see what can be done by the U.S. to help with Armenia’s security without reference to the Russian arrangement.”

Nancy Pelosi said, “If I may just add to my colleagues’ response, the democracy in Armenia is a delight to the world. The Velvet Revolution was cheered globally and that is something that was reinforced in the recent election, it was free and fair and recognized as such. Again, you’re a good example to the transition to democracy. And we support that. As Mr. Pallone said, your relations with other entities is up to Armenia to decide, and from my standpoint the territorial security and sovereignty, the democracy of Armenia is a value to us in America and in our relationships with other countries. We should use our influence, our leverage, showing that Armenian democracy and sovereignty is a priority, speaking from our side, not telling Armenia what they should be doing. We’ll see what happens next. As Congresswoman Speier mentioned the resolution of condemnation of the Azeri invasion of Armenia, that will be taken up soon in the congress.”

Asked if the U.S. was ready to provide military assistance to Armenia, Pelosi responded: “The value of our visit and the value of our discussions is to hear Armenia’s perspective, how we can be helpful. And that has been a good part of our discussions thus far. One particular thing related more to the economy than to security, except that they are all related; the speaker asked us to support Armenia’s steps that it is taking to be part of the Millenium Challenge, and that is a very big initiative for economic growth. So we did commit that we would work on that. On the defense side, rather than coming here and telling you what we are prepared to do, we are listening to what the needs are.” 

Anna Eshoo also noted: “I think that it is important to note that before we came to Armenia, the defense and the demining budget had already been increased for Armenia. But all of our talks are to listen to the leadership and to be enlightened by the specific needs that we can go home and work on. Democracy is a very fragile thing. The American people are learning how fragile democracy is, so security and democracy go together. And as one of the great democracies of the world, as the speaker said, we rejoice in this democracy and we will do everything to strengthen and care for her, as you work internally to do so as well. All of our talks are to listen to the leadership and be enlightened on the specific needs that we can go home and talk about. Security and democracy go together, we rejoice in this democracy and we will do everything to strengthen and care for her.”

Nancy Pelosi also stated:  “May I just conclude, democracy in Armenia is a joy to the world, congratulations on the Velvet Revolution and the recent fair and free elections. We have to enlarge the issue though to include security, what does security in Armenia mean to regional and global security? What does democracy in Armenia mean in the fight between democracy and autocracy, which is going on in the world now. In both cases, it means a great deal. And that is why as Americans, when we talk about how we can be helpful, we want to be helpful in discrete ways. We also want to take democracy and sovereignty in Armenia to a bigger arena when we talk about democracy vs autocracy, security and liberty. Benjamin Franklin was asked, what do we want security or freedom? He said, you can not have either unless you have both.”   

And, asked why the U.S. did not impose sanctions on Azerbaijan, Pelosi stated: “Well, as you know, what happened in the last week is recent and just more evidence of some of what we have been fighting for a long time; the treatment of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, treatment of holy sites as well as the people there. Again, we are speaking from the standpoint of the congress of the U.S. Our President has been a proud supporter of Armenia in terms of the Genocide recognition, in terms of the invitation to the Democracy Summit and we will work together to see what the next steps may be. But what we would like to see right away is a ceasefire with the recognition of how this all came to be in the last week.”

In the morning, Pelosi and the congressional delegation, accompanied by Alen Simonyan, the Speaker of the Armenian parliament, and other Armenian government officials, visited the Genocide Memorial.

9 a.m.: Aram Torosyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry, reports that as of 9 a.m., the situation remains unchanged on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

September 17, 2022

10:30 p.m.: The Minister of of Foreign Affairs of Canada tweeted: “I spoke with Jeyhun Bayramov to discuss the situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan. I welcomed the ceasefire and reiterated our strong concerns with the unacceptable use of force, stressed the importance of respecting territorial integrity, and reaching a comprehensive settlement.”

10 p.m.: According to Azerbaijani media reports, the country’s State Commission on Prisoners and Missing Persons said that the bodies of 32 Armenian servicemen were handed over to the Armenian side. The media reports specify that there are no sign of torture on the bodies. The news of the handover was later confirmed by the Armenian Defense Ministry in response to an inquiry by Iravaban.net. 

9 p.m: Aram Torosyan, the spokesperson of Armenia’s Defense Ministry reported that as of 9 p.m. the situation remained unchanged at the border with Azerbaijan.  

8:47 p.m.: The Human Rights Defender’s office reports that its fact finding mission has been to the Syunik region to register the aftermath of the September 13-15 Azerbaijani military aggression. The community center of Karaghen village, part of the enlarged Tegh community, situated close to the school and the municipality has been damaged as a result of Azerbaijani shelling. Some of the residents of the village fled their homes due to the shelling. Thirteen shells were fired in the direction of the village of Vaghatur, damaging the community administrative building, several homes and orchards. 

8:36 p.m.: Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in a social media post wrote: “Our Founders chose democracy over autocracy on Constitution Day 1787. For generations, we have protected and defended that choice. Today, from the U.S. to Ukraine to Taiwan to Armenia, the world faces a choice between democracy and autocracy—and we must, again, choose democracy.

7:30 p.m.: The Russian Tass agency reports the head of the CSTO mission currently in Armenia, Colonel General Anatoly Sidorov, as saying that the CSTO is trying to be as objective as possible and it is yet early to talk about conclusions. According to Sidorov, the CSTO “has not yet taken out its sword from its scabbard” and is trying to resolve the tension on the borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, by peaceful means. Tass also cites the Colonel General as saying that both conflicts have created an “unpleasant situation for the CSTO.”

7 p.m.: Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives arrived in Yerevan accompanied by a congressional delegation. She was greeted at the airport by the Speaker of Armenia’s National Assembly Alen Simonyan.

6:40 p.m.: The head of the ​​Investigative Committee of Armenia Argishti Kyaramyan confirmed two civilian casualties. Karamyan said, “One was killed when the road was targeted, the other when an ambulance was targeted.”

5:45 p.m.: The fact finding mission of the Human Rights Defender’s office has traveled to the resort town of Jermuk that came under Azerbaijani shelling between September 13-15. The Ombudswoman’s office registered that a gas pipeline and the medical aid center were damaged, and an ambulance was targeted.

4:20 p.m.: The EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar tweeted, “Back in Brussels after urgent meetings in Baku, Yerevan and also Vienna. Difficult and sometimes emotional exchanges. Lots of challenges remain but hope that a ceasefire will hold. Need to return to negotiations.” Klaar also wrote that he has received, “Disturbing reports of crimes & violence targeting civilians during the latest fighting. Cases from the past also need to be addressed, but there can in no way be a justification. All allegations of human rights abuses & war crimes need to be investigated & perpetrators brought to justice.”

Klaar said, the EU remains engaged at the highest level and our aim continues to be to help Armenia and Azerbaijan achieve a comprehensive and sustainable agreement that will ensure a stable, secure and prosperous South Caucasus.

3:25 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry has reported about the deaths of another two soldiers. This brings the total death toll of the Azerbaijani side to 79. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry has also reported 282 wounded, 43 have already returned to service. The health of 115 is stable, the injuries of 103 are of medium gravity, 21 are in serious condition.

3 p.m.: Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi will arrive in Yerevan leading a Congressional delegation to Armenia to highlight the strong commitment of the United States to security, economic prosperity, and democratic governance in Armenia and the Caucasus region.  Speaker Pelosi is the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Armenia since the Republic achieved its independence.

A press release by the US House of Representatives cites Pelosi as saying, “Our Congressional delegation’s visit to Armenia is a powerful symbol of the United States’ firm commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Armenia, and a stable and secure Caucasus region.  In working meetings with government leaders, civil society members and members of the security establishment, we will convey the strong and ongoing support of the United States, as an OSCE Minsk Chair and longtime friend to Armenia, for a lasting settlement to the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh.”

“Our distinguished Congressional delegation members have been proud and longtime champions of Armenia,” Speaker Pelosi concluded.  “Congresswomen Anna Eshoo and Jackie Speier bring a personal commitment to this fight, as proud Armenian Americans and as Californians, home to America’s largest Armenian population.  Chairman Frank Pallone of New Jersey is the longtime Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.  Our delegation looks forward to productive meetings that will continue to strengthen our partnership with the Republic of Armenia and advance our values and interests in the region.”

Earlier in the day, the US Embassy in Yerevan had announced that during her September 17-19 visit, Speaker Pelosi will meet with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Speaker of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan, and other senior Armenian officials to discuss U.S.-Armenian relations, and the current security situation.

Speaker Pelosi will also address the press, participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Armenian Genocide Memorial, and deliver a speech at the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, which will be livestreamed at www.speaker.gov/newsroom. 

2:40 p.m.: Armenia submitted an application to the International Court of Justice over the war crimes committed by Azerbaijan, the spokesperson of the Armenian representation at the ECHR Hasmik Samvelyan told Armenpress. Samvelyan said the letter has been submitted but will be officially published on September 19.

1:13 p.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. The PM presented details about the situation created as a result of Azerbaijani aggression against the sovereign territory of Armenia, emphasizing persistent tensions on the borders. Charles Michel reaffirmed his willingness to promote dialogue and peace. Various issues related to the settlement of the situation were discussed. In a tweet following the conversation, Michel said that he had spoken to both Pashinyan and the president of Azerbaijan, adding: “We had a substantial exchange on means to ensure a sustainable de-escalation and on how to intensify efforts to cement lasting peace in the region.”

11:50 a.m.: The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has set up the Primary Need Registration Platform, an online platform providing urgent support to citizens temporarily displaced due to the large-scale aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan on the territory of the Republic of Armenia and, to effectively organize work with state bodies. This registration will make it possible to record the needs of citizens who request support due to the situation and transfer those requests automatically to officials of regional administrations and local governments. Citizens can fill in their personal data, and indicate their needs, for example, food, clothing, medicine, care services, etc. Local bodies will then respond to the identified needs and correspondingly fill out a progress report, when a need is met or when no such need is identified. The platform will be open to private initiatives and non-governmental organizations, who can also indicate the needs they have identified and prompt regional administration centers to respond.

11:30 a.m.: The spokesperson of Armenia’s representation to the ECHR, Hasmik Samvelyan, told Armenpress that more than a dozen Armenian soldiers have been captured by Azerbaijan since September 13, she said this number is not conclusive. The European Court of Human Rights made a request to Azerbaijan regarding the videos of the captives, in particular, regarding one identified and a number of unidentified captives appearing in the videos. The deadline for Azerbaijan to provide information about the whereabouts of the Armenian captives is September 22.

10:30 a.m.: The Human Rights Defender of Armenia has published an Ad Hoc Report  (September 13-15) on the consequences of the Azerbaijani military attack on Armenia.

The Defender’s office has presented and analyzed war crimes committed by Azerbaijani military forces; information on displaced persons; on targeting emergency medical vehicles and journalists; violations of children’s rights and the rights of persons with disabilities. The report also presents evidence on the targeting of the civilian population and vital civilian infrastructures as well as other material and environmental damages.

The facts and evidence about torture and ill-treatment of Armenian soldiers as well as humiliation of killed Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani military forces are presented in the non-public section of this report and have been sent to respective international organizations and actors.

10:11 a.m.: The Iranian Mehr News Agency reports that President Ebrahim Raisi held a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, during which the sides discussed the developments in the region, including the issues of Syria, Afghanistan and the latest developments in the Caucasus.

Ayatollah Raisi emphasized: “The basis of our policy in the region is that the fate of the countries should be determined by themselves and their national sovereignty and territorial integrity needs to be respected.” Citing examples of Iran’s support for friends and neighbors during the crisis, the president clarified that Iran is a friend to its neighbors. Referring to the developments in the Caucasus, Raisi explained Iran’s strategic policy to welcome the liberation of Karabakh and readiness for participation in its reconstruction, while describing any change in the internationally-recognized, historical and geopolitical borders in the region as unacceptable to Iran.

September 16, 2022

Midnight: Armenia’s Ambassador at Large Edmon Marukyan told Factor TV that Armenia is anticipating another attack and that diplomatic efforts with the international community are ongoing, Armenia is in close communication with the UN, EU, US, Russia, France and the others. However, according to Marukyan, the international community was also notified about a possible Azerbaijani attack before September 13. “We had informed the entire international community about the impending attack, that the Armenian side is holding its fire but they will attack. And it happened,” said Marukyan. 

Marukyan also said that many of the countries, for example some UN member states, have conflicting interests. “Not all are able to unilaterally admit that this is aggression, that the sovereign territory of Armenia has been invaded,” he said. “Some say the border is not delimited, others think these are some border incidents.”

11 p.m.: Alen Simonyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Parliament, told Armenia’s Public TV that Armenia is disappointed with the CSTO, as its expectations are not being fulfilled, adding that Yerevan has drawn conclusions. “We have a gun that does not fire,” Simonyan said. 

Simonyan also stated that the U.S. played the biggest part in stopping the hostilities. 

The speaker of the Parliament said that there are 1-2 Azerbaijani units which are currently on the territory of Armenia and there is a search out for them. “They will either be thrown out or the issue will be solved through military means,” Simonyan said.

9 p.m.: Aram Torosyan, the spokesperson of Armenia’s Defense Ministry, reported that as of 9 p.m. the situation remained unchanged on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. 

7:30 p.m.: Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev met in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit. During the meeting, Putin stated that currently everyone is worried about the escalation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, welcoming that “the situation was resolved through coordinated efforts.”

Ilham Aliyev thanked Putin for Russia’s “prompt reaction to the escalation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. He stated that respecting the ceasefire by both countries, means that neither Armenia, nor Azerbaijan are interested in waging a large-scale war, adding that it is important not to disrupt the normalization process which is in the initial stage. 

5 p.m.: Armen Grigoryan, the head of Armenia’s Security Council, told Azatutyun that there is no more hope the CSTO mechanisms will function to support Armenia in achieving the withdrawal of Azerbaijani Armed Forces from the sovereign territory of Armenia. He added that Armenia’s demand from the CSTO has been to provide military and military-political assistance to protect the sovereignty of Armenia. 

“That has been our demand from the CSTO, and it has not been fulfilled so far. Naturally, we are not satisfied in this regard,” Grigoryan said. 

5 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev spoke about the Zangezur Corridor again during his speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. He stated that the “resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 2020” created new opportunities for the development of transportation and communication projects in the region, adding that the opening of the so-called Zangezur corridor will create even larger communication possibilities for the countries in the region. 

Aliyev also stated that now work must be done on the peace treaty, without preconditions and unnecessary delays. He also stated that the “large-scale military provocation unleashed by Armenia on the border with Azerbaijan was a huge blow to the peace process.”

During his speech, Azerbaijan’s president also announced that since the 1993 UN resolutions, demanding the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, were not realized during the last 27 years, Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity through military force in 2020.

5 p.m.: The Human Rights Defender of Armenia reports that, according to current data from her office, 7600 persons have been displaced from their homes in the Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions because of Azerbaijan’s attack. The majority of the displaced people are women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Among them are 1,437 children and 99 persons with disabilities.

3:30 p.m.: Eduard Asryan, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, told reporters that only one group of Azerbaijani Armed Forces is positioned in close proximity to Jermuk, on a hill 4.5 kilometers away from the town. Asryan noted that the group of Azerbaijani soldiers is surrounded by Armenian military units and has no way of getting food and water. According to Asryan, the group will be forced to leave once their food and water supplies run out, adding that the Armenian Armed Forces will make sure that the Azerbaijani soldiers don’t receive necessary resources to ensure they stay in their current position. 

3:20 p.m.: Armenia’s Ministry of Health reports that four out of the seven civilians who sustained injuries as a result of Azerbaijan’s aggression continue to be treated in different hospitals. According to the Ministry, one person is in a critical condition and two are in a serious condition.

3:15 p.m.: Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan told Armenpress that the issue of adopting a UN Security Council resolution based on the two sessions held on September 14 and 15 is being discussed. 

2:35 p.m.: Three peaceful protesters were detained near the Russian Embassy in Yerevan for staging a demonstration, calling out Russia for not fulfilling its responsibilities as Armenia’s main strategic ally. According to Zarzand Gabrielyan, the speaker of Armenia’s police, the protesters were detained for not obeying police orders. A video published by Factor TV shows that a police officer approaches protesters asking them to stop the demonstration due to “security concerns”. 

2:15 p.m.: Azerbaijan updated the number of their casualties; they are now reporting 77 killed during the hostilities. 

2:11 p.m.: The Telegram Channel of the Collective Treaty Security Organization (CSTO) reports that Anatoly Sidorov, the head of the CSTO Joint Staff met with Sergei Kopirkin, the Russian Ambassador to Armenia. “We couldn’t help but come, we had to come,” Sidorov told Kopirkin. The Russian Ambassador, on his turn, stated that Sidorov is in Armenia with an important mission, which was anticipated in the country. 

Sidorov also met the head of the Russian FSB Forces in Armenia, Roman Golubitsky, who briefed Sidorov about the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

1:50 p.m.: Eduard Asryan, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces told representatives of foreign diplomatic missions, who are currently in Jermuk, that troops of Azerbaijani Armed Forces are only 4.5 kilometers away from the resort at this stage. Asryan stated that Azerbaijani troops have advanced 7.5 kilometers into the territory of Armenia by a front line of 8.5 kilometers near Jermuk. He added that Azerbaijani positions can now be observed from the Armenia Hotel in Jermuk. 

Near Nerkin Hand in Syunik and Verin Shorzha in Gegharkunik, Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces moved forward 1.5 kilometers and 0.5 kilometers, they also advanced near Ishkhanasar for half a kilometer. Asryan also stated that Azerbaijan launched its offensive in six main directions. He stated that Azerbaijani Armed Forces had also targeted the town of Martuni near Lake Sevan, over 35 kilometers away from the border. 

Asryan also stated that Azerbaijani Armed Forces have moved into Armenian territory in groups and detachments, adding that some of those detachments are now under Armenian surveillance, while others are surrounded by Armenian military units. 

Speaking about war crimes committed by Azerbaijani soldiers, Eduard Asryan, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, stated that they undressed and dismembered an Armenian servicewoman, cutting off her legs and fingers. 

The Chief of the General Staff also informed the foreign representatives that the ropeway in Jermuk was also hit, near which there is a playground for children. He added that there were also tourists from different countries in Jermuk during the attack and that Azerbaijan deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure because Jermuk is a spa resort. Asryan also stated that videos about the crimes of the Azerbaijani Armed forces will be handed to the diplomats.  

1:30 p.m.: Armenpress reports that the representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and organizations arrived in Jermuk, where they will get acquainted with the damage caused to civilian infrastructure and the situation on the ground. The ambassadors of the Netherlands, Great Britain, the U.S, France, the EU, China and Argentina, as well as the Charge d’Affaires of Georgia and representatives and military attaches of other embassies. 

The Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces Eduard Asryan will meet the diplomatic representatives in Jermuk. 

1:20 p.m.: The office of Armenia’s Representative for Legal Issues reported that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) made the following decision based on Rule 39. 

1. In regards to Armenia’s request for an interim measure against the targeting of civilian settlements, the ECHR decided that its decision from September 29, 2020 is still valid and applies to the current incidents (in 2020 the court had called on both sides to respect the Convention, also in regards to hostages). The Court stated that any deviation from this can bring a change in its approach. 
2. In connection with videos showing Armenian soldiers captured by Azerbaijani Armed Forces (one identified and several unidentified soldiers), the Court has already sent an enquiry to Azerbaijan, giving them until September 22 to provide information about where they are kept, in what conditions, and about their health. 

12 p.m.: Andranik Kocharyan, the head of the Parliamentary Standing Commission on Security and Defense, stated that the Armenian Armed Forces reclaimed six military positions which had been taken by Azerbaijani troops. Kocharyan stated that the number might change. 

Commenting on why the final number of casualties is not being announced, Kocharyan stated that not all bodies are in Armenia’s possession and there are also missing soldiers; a final number of killed, missing and captured soldiers will be announced after they have been identified.

11 a.m.: During the cabinet meeting, PM Nikol Pashinyan announced that the death toll of Armenia’s casualties is 135, adding that “unfortunately” this number is not final. He also stated there are many wounded. 

Commenting on Azerbaijan’s aggression against the territory of Armenia, Pashinyan added that Armenia’s decision is final: Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces must leave the territory of Armenia; they must retreat not only form the territories occupied during the recent escalation, but also leave the territories which they occupied in May 2021. 

According to Pashinyan, during a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, an agreement was reached that the situation in Armenia must stay in the scope of the UN Security Council’s attention. 

Foreign Affairs Minister Ararat Mirzoyan noted that although no statement has been issued by the UN Security Council at the moment, the session should not be underestimated, as many important issues were voiced by the participants, such as Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia and the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Mirzoyan also expressed appreciation towards the countries that dropped “bothsidedism” and condemned Azerbaijan’s aggression. He also expressed disappointment towards the countries, and a country in particular from which Armenia had higher expectations. 

Defense Minister Suren Papikyan reported that the ceasefire had been upheld during the night. 

Speaking about the need for mobilization, Pashinyan announced that there is no need for it at this stage, because through decisions that have been made previously, such as the three-month training of the reserve troops, the issue of mobilization is resolved at this stage. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan stated that if there are people who want to voluntarily join the Armed Forces they can go to the local military branches and they will be given instructions there. 

Human Rights Defender Kristine Grigoryan stated that one civilian was killed by shrapnel and six others sustained different injuries. She also stated that evidence has been gathered about the human rights violations resulting from the aggression, such as targeting civilian infrastructure, and reporters. Yeghishe Kirakosyan, Armenia’s Representative at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) added that some of the evidence has already been presented to the ECHR and that work is underway to present the remaining cases as well. 

10:39 a.m.: Republic of Artsakh State Minister Artak Beglaryan made the following announcement: 

There are non-negotiable benchmark truths for the people and authorities of the Republic of Artsakh, in particular:

1. Issues related to the future of Artsakh should be decided primarily by the Armenians of Artsakh, where the role of the entire Armenian people is also important given the exclusive role of Artsakh for the Armenian nation and statehood.
2. The Azerbaijani-Artsakh conflict should be settled on the basis of the full realization and recognition of the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh, with the aim of achieving international recognition of independence.
3. Any status within Azerbaijan is unacceptable and impossible, because:

• Historically, Artsakh is exclusively the homeland of the Armenian people, and Azerbaijanis cannot usurp it by falsifying history;
• The people of Artsakh have been self-determined in favor of building a free and independent state and we are the ones who decide our destiny;
• The centuries-old Turkish-Azerbaijani genocidal policy towards Armenians and especially the continuous and growing anti-Armenian policy of the last decades, simply existentially excludes any status of Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan.

4. Our occupied territories must be returned, and displaced citizens must return to their native homes.
5. Artsakh and Mother Armenia should have a direct, reliable and sovereign land connection with each other.
6. We are ready to preserve and protect our values acquired at the cost of heavy sacrifices: statehood, national dignity and the freedom of creating and living in our own homeland.
7. We also prefer and are ready for the peaceful and stable development of the region, based on the principles of respecting the rights and dignity of all peoples and states and excluding the use of force.

10 a.m.: Protesters have gathered in front of the government building demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. Pashinyan will be at there at 11 a.m. for the weekly cabinet meeting. 

9 a.m.: PM Nikol Pashinyan held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. According to Pashinyan’s press service, the PM presented the situation following Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia, adding that despite the relative stability on the border the situation remains tense. Macron has reiterated France’s readiness to contribute to dialogue and peace. 

Pashinyan and Macron also touched upon the UN Security Council discussions based on Armenia’s appeal. Pashinyan underscored the importance of an adequate response from the international community. 

9 a.m.: Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that Minister Sergei Shoigu held a phone conversation with his Armenian counterpart Suren Papikyan. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry the sides discussed the situation in the region and in Nagorno-Karabakh in the areas under the responsibility of the Russian peacekeepers. 

The Armenian side has not reported about the phone conversation yet.

9 a.m.: Aram Torosyan, the spokesperson of Armenia’s Defense Ministry reported that as of 9 a.m. the situation remained unchanged at the border with Azerbaijan.  

9 a.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a phone conversation last night. According to Pashinyan’s press service, the PM presented the situation following Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia, adding that despite the relative stability on the border the situation remains tense. Pashinyan and Blinken touched upon the UN Security Council discussions based on Armenia’s appeal. Pashinyan underscored the importance of an adequate response from the international community. 

According to a release issued by the U.S. State Department Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed the United States’ condolences for the loss of life during recent military actions along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border. The Secretary reiterated the commitment of the U.S. to helping Armenia and Azerbaijan resolve issues peacefully, adding that diplomacy is the only way forward and noted he would remain personally engaged.

9 a.m.: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan held a phone conversation with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin last night. Pashinyan and Putin discussed the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. Armenia’s PM stated that despite the relative stability on the border the situation remains tense. The two leaders discussed the implementation of decisions made after Armenia appealed to the Collective Treaty Security Organization (CSTO).

September 15, 2022

11 p.m.: Foreign Affairs Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held a phone conversation with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada Mélanie Joly. Mirzoyan briefed his Canadian counterpart on the situation resulting from the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan towards the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia. He strongly condemned the gross violations of international and humanitarian law by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, the cases of deliberate targeting of the peaceful population and civilian infrastructures.

Both sides highlighted the need for unconditional preservation of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia and the inadmissibility of the use of force. In the context of maintaining the ceasefire regime, eliminating the consequences of Azerbaijani aggression, and excluding the possibility of new aggression, Mirzoyan emphasized the importance of a clear, targeted and adequate response of the international community towards the aggressor state – Azerbaijan, and the urgency of undertaking effective steps aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.

10:50 p.m.: Aram Torosyan, the spokesperson of Armenia’s Defense Ministry announced that the mission of the Collective Treaty Security Organization (CSTO) arrived in Yerevan, led by the head of the CSTO joint staff Anatoly Sidorov. The delegation was received by Defense Minister Suren Papikyan. Papikyan presented the situation which resulted from the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan and proposed the task of the monitoring mission. The Defense Minister expressed hope that the work of the mission will be productive and they will be able to deliver a comprehensive report to the CSTO about the situation on the ground. 

10:30 p.m.: Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held a phone conversation with Leo Docherty, Minister of State for European Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Development of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Mirzoyan presented to Docherty the situation resulting from the large-scale aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan on the sovereign territory of Armenia. It was especially emphasized that Azerbaijan deliberately targets the peaceful population and civil infrastructures, which is a gross violation of international law.

Minister Mirzoyan emphasized the unacceptability of the statements equating the sides and the importance of clear, unequivocal and targeted condemnation of Azerbaijan’s aggression by the international community, including the United Kingdom.

He added that Azerbaijan is torpedoing the efforts of the Armenian side to establish stability and peace in the region attempting to achieve its maximalist objectives through use of force. He also emphasized the imperative of the return of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces to their starting positions and the need to exclude new military operations by Azerbaijan.

10 p.m.: Hayk Kostanyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations announced that the missing first responder is well, he is already with his colleagues and has completed his task successfully. 

10 p.m.: Aram Torosyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry reported that the situation on the border remains unchanged as of 10 p.m..9 p.m.: Vahan Hunanyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Foreign Ministry stated that the representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and organizations accredited in Armenia will travel to the regions of the country which suffered damage as a result of Azerbaijan’s recent aggression.

9 p.m.: Yesterday, during a press briefing, Ned Price, the spokesperson of the U.S. State Department told reporters:

“The situation continues to be very concerning. We are deeply concerned about continued attacks along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. We’ve seen continued attacks now for a second straight day. We are particularly disturbed by continued reports of civilians being harmed inside Armenia. As you know, Secretary Blinken, shortly after hostilities broke out earlier this week, had an opportunity overnight to speak to the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan. He conveyed our deep concern over military actions along their shared border, including reports of shelling inside Armenia. He urged President Aliyev to cease hostilities immediately, to disengage military forces, to pull forces back from the border, and to cease hostilities that could endanger civilians, and to work to resolve all outstanding issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan through peaceful negotiations.

“We’ve made clear, in this context and before, to both leaders and at all levels that there can be no military solution to this dispute. And we’ve urged both sides to refrain from further military hostilities and to engage in dialogue and diplomacy. For our part, we do remain deeply engaged. Ambassador Reeker, who is our senior advisor for Caucasus negotiations, is still in Baku. He met yesterday, on September 13 and Wednesday, today, with senior Azerbaijani leaders. Ambassador Reeker met with President Aliyev yesterday in Baku. Assistant Secretary Donfried of our Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs spoke earlier this afternoon with Foreign Minister Bayramov of Azerbaijan. And we remain committed to doing all we can to promote a peaceful and prosperous future for the South Caucasus.”

8:35 p.m.: Foreign Affairs Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar. Mirzoyan presented the situation resulting from the pre-planned large-scale aggression by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia and the steps undertaken by Armenia to halt the aggression.

The Foreign Minister of Armenia emphasized Azerbaijan’s actions undermine efforts of establishing lasting and comprehensive peace in the region, underlining in this context the direct and adequate condemnation of the Azerbaijani aggression by the international community. The preservation of the ceasefire and speedy elimination of the consequences of Azerbaijani aggression was highlighted.

Ararat Mirzoyan and Toivo Klaar also exchanged views on the effectiveness of the Brussels platform for the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

7:30 p.m.: As a result of Azerbaijani shelling in the direction of the resort town of Jermuk in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region, three guesthouses, a health clinic (sanatorium), a cafe and the ropeway were damaged. A gas pipe near the sanatorium was also targeted.

7 p.m.: Hayk Kostanyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, announced that a group of Armenian rescuers went to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border near Nerkin Hand in Syunik to retrieve the bodies of Armenian soldiers killed during the recent Azerbaijani attack. One member was left behind after the group returned and it has not yet been possible to establish contact with him. 

6 p.m.: The second session of the UN Security Council which commenced based on Armenia’s appeal in connection to the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan took place in New York. Most of the members of the UN Security Council used similar rhetoric, calling on Armenia and Azerbaijan to uphold the ceasefire achieved yesterday and to use diplomacy to solve outstanding disputes. 

Nicolas de Rivière, the French Permanent Representative to the UN, in his speech noted that Azerbaijan has advanced into the territory of Armenia and called on Azerbaijan to return its armed forces to their original positions. The French diplomat also raised concerns regarding the shelling of civilian settlements and infrastructure and called on Azerbaijan to return the Armenian POWs. 

The U.S. Deputy Representative during the UN Security Council Session was Richard Mills, the former U.S. Ambassador in Armenia. Mills reiterated the concern of the U.S. about the shelling of civilian infrastructure. 

Russia’s Permanent Representative, Vasily Nebenzya, spoke about Moscow’s mediating efforts to resolve the situation, underlining the importance of continuing further talks between the two countries based on the trilateral statements of November 9, 2021, January 11 and November 26, 2021. 

Mher Margaryan, Armenia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, during his speech said that currently there are seven identified POWs held by Azerbaijan. “As we speak there are credible reports that Azerbaijan is planning to widen the scope of the military aggression including from the side of Nakhichevan,” he said.

Yashar Aliyev, the Azerbaijani Permanent Representative to the UN stated that both Armenia and Azerbaijan are engaged in humanitarian works and retrieval of bodies. He also stated that several Armenian soldiers fell under the control of Azerbaijan, who “have received necessary medical attention.” He added that Armenia and Azerbaijan are in contact for the repatriation of the POWs. 

6 p.m.: Defense Minister Suren Papikyan talked over the phone with the U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Colin Kahl. He presented the situation in Armenia resulting from Azerbaijan’s attack on Armenia’s sovereign territory. Papikyan stated that the large-scale aggression was a pre-planned Azerbaijani provocation, adding that the targeted response of the international community, including the EU, is needed to resolve the situation. 

Colin Kahl underscored the importance of upholding the ceasefire regime, emphasizing the need to return to the negotiation table and solve all issues through diplomacy. Kahl reiterated the U.S. position that the territorial integrity of Armenia cannot be disputed. 

4:45 p.m.: Alen Simonyan, the speaker of Armenia’s parliament, stated that all of Armenia’s international partners, including Russia and France, had their equal contribution in achieving the ceasefire agreement, adding that the U.S. played a major role in achieving yesterday’s truce.

4:35 p.m.: The mayor of the town of Verishen in the Syunik region told Armenpress that a civilian was wounded yesterday when the village was hit by Azerbaijani Armed Forces and three missiles fell directly into the village. He added that four houses were damaged, but the infrastructure is intact and that the village has electricity, gas and water. 

4:20 p.m.: The Diplomatic Service of the EU issued a statement, welcoming the agreement on a ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan, calling on the sides to continue its implementation and coordinate humanitarian steps, such as the handover of bodies of soldiers. According to the statement, the EU “remains strongly involved in the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including at the highest level through President of the European Council, Charles Michel.” 

4 p.m.: Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative to the South Caucasus, met Armenia’s Defense Minister Suren Papikyan in Yerevan. During the meeting Papikyan presented the situation in Armenia resulting from Azerbaijan’s attack on Armenia’s sovereign territory. The Defense Minister stated that the large-scale aggression was a preplanned Azerbaijani provocation, adding that the targeted response of the international community, including the EU, is needed to resolve the situation. 

Toivo Klaar, in his turn, announced that existing disputes between Armenia and Azerbaijan can only be solved through diplomatic means, reconfirming the EU’s readiness to facilitate the resumption of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

Yesterday Klaar was in Baku, where he met Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. 

2:45 p.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan chaired an expanded Security Council meeting with the participation of the President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan, President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan, President of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister Arayik Harutyunyan, Vice President of the National Assembly Ruben Rubinyan, and Civil Contract parliamentary faction leader Hayk Konjoryan.

The situation created as a result of Azerbaijan’s aggression against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the steps to be implemented in the direction of the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia were discussed. The participants exchanged thoughts about the current state of the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement negotiation process. The imperative of national solidarity and consolidation in the context of confronting external threats was emphasized.

2:45 p.m.: Artsakh’s President Arayik Harutyunyan announced that he participated in the Security Council session in Yerevan chaired by Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. “I want to confirm once again that at this stage there is no document to be signed in connection with Artsakh,” Harutyunyan said, following the session, adding that he has told the Armenian authorities that no document can undermine the right of the people of Artsakh to live independently. According to the president, Armenia’s authorities confirmed that they will not sign any document without discussing it with Artsakh’s authorities.

1:50 p.m.: Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Vache Terteryan announced that as a result of Azerbaijan’s large-scale attack and targeting of Armenia’s towns and villages near the border, 192 residential homes sustained various degrees of damage in Gegharkunik, Syunik and Vayots Dzor regions, 60 of which were destroyed.  

1:15 p.m.: According to Azerbaijani media sources their Defense Ministry reported about another 21 soldiers killed on September 13-14. This brings the total death toll of the Azerbaijani side to 71. 

12:30 p.m.: Anatoly Sidorov, the head of the CSTO joint staff, told reporters that he will arrive in Yerevan this evening. Sidorov also stated that for the time being there is no need to send a CSTO peacekeeping mission to Armenia, reminding that a truce was reached between the conflicting parties which is still holding. 

12:10 p.m.: Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for Russia’s President Vladimir Putin announced that the escalation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border will be on the top of the agenda of talks between Putin and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev when the two leaders meet tomorrow at the Shanghai Cooperation Summit in Samarkand.

12:00 p.m.: People have gathered in Stepanakert’s central square again. There are also reports of student and labor strikes. 

11:40 a.m.: Artsakh’s President Arayik Harutyunyan and a delegation from Artsakh’s National Assembly arrived in Yerevan to hold discussions with the authorities, to present to them the concerns of the people of Artsakh and the position of the Stepanakert authorities in connection with the current situation. 

11:00 a.m.: Aram Torosyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that as of 11 a.m. no major incidents have been reported on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. 

9:00 a.m.: The UN Security Council will hold another session today to discuss the escalation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. Today’s session will be open. 

8:30 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that there have been no major incidents on the border overnight. 

1:40 a.m.: Karin Tonoyan, the leader of the 5165 Movement and one of the organizers of the protests, is calling on army officers to announce their support for the protesters. 

1:20 a.m.: According to the protesters, the opposition MPs are in the parliament building waiting for the ruling party MPs.

00:20 a.m.: Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council Armen Grigoryan has announced on Public TV that thanks to the involvement of the international community, it has been possible to secure a ceasefire agreement. Grigoryan did not provide any further details. “Naturally, it would have not been possible to have a ceasefire without an agreement, we hope Azerbaijan will continue to uphold the ceasefire,” said Grigoryan.

00:20 a.m.: Protesters have given Civil Contract MPs one hour to go to parliament to begin the process of impeaching the prime minister. The opposition needs 18 votes from the ruling party to achieve that. Armenia Alliance MP Aram Vardevanyan announced that the people gathered in front of parliament will not go home until they get the signatures. 

September 14, 2022

Midnight: Artsakh’s President Arayik Harutyunyan issued another statement announcing that he is aware of all high-level international discussions that Armenia has conducted thus far. He added that there is an agreement between the authorities in Armenia and Artsakh that any document that Armenia will sign on behalf of Artsakh must take into consideration the interest and will of the people of Artsakh. Harutyunyan also noted that at the moment there is no such document. 

11:50 p.m.: Thousands of protesters gathered in front of the parliament are calling on MPs to impeach Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Deputies from the “Armenia Alliance” and “I Have Honor” parliamentary factions are among the protesters. People also gathered in Stepanakert demanding not to sign any document that will recognize Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan.

11:40 p.m.: Syunik’s regional administration issued a statement announcing that none of the region’s settlements have come under Azerbaijani control, adding that information being disseminated through social media networks in this regard is disinformation.

11:35 p.m.: Russia’s representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya announced that during a UN Security Council closed door session for the immediate cessation of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Russia briefed participants about its efforts, as well as measures undertaken by the CSTO to de-escalate the situation. Nebenzya stated that “the partners thanked them” for providing information on Russia’s actions and for their efforts. He added that the participants of the UN Security Council unanimously expressed their support for the early cessation of fire between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the settlement of the situation by political-diplomatic means. He said that at the moment a press statement is being prepared and that the Russian side insisted that it made reference to the trilateral statements signed between the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia in 2020 and 2021, which serve as the basis for the normalization of relations between the two countries.

10:50 p.m.: Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS) also issued a statement announcing that no document has been or will be signed. According to the NSS, PM Pashinyan’s statements have been manipulated by different media platforms. 

10 p.m.: Artsakh’s President Arayik Harutyunyan issued a statement announcing that no one can divert Artsakh from its path of achieving international recognition of its independence based on the right to the self-determination of people. Harutyunyan added that Artsakh cannot and must not be part of Azerbaijan, because, firstly, the people of Artsakh decide their own destiny in their own homeland, and secondly Artsakh will not subject its people to genocide. 

The president of Artsakh noted that any document placing Artsakh within the territories of Azerbaijan is unacceptable for its people. 

9:50 p.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan went live on Facebook as protests in Yerevan continue. The following is a translation of some of his remarks:

“What I said in parliament meant that Armenia has adopted a peace agenda and is ready to move forward with it, but the peace agenda cannot be implemented unilaterally. Azerbaijan made its five point proposal, Armenia accepted that proposal, adding its own points to include the entire scope of issues on the agenda of the negotiations, including the security of Artsakh. I spoke about Armenia’s territorial integrity today because Armenia’s territory is under attack and we are announcing that Armenia’s territorial integrity is not up for bargaining. Azerbaijan is demanding a corridor. We will not sign any document which will undermine Armenia’s territorial integrity in any way. As of now I have not signed any document, there is no such paper on my table which I must or must not sign, there is also no such document for the upcoming days. Soldiers are calling from the frontline asking if it is true that a document has been signed and we should stop fighting. We are saying to move toward a comprehensive solution.”

The PM urged everyone to gather around Armenia’s statehood to protect the country’s territorial integrity. He added that should there be a solution ensuring peace and security for Armenia in the long run, even if it is not an ideal document, he is ready to sign it.

9:50 p.m.: Aram Torosyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry reported that as of 8 p.m. shelling has stopped on almost all sections of the border and there have been no serious incidents. Torosyan added that rumors spread online that several Armenian settlements have fallen under Azerbaijan’s control are not true, urging people to refrain from spreading such information. 

9:40 p.m.: As several hundred protesters have gathered outside of the parliament and government buildings, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote the following on his Facebook page: “Dear Compatriots, I call on you, ask you, urge you not to be subjected to manipulations. No document has been signed and is not going to be signed. It is an information sabotage directed by unfriendly external forces to break the country’s resistance.”

9:30 p.m.: In response to the Azerbaijani military’s ongoing strikes on locations within the Republic of Armenia, Freedom House president Michael J. Abramowitz issued the following statement:

“The Azerbaijani Armed Forces must immediately cease their deadly attacks on Armenian territory and commit to the ongoing peace process facilitated by the EU, the US, and Russia. Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia should be carried out through diplomacy and negotiation, not through artillery and drone strikes.

“The people of Armenia and Azerbaijan deserve peace and security. Military attacks on sovereign nations have no place in the rules-based international order, which is why we urge the U.S. government, fellow democracies, and international organizations to call for an immediate cease-fire. We welcome the commitment by French President Emmanuel Macron to hold discussions at the UN Security Council, and urge democratic governments to consider additional steps to protect Armenia’s territorial integrity.”

9 p.m.: British, French and Armenian reporters came under Azerbaijani shelling near Sotk in Gegharkunik region. A British reporter told OC Media that they were at a checkpoint when several shells hit a hill behind them forcing them to duck for cover. The journalist left Sotk for Vardenis soon after. Armenpress reported that their reporter was also among the group of journalists targeted by Azerbaijan.

8:50 p.m.: Simultaneous protests are happening in Yerevan. The leader of the 5165 Movement Karin Tonoyan called on people to gather on Baghramyan Avenue in front of the parliament building. People have also gathered in front of the government building at Republic Square heeding the call of the leader of the Hayots Hayrenik party Vardan Ghukasyan (Dok). The protests are being staged in connection with PM Nikol Pashinyan’s announcement in parliament today that he is ready to sign a “painful document” if it will ensure the territorial integrity of Armenia. The protesters are chanting “Nikol traitor”.

8:15 p.m.: Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Abdollahian told his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov over the phone that borders between Iran and Armenia must be preserved without any change, as Iran considers its border with Armenia to be a historical communications route. Iran’s Foreign Minister called on both sides of the conflict to exercise self-restraint, adding that the region can no longer tolerate a new war.

7:10 p.m.: Given the current situation on Armenia’s border, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will not participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, which is expected to take place on September 15-16. On September 12, Pashinyan’s press service had confirmed the Prime Minister’s participation in the summit. Ilham Aliyev will participate in the summit and is expected to meet Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

7:00 p.m.: Foreign Affairs Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met the heads of diplomatic representations accredited in Armenia informing them about the Azerbaijani encroachment on Armenia’s sovereign territory, about the use of artillery, mortars and UAVs and the targeting of civilian infrastructures and settlements. He informed the foreign diplomats about the 105 Armenian soldiers killed and about videos published on Azerbaijani social media networks, where new Armenian prisoners of war are seen. Mirzoyan noted that in this context, the reaction of the international community is important to prevent the torture, violence, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of Armenian prisoners of war as in the 44-day war.

Mirzoyan underscored that the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan was preceded by Azerbaijan’s months-long warmongering rhetoric and statements questioning the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia, the claims to its sovereign territory at the highest levels, as well as the recent provocations against Armenia.

Mirzoyan presented some of the evidence that Azerbaijan was preparing for the offensive beforehand; he stated that starting from September 2, Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry was spreading false information on a daily basis that the Armenian side opened fire in the direction of Azerbaijani bases, which was officially denied by the Ministry of Defense of Armenia several times during those days.

Armenia constantly received information about military-cargo flights from Turkey to Azerbaijan, on September 5-9, the air forces of Turkey and Azerbaijan carried out a joint military drill, the declared task of which was the destruction of air and land targets of the conventional enemy.

And on September 10, during a meeting with the General Staff, the Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan instructed to be ready to immediately respond to provocations. He also gave additional instructions to improve the medical assistance of servicemen at the border with Armenia. Mirzoyan told the foreign envoys that the logic of similar steps was also undertaken in the period preceding the 44-day war.

Referring to the core reasons for the recent escalation, Mirzoyan emphasized that Azerbaijan expects Armenia to agree to all its conditions without negotiation, adding that during the meeting held in Brussels on August 30,  Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev stated, with ultimatums that he is not going to talk with Armenia about the settlement of the conflict as, according to him, Nagorno-Karabakh and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict do not exist, and the issue of the Armenians of Artsakh is the domestic issue of Azerbaijan, which will be solved if necessary, based on the Constitution of Azerbaijan. 

Minister Mirzoyan stated that a similar picture resulted in the work of the trilateral commission on the unblocking of regional infrastructures and transport communication, where Azerbaijan, in fact, attempts to get an extraterritorial corridor. The Armenian side has repeatedly stated its position on the readiness to provide communication channels to Azerbaijan after the clarification of the road transportation regime, which should ensure the countries’ sovereignty and jurisdiction over the roads passing through its territory. 

Mirzoyan also noted that Azerbaijan attempts to achieve its demands and aspirations by the use of force and threats of use of force and that its untamed behavior is also a result of the unaddressed statements of the international community during the previous aggressions started from March 24, 2021. 

Taking into account the severity of the situation, Armenia has decided to use all the diplomatic instruments at their disposal to halt the Azerbaijani aggression and return the Azerbaijani Armed Forces to their starting positions. Armenia expects Azerbaijan to immediately cease hostilities, return its forces to their original positions and to release Armenian prisoners of war.

6 p.m.: Aram Torosyan, the spokesperson of Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that as of 6 p.m. the situation remains tense on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. From 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Azerbaijani Armed Forces intensively shelled the Armenian border from Sotk to Goris, including civilian settlements; attack drones were widely used. Around 4:40 p.m. the military base near Sotk was hit, causing a fire. At the time of reporting the fire had already been extinguished. Since 5 p.m. the intensity of shelling in the direction of Sotk has decreased. 

Torosyan also reconfirmed that as of today, 105 Armenian servicemen have been killed, adding that for information about the wounded, the hotline of the Defense Ministry should be contacted at 1-28. 

6:30 p.m.: The press service of the CSTO reports that the organization is proceeding with realizing the agreements of yesterday’s CSTO Council meeting; the first group of the mission headed by the Chief of the CSTO Joint Staff Anatoly Sidorov will arrive in Yerevan tomorrow. Stanislav Zas, the Secretary General of the CSTO is planning to travel to Armenia next week. 

4:30 p.m.: During the Q&A session in parliament today, members of Armenia’s Government responded to questions from parliamentarians. Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed that 105 servicemen have been killed following Azerbaijan’s attack on Armenia. When asked about losses of military positions, the PM refrained from responding, saying that he does not want to speak about ongoing military operations. Later in the session, Pashinyan did, however, admit that Azerbaijani forces have occupied another 10 sq/km of Armenian territory in addition to the 41 that they had occupied last year in May near Sev Lich. Pashinyan also stated that he is ready to make the difficult decision which will ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia within 29,800 sq/km of its territory, regardless of what will happen after that, even if the public decides to remove him from power, if this will ensure lasting peace and security.

Below are some of the comments made by members of the Government during that session.

Foreign Affairs Minister Ararat Mirzoyan:
Tomorrow the CSTO monitoring mission will arrive in Armenia. Our appeal to the CSTO has been discussed adequately and other processes regarding Armenia’s appeal to the CSTO are still being discussed. It is the first time that the CSTO will be sending a mission to Armenia. 

Defense Minister Suren Papikyan:
The Defense Ministry of Armenia has the capacity to fulfill the needs of the army; a mobilization has not been announced. At this point there is no need for bulletproof vests, food or other supplies. If citizens want to help and show support to the army, they should contact the spokesperson of the Defense Ministry. 

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan:
Demarcation and Delimitation: When speaking about demarcation and delimitation the issue of maps is the first thing that comes to mind. But, as we have stated before, demarcation and delimitation must have legal basis, and the maps that will be used must also have legal basis. We have suggested that the demarcation and delimitation take place with this principle. (Armenia and Azerbaijan recognized its other territorial integrity when joining the CIS). The notion that there is no border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is wrong, that border exists and Azerbaijan is attacking it now; and Armenia will do everything to protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty, also during border demarcation discussions. Our belief is that the demarcation process must be based on maps of the Soviet Union. If Azerbaijan insists on relying on pre-Soviet maps, it must be noted that NK was part of Azerbaijan during the Soviet Union, not before that. 

Geopolitical Factor: There is a geopolitical context in Azerbaijan’s recent attack. When talking to the West, Azerbaijan presents Armenia as a pro Russian country, and when talking to Russia Azerbaijan presents Armenia as a strictly pro western country trying to create anti Armenian feelings in Russia. On the official levels there are no such ideas in the West and in Russia. It is true that Armenia has close ties with Russia and Western countries, but the narrative that Azerbaijan is trying to push forward is wrong. This is the geopolitical context. 

Casualties and Territorial Losses: As of today the verified number of casualties is 105. Regarding territorial losses; when we say that Azerbaijan has attacked Armenia, we also mean that Azerbaijan has occupied Armenian territory. We applied to the CSTO based on Article 4 of CSTO which states that an aggression towards a CSTO member is an aggression against the CSTO itself. We have asked the CSTO to ensure regaining Armenia’s territorial integrity and to remove Azerbaijani forces from the territory of Armenia, we also mean the territory which Azerbaijan occupied last year. During yesterday’s meeting the minimum decisions regarding the current situation have been made. There is a border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, that border has been recognized and has been verified by the two countries. 

Where and Who Are Armenia’s Strategic Partners: Why is Armenia still in the CSTO? Our allies are the Russian Federation and the CSTO. The fourth article of the CSTO states that aggression against one member is aggression against all member states. We have applied to the CSTO based on this article, and a process has been set in motion which must have its concrete results. Although there have been talks that the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is not demarcated, during yesterday’s meetings it has been acknowledged that Azerbaijan has invaded Armenia and if such language has been used it cannot stay inconsequential. We have also applied to Russia as our strategic ally. The response does not necessarily have to be military involvement. 

CSTO Article 4: If one of the Member States undergoes aggression (armed attack menacing to safety, stability, territorial integrity and sovereignty), it will be considered by the Member States as aggression (armed attack menacing to safety, stability, territorial integrity and sovereignty) to all the Member States of this Treaty.

In case of aggression commission (armed attack menacing to safety, stability, territorial integrity and sovereignty) to any of the Member States, all the other Member States at request of this Member State shall immediately provide the latter with the necessary help, including military one, as well as provide support by the means at their disposal in accordance with the right to collective defense pursuant to article 51 of the UN Charter.

The Member States shall immediately inform the United Nations Security Council on the measures taken on the basis of this article. When implementing these measures, the Member States shall adhere to the relevant provisions of the UN Charter.

Martial Law: The bill for declaring a martial law has been on my table since Azerbaijan attacked  Armenia. It is a very serious decision and when necessary, I will sign the document. 

The independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia is not up for discussion, and every citizen of Armenia will have to take arms and protect the territory of Armenia if the need arises. Armenia has a sovereign territory which is the territory of Soviet Armenia. 

What Azerbaijan Is Trying to Achieve: Azerbaijan is expressing its dissatisfaction with the results of the 44-day war. As much as we are not happy with the November 9 statement—it is a fact that we are not. There are three provisions of the statement — the Lachin Corridor, the Line of Contact, and the existence of Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan is fighting against these three provisions. This belief has also been formed from the negotiations. 

Reclaiming of Lost Territory: I will not address this issue, we are not solving position problems, we are solving the issue of Armenia’s territorial integrity; Azerbaijan must leave the sovereign territory of Armenia on which Armenia declared its independence which is the territory of Soviet Armenia. 

Even though we are not the strongest country in the world, we do not care what others think about our territorial integrity and we will not grant a corridor to anyone. There is no other country which talks with us about the corridor, if they try we will not engage in any discussion. The november 9 statement’s 9th point does not include the word corridor, the only corridor mentioned is Lachin. 

Based on article 9 of the November 9 statement a trilateral statement was signed on January 11, 2021 where it is elaborated what the article entails. We have offered proposals about our readiness to open communication routes to Azerbaijan and as soon as they agree we will start to enact those proposals. 

During yesterday’s CSTO meeting the issue of deploying an international monitoring mission of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border during the demarcation and delimitation process was discussed. Our priority will be to apply all possible mechanisms to achieve this and to restore Armenia’s territorial integrity. Yesterday’s meeting was productive because the member states expressed ideas which are in line with Armenia’s policy.

4:10: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry announced that on September 13, Armen Papikyan, the Permanent Representative of Armenia to the OSCE, participated and delivered remarks at the special session of the OSCE Permanent Council convened upon the initiative of Armenia.

Armen Papikyan drew the attention of the OSCE Permanent Council to the military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan on September 13 against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia. Ambassador Papikyan noted that the armed forces of Azerbaijan, in clear violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, shelled a number of Armenian settlements using heavy weaponry, including artillery, missiles and UAVs. It was underscored that the Azerbaijani aggression is a gross violation of the fundamental principles and commitments of the OSCE, the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act.

Papikyan emphasized the importance of clear and unambiguous condemnation of Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia by the OSCE and its participating states, adding that only a clear response and an adequate assessment of Azerbaijan’s aggressive actions, including appropriate active steps by the international community, can prevent a new war in the region.

The Permanent Representative of Armenia to the OSCE reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to the agenda of establishing peace and stability in the region. The importance of the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship as a negotiation format with an international mandate was emphasized.

3:40 p.m.: The spokesperson of the Armenian representative’s office for international legal issues reports that an application has been submitted to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in connection to a video of Armenian soldiers in Azerbaijani custody that has been in circulation on social media since yesterday. 

3:30 p.m.: Yesterday, Armen Grigoryan, the Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council, met with Igor Khovayev, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Special Representative for Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations. Grigoryan presented the situation on the border. The sides also discussed a wide range of issues concerning the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process.  

3:30 p.m.: Aram Torosyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry, confirmed that a car belonging to the Russian FSB was hit by Azerbaijani shelling. Torosyan stated that the car was on a humanitarian mission. 

He also reported that as of 3 p.m., the situation on the border has become extremely tense again; the Azerbaijani armed forces have launched an intensive attack on the entire borderline from Sotk to Goris, targeting civilian settlements as well, widely using attack drones. 

1 p.m.: There is unconfirmed information that Azerbaijani Armed Forces shelled a Russian military post near the border in Gegharkunik. Images disseminated through telegram channels show a damaged FSB car as well as the interior of what seems to be sleeping quarters for the soldiers. 

2 p.m.: Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Kristine Grigoryan announced that four civilians have been wounded as a result of the Azerbaijani attack on Armenia. Her office also informs that since the attack against Armenia’s territory 2,570 people have been displaced from their homes.

1:40 p.m.: Alen Simonyan, the speaker of Armenia’s parliament, confirmed that Armenia has civilian deaths, as well as suffered considerable losses of military equipment in letters sent out to Armenia’s international partners. Simonyan also urged them to take measures to stop Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia. He did not specify the number of civilians killed. 

1:14 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry issued a statement regarding the population’s self-mobilization to assist the army: Against the backdrop of Azerbaijan’s military aggression, the cases when many citizens and private companies, trying to be useful to servicemen injured during combat operations, purchase various medicines and food on their own initiative in order to transfer them to military hospitals have become frequent. The Ministry of Defense highly appreciates the willingness of our fellow citizens to be useful to the army as much as possible. Nevertheless, we assure you that all hospitals are equipped to properly organize the treatment of servicemen. At the same time, the process of transferring aid from citizens to hospitals creates an additional burden for the staff of the medical institution, which is undesirable at the moment. A similar announcement was also issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

12:45 p.m.: Vardan Sargsyan, the deputy mayor of Jermuk, told Azatutyun that the road leading in and out of Jermuk is no longer safe. He also stated that there are no casualties among the civilian population, adding that most of the women and children have voluntarily left the town. 

12:00 p.m.: Aram Torosyan, the spokesperson of Armenia’s Defense Ministry, denied accusations by Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry that Armenian Armed Forces shelled Azerbaijani military positions during the previous night. Torosyan once again stated that Azerbaijan has used attack drones overnight and shelled military and civilian infrastructure in Verin Shorzha and Jermuk. 

According to Torosyan, Armenian Armed Forces are adequately retaliating against the aggression of Azerbaijan. As of noon, the intensity of Azerbaijani shelling and attacks has significantly decreased on the other parts of the border. He also urged the public and media outlets to refrain from sharing Azerbaijani videos, which are either fake or were taken during the 44-day war.

10:10 a.m.: According to CivilNet the situation is tense in Jermuk where the civilian population has not been evacuated; Azerbaijani armed forces are targeting civilian infrastructure with attack drones.  

9:10 a.m.: CivilNet reports that intensive fighting erupted near Sisian’s Ishkhanasar area. Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire in the direction of a military hospital and civilian infrastructure. Explosions can also be heard from Goris. 

9:00 a.m.: The deputy foreign minister of Kazakhstan, also a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), told reporters that so far there are no discussions about sending CSTO peacekeepers to Armenia. According to him, since during yesterday’s Collective Security Council session only Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan spoke about the escalation, and it was not possible to gather “objective” information from both sides, CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas will be sent to Armenia to gather information and inform the leaders of CSTO member states of the situation. 

The Kazakh deputy minister also stated that since the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is not demarcated it is difficult to speak about violations of the border, adding tha Kazakhstan is ready to share its experience in border demarcation and delimitation with Armenia and Azerbaijan.

9:00 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that the situation remained tense on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border during the night. Azerbaijan has used attack drones in the direction of Jermuk. Despite the relative stability on other sections of the border, today at 8 a.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces started firing again, mainly in the directions of Verein Shorzha and Jermuk. Despite the concrete response of the international community, Azerbaijan continues its aggression against the sovereign territory of Armenia targeting military as well as civilian infrastructure. 

9:00 a.m.: The press service of French President Emmanuel Macron reports that the President of France talked over the phone with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, expressing his great concern about the military actions on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, which resulted in the bombardment of Armenian civilian settlements. 

President Macron emphasized to Aliyev the urgency of putting an end to hostilities and respecting the ceasefire. He insisted on the need to continue and intensify the negotiation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and reiterated his readiness to contribute to them in cooperation with all the partners, in particular the European Union.

5:30 a.m.: Russia’s Foreign Ministry Representative Denis Gonchar blamed the EU for trying to throw Russia out of the South Caucasus by undermining Moscow’s mediation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan. At the same time Gonchar stated that Russia is in constant contact with Armenia and Azerbaijan to defuse the situation on the border. 

1:30 a.m.: The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs David McAllister, the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Armenia Andrey Kovatchev and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Azerbaijan Željana Zovko issued a statement, condemning “in the strongest possible terms the large-scale military confrontations on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan and in the sovereign territory of Armenia.” 

The EU parliamentarians called on both countries to fully respect the ceasefire agreement of November 9, 2020, particularly urging Azerbaijan to immediately stop its offensive, to move back its troops to their initial positions and to fully respect the territorial integrity of Armenia. They also called the reported attacks on civilian population centers and infrastructure totally unacceptable. 

1 a.m.: During a press briefing Ned Price, the spokesperson of the United States State Department announced that Washington “has seen significant evidence of Azerbaijani shelling inside Armenia and significant damage to Armenian infrastructure.” He also added that most important for the U.S. is that both parties commit to a cessation of hostilities and commit to a broader de-escalation. Price also called on Russia to use its influence in the South Caucasus region and put an end to hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

00:30 a.m.: Tim Loughton, the Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Armenia in the UK Parliament issued a statement, expressing the APPG’s strongest condemnation of the Azerbaijan regime for the latest act of violence and extending deep concern for the victims and their families. According to the statement, Azerbaijan’s acts of aggression have clearly been timed to take advantage of the world’s attention being diverted to events in Ukraine and the death of Queen Elizabeth, adding that such aggressive opportunism needs to be condemned in the strongest terms and met with a robust response. 

Loughton also noted that the attacks are not targeted on the “disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region but on internationally recognized sovereign boundaries of Armenia itself” adding that the attacks were entirely unprovoked and without justification. 

It is also noted in the statement that there is a very urgent need for the international community, including the UK to condemn Azerbaijan and to call it to account for these latest war crimes, calling on the UK Government to join other nations in demanding an immediate end to the Azerbaijani aggression and bring forward sanctions for as long as it continues its unjustified actions. 

00:23 a.m.: Armenian Foreign Ministry reports that Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has held a telephone conversation with his French counterpart Catherine Colonna on September 13.

Mirzoyan presented the situation created as a result of another aggression launched by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia at midnight on September 13.

Both sides emphasized the need for an unconditional preservation of Armenia’s territorial integrity and strict respect for the ceasefire regime. Minister Mirzoyan considered the military operations and extremist ambitions of Azerbaijan and the military targeting of the civilian population and civil infrastructure unacceptable. Mirzoyan particularly emphasized the role of the international community, including the UN Security Council, in condemning the Azerbaijani aggression and eliminating its consequences.

00:20 a.m.: The spokesperson of the Armenian representative’s office for international legal issues confirmed in a conversation with Azatutyun that an Armenian captured by the Azerbaijani side has been identified. A video circulating shows the person in Azerbeijani captivity is injured. An application has already been submitted to the European Court of Human Rights, requesting an interim measure to ensure his rights and physical integrity until his repatriation. 

Midnight: Armenia’s Ambassador at Large Edmon Marukyan told Armenia’s Public TV that Azerbaijan has occupied territory within Armenia-proper without specifying where and how much.

Midnight.: The CSTO will send a mission to Armenia, headed by Secretary General Stanislav Zas, and a working group will be set up to monitor the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. There is no information on when Zas will arrive in Armenia.

September 13, 2022

10:55 p.m.: Forests near Jermuk have been burning for over three hours as a result of Azerbaijani shelling. Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Kristine Grigoryan stated that firefighters can’t effectively function on the ground due to the ongoing danger of being targeted.

10:50 p.m.: Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, tweeted that he held an “in depth discussion about the situation at Armenian-Azerbaijan border” with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, calling for de-escalation and respect of ceasefire. According to Borrell, peaceful dialogue is urgently needed. 

Earlier Borrell had also tweeted about his phone call with Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, to discuss the situation on the ground. He stated that he “deplored heavy fighting and dozens of lives lost.”

10:45 p.m.: Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly also tweeted that Canada is very concerned by the rise in hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including strikes against settlements and civilian infrastructure inside Armenia. Joly urged for de-escalation, full respect of the ceasefire, and return to meaningful dialogue via the OSCE. 

10:30 p.m.: Armenia’s Representative on International Legal Affairs reports that Armenia has submitted a request to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) asking to apply interim measures against Azerbaijan. The request seeks to protect the fundamental rights of the civilian population of Armenia as well as prisoners of war.

10 p.m.: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is worried about the upsurge of military activity along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and its humanitarian consequences since 13 September 2022. This activity is affecting the lives and safety of people residing in border areas and blocking their access to essential infrastructure.

“While conducting military operations, all precautionary measures must always be taken to ensure that the rules of international humanitarian law are respected. This is an obligation of parties that are signatories of the Geneva Conventions,” said Martin Schüepp, ICRC director of operations. “We reiterate our commitment to assist those affected by this escalation of hostilities. We are also ready to act as a neutral intermediary, such as by visiting captured persons, if any, facilitating their return upon agreement and request of the parties, and supporting in the search and retrieval of those killed in action.”

The ICRC reminds the concerned parties that they must distinguish between civilians and persons participating in hostilities. They must also do everything possible to spare civilian objects, in particular healthcare facilities and personnel. The ICRC also assesses the humanitarian situation on the ground in order to quickly respond to the urgent needs of people affected by military operations.

10 p.m.: An extraordinary session of the CSTO Collective Security Council took place, chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, which was held via video conferencing. The session was also attended by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, the Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda, the Secretary of State Security Council of Belarus Alexander Volfovich, the Deputy Secretary General of the CSTO Valery Semerikov. The situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and further steps of the CSTO were discussed at the meeting. The CSTO Secretariat will issue a statement on the adopted decisions.

9:10 p.m.: At the request of Yerevan, the CSTO summit regarding the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border is being held via video conference. This was reported by Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian president. Vladimir Putin is also taking part in that meeting.

9 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that as of 9 p.m. the situation remains tense on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, however, the intensity of shelling of Armenian military positiions and civilian infrastructure as well as battles in the directions of Nerkin Hand, Verin Shorzha, Artanish and Sotk has significantly decreased.

9 p.m.: Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke overnight with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to convey the United States’ deep concern over the military actions along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including reports of shelling in Armenia. According to Ned Price, the spokesperson of the U.S. State Department, the Secretary stressed the need for disengagement of military forces and assured Prime Minister Pashinyan that the United States would push for an immediate halt to fighting and a peace settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

8:50 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry reported 50 casualties following its large-scale attack against Armenia. Of the deaths, 42 are soldiers and eight are border guards. 

8:30 p.m.: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about reports of renewed fighting along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, calling on the sides to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions, exercise maximum restraint and resolve any outstanding issues through dialogue and within existing formats. According to a statement issued by Guterres’ spokesperson, he also urged both sides to fully implement previously reached agreements expressing support to all ongoing mediation efforts in the region.

7:20 p.m.: Taking into account the situation on the border and security issues, Armenia’s Ministry of Education has decided that the border regions in Gegharkunik and Syunik that are under attack by Azerbaijani Armed Forces will temporarily stop classes in schools and kindergartens.

7:10 p.m.: The Foreign Ministry of Cyprus is deeply concerned about the recent escalation between Armenia and Azerbaijan following “the assault unleashed by Azerbaijan against positions within the territory of Armenia.” The Ministry condemned the attack calling on respecting the ceasefire and to deescalate the situation. According to the statement, Cyprus supports the peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of International Law. 

6:50 p.m.: Yuri Ushakov, aide of Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters that at 7:30 p.m. Yerevan time, the leaders of the CSTO member states will discuss the recent escalation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border during an online conference. Ushakov also stated that the conference will not be broadcast to the public but the Armenian side will inform the public about the outcome. The Russian side may also issue a statement.

6:50 p.m.: The spokesperson of India’s Foreign Ministry called on the “aggressor side to immediately cease hostilities” stating that they “have seen reports of attacks along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including targeting of civilian settlements and infrastructure.” The Indian Foreign Ministry representative expressed New Delhi’s belief that bilateral disputes should be settled through diplomacy and dialogue, adding that there can be no military solution to any conflict and urging both sides to pursue talks to arrive at a lasting and peaceful solution. 

6:40 p.m.: Ned Price, the spokesperson of the U.S. State Department announced that Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke overnight with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to express deep concern over military action along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including shelling in Armenia. According to Price, Secretary Blinken urged President Aliyev to cease hostilities and stressed that the United States would push for an immediate halt to fighting and a peace settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

6:40 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry spokesperson Aram Torosyan reported that as of 6 p.m. the situation remains tense on certain sections of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. Torosyan stated that although it is too early to speak about the stabilization of the situation, the intensity of shelling which was seen since midnight has decreased. 

Torosyan added that Azerbaijani special forces have tried to advance Azerbaijan’s military positions throughout the day, in particular in the directions of Artanish, Sotk, Verin Shorzha in Gegharkunik and Nerkin Hand in Syunik. Information about casualties of the Armenian side is being verified. Azerbaijani Armed Forces continue firing in the direction of civilian settlements and infrastructure.

5:50 p.m.: OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau, and OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid call for an immediate ceasefire following reports of armed clashes along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

“The escalation of hostilities at the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan must cease immediately. The progress achieved so far by following the diplomatic path must not be squandered,” said Rau. “There has been progress over the past eighteen months, including agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue work towards a peace treaty. These clashes jeopardize this progress and put countless lives at risk.”

“I can only stress that hostilities must stop, not least to avoid further casualties,” said Schmid. “Drawing on decades of experience and expertise, the OSCE stands ready to help. We all share the joint objective of achieving sustainable peace and prosperity in the region.”

5:20 p.m.: The CSTO issued a statement announcing the deep concern of the CSTO Permanent Council regarding the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. According to the statement, the Council discussed the possible implementation of CSTO mechanisms for stabilizing the situation. 

5:15 p.m.: The head of Gegharkunik region Karen Sargsyan told Azatutyun that intensive battles continue, especially near Sotk and Verin Shorzha. According to Sargsyan, as of 4 p.m. 43 soldiers sustained injuries. 

5:10 p.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Russia’s co-chair to the OSCE Minsk Group, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Special Representative for Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations Igor Khovaev. The sides discussed Azerbaijan’s recent aggression and issues on how to overcome the situation. The normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict were discussed. Pashinyan underlined the importance of the OSCE Minsk Group in overcoming the conflict. 

5 p.m.: Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Chair of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, Simon Coveney, and the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Tiny Kox, issued a statement, describing the use of force for settling disputes as unacceptable between Council of Europe member states. 

They called on Armenia and Azerbaijan “to pull back from any further steps which might worsen the situation, to respect international agreements and to engage in peace talks without further delay.” The Council of Europe also urged both member states to abide by their commitments taken upon accession, notably, to settle the conflict by peaceful means.

4:30 p.m.: Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held a phone conversation with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. Minister Mirzoyan presented the situation resulting from the large-scale aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against the sovereign territory of Armenia on September 13. It was emphasized that not only military positions, but also civilian infrastructures became targets of Azerbaijani aggression. Mirzoyan highlighted the need for a targeted and adequate international response to Azerbaijan’s actions.

4:20 p.m.: Foreign Affairs Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met Russia’s co-chair to the OSCE Minsk Group, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Special Representative for Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations Igor Khovaev. Mirzoyan presented the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border underscoring the need for direct and targeted response to Azerbaijan’s actions. The Foreign Minister also noted that with its aggressive actions Azerbaijan is trying to undermine the peace process. 

4 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry announced that today, Armenia’s permanent representative to the CSTO Viktor Biyagov chaired an extraordinary session of the CSTO Permanent Council which was attended by CSTO Deputy Secretary General Valeriy Semerikov and the head of the CSTO Joint Staff Anatoliy Sidorov. During the session Biyagov presented the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border following Azerbaijan’s incursion into Armenian territory. He stated that Armenia expects its allies within the CSTO to take steps to ensure the security, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Armenia, adding that CSTO mechanisms can stop the aggressor.

3:40 p.m.: Hetq reports that starting today, Azerbaijan’s national AZAL airline conducted its Baku-Nakhijevan-Baku flights through Iranian airspace. Up until yesterday, AZAL carried out three daily flights between Azerbaijan proper and Nakhijevan over Armenian airspace. 

Turkish Airlines was also conducting its Istanbul-Nakhichevan-Ganja-Istanbul flight through the airspace of Armenia, however, today, the Turkish national carrier was using the airspace of Iran and Georgia. 

3:20 p.m.: European Council President Charles Michel tweeted that EU Special Representative to the South Caucasus region Toivo Klaar was asked to travel to Armenia and Azerbaijan to work on preventing further escalation. 

3:10 p.m.: In connection to the large-scale military offensive launched by Azerbaijan along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border on September 13, the Armenian parliament adopted a resolution, the text reads:

We express our full support to the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia in the cause of preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia. We call on all political forces, all our compatriots, regardless of political positions, to maintain calm and unite around statehood. Our homeland needs a united and strong front. 

We call on the international community to strongly and directly condemn the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan’s military-political leadership against the Republic of Armenia, the gross violation of the UN Charter principle of prohibition of the use of threat or force against the territorial integrity of any member state. 

We expect that the UN Security Council will discuss the situation promptly and take necessary action.  

We demand the CSTO implement immediate measures arising from obligations assumed by the Collective Security Treaty aimed at preserving the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia.

We call on the Russian Federation to implement, as soon as possible, the obligations stipulated in the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation in order to protect the territorial integrity of Armenia.

The opposition Armenia Alliance faction proposed to include the following points in the draft statement, which the ruling power rejected:

-Since the 44-day war, Azerbaijan continues its policy of using force, the anti-Armenian goals of which are fixed in the June 15, 2021 Turkish-Azerbaijani “Shushi Declaration” which is unacceptable for us.

-We register utter failure in foreign policy and army reforms in the Republic of Armenia. 

-The developing military action has once and for all exposed the failure of the Peace agenda. 

-The National Assembly believes that further negotiations with Azerbaijan can be possible only after the complete withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, the return of Armenian POWs and other illegally detained persons.

3 p.m.: The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell tweeted that “last night’s armed confrontations between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a dangerous escalation that needs to stop.” He urged immediate cessation of hostilities and return to the negotiation table, adding that the EU is in touch with both sides to contribute to de-escalation.

2:55 p.m.: Spokesperson of Armenia’s Foreign Ministry Vahan Hunanyan reported that at the initiative of Armenia, the OSCE Permanent Council will hold a special session today, at 7:00 p.m. Yerevan time. 

2:45 p.m.: In a telephone conversation with his Georgian counterpart Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented the situation on the border resulting from Azerbaijan’s offensive against the sovereign territory of Armenia. Garibashvili stressed the importance of preserving peace and stability in the region, adding that Georgia will make efforts to contribute to it. 

2:40 p.m.: Gurgen Arsenyan, an MP from the ruling Civil Contract party told Azatutyun that there have been changes in military positions without providing further specifics. According to Arsenyan, the priority for the Armenian authorities is the cessation of hostilities and the retreat 

2:30 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry Spokesperson Aram Torosyan reported that as of 2 p.m., the situation remains extremely tense on certain sections of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. According to Torosyan, although the intensity of hostilities has significantly decreased, Azerbaijani Armed Forces are still trying to advance near Syunik’s Nerkin Hand and Gegharkunik’s Sotk, Artanish and Verin Shorzha regions. The Defense Ministry is trying to clarify information regarding casualties among soldiers and civilians, as well as in connection with videos published by Azerbaijani Telegram channels showing Armenian servicemen. 

2:05 p.m.: NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs & Security Policy and Special Representative for the Caucasus & Central Asia Javier Colomina also expressed concern “about attacks along the Armenia and Azerbaijan border, including reported strikes against settlements and civilian infrastructure inside Armenia.” According to Colomina, NATO calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent de-escalation. 

2 p.m.: Marina Kaljurand, the Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus, issued a statement, calling on the international community and the EU in particular, “to respond to this unacceptable use of force with an unequivocal response.” According to the MP, this is not a time for “toothless statements calling for restraint from ‘both sides.” She also urged Baku not to waste “this historic opportunity” and to return to the negotiating table without delay.

In her statement Kaljurand also noted that the escalation follows Baku’s serious ceasefire breaches on the Nagorno-Karabakh line of contact in March and August 2022, taking advantage of the political situation created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

1:45 p.m.: France announced that it will raise the issue of the Armenia-Azerbaijan clashes at the UN Security Council, where France holds the presidency this month. So far there is no information on when a UN Security Council session will take place. French President Macron also called on Azerbaijan to respect the territorial integrity of Armenia. 

11:40 a.m.: The Polish Chairmanship of the OSCE tweeted that the escalation of military hostilities on Armenia-Azerbaijan border must cease immediately, adding that the diplomatic progress achieved must not be squandered. The tweet continues that the Chairmanship remains ready to assist in achieving a lasting solution.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Addresses Parliament 

1 p.m.: Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is addressing the parliament about the situation on Armenia’s borders. He said that Azerbaijan launched its incursion at midnight initially in four directions and later adding three, four other fronts. He noted that Baku is trying to position its attack as a response to provocation from the Armenian side. The PM reported 49 Armenian servicemen killed so far, confirmed by the Ministry of Defense, noting that the number might increase. The Defense Ministry is looking into confirming the identities of the soldiers. 

Pashinyan said that the intensity of hostilities has decreased at the moment, but Azerbaijan is still trying to advance in several directions and that the Defense Ministry will provide further information. The CSTO Permanent Council is holding a session based on Armenia’s appeal sent after the Security Council session. The PM has also talked to the President of the Republic of Iran (in addition to the phone calls we have already reported). 

The PM said that Azerbaijan’s accusations that their military actions were a retaliation to provocations are blatant lies. 

“Firstly, Azerbaijan’s actions are linked to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Armenia’s reaction to the five-point proposal was that we have nothing against it, but Armenia updated the scope of issues. Initially, there was the impression that there is a mutual understanding in this regard, but in the recent meeting in Brussels it was revealed that Azerbaijan refuses to negotiate regarding the proposals made by Armenia.

“Azerbaijan’s disposition is the following: they do not want to discuss the NK conflict with Armenia as they believe that the conflict is settled and that it is Azerbaijan’s inner issue which they do not want to discuss with Armenia.”

Regarding mutual recognition of territorial integrity, Pashinyan said that when Azerbaijan speaks about Armenia’s territorial integrity do they also mean the territories that they occupied after the 2020 Artsakh War? “We are not sure about it,” Pashinyan said. “During negotiations and talks the Azerbaijani side states that they have no territorial claims from Armenia, but when the issue of demarcation and delimitation comes up they state that Azerbaijan wants to reclaim territory that has been ‘illegally’ given to Armenia. In official Azerbaijani rhetoric those territories started from Nrnadzor to Syunik and even included Armenia’s capital Yerevan. This is not just rhetoric, Azerbaijan’s actions prove that it is a consistent policy pursued by Azerbaijan.”

The PM went on to try and explain the context of the escalation. Regarding opening of regional communications, Baku, after the signing of the trilateral statement of Nov. 9, is constantly speaking about the “Zangezur corridor” misrepresenting the trilateral statement. Armenia is not going to provide any sovereign corridor to Azerbaijan, he said.

“Aliyev stated that if they see that Armenia is developing its military capacity it will take preventive action. Armenia is reforming its military not to conquer new territories but to ensure the security of the country but Azerbaijan is trying to prevent this as well,” Pashinyan said. “Armenia did not break after the 2020 Artsakh War. The November 9 statement was presented under a rather negative light after the war; recently I stated that the statement includes several important points: Nagorno-Karabakh exists, there is a line of contact, there are Russian peacekeepers whose mandate is to ensure security for the population of Artsakh, there is the Lachin corridor which provides movement of people and goods between Armenia and Artsakh.” 

Pashinyan spoke about Azerbaijan’s reaction to the visit of MPs from Armenia and the Secretary of Security Council Armen Grigoryan to Artsakh. He noted that according to the trilateral statement, the Lachin Corridor ensures the link between Armenia and Artsakh and there is no limitation on who can and cannot visit Artsakh. Azerbaijan is also trying to discredit the November 9 trilateral statement and the provocations prove that, the PM said, adding that despite the global crisis, Armenia has economic progress, and Azerbaijan is also trying to hinder Armenia’s economic development. 

Is this the result of the peace agenda and do the recent events mean that that agenda has failed. Azerbaijan is also disrupting the peace process as Armenia can prosper in peace. 

Repeating what he said in Vladivostok, Pashinyan said that everyone has their own idea of peace and tries to implement it according to their terms. “We must try to achieve peace at all costs and we must reform and develop our army as soon as possible and we must develop cooperation mechanisms with allies,” the PM noted. 

12:30 p.m.: Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that Moscow brokered a cessation of hostilities as of 10 a.m. local time (9:00 a.m. Moscow time) and expects the truce to hold. According to the statement, Moscow received Armenia’s appeal to the CSTO to “resolve the situation in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements and through the CSTO.” 

Clearly, that ceasefire agreement was not held as there are ongoing reports of intermittent skirmishes along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

In that statement, Moscow called on the parties to the conflict to show restraint and observe the ceasefire in accordance with the tripartite statements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia of November 9, 2020, January 11 and November 26, 2021. According to the statement, Moscow presumes that all issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be resolved exclusively through political and diplomatic means, and as far as border issues are concerned, within the framework of the work of the bilateral Commission on the delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border with the advisory assistance of Russia.

12:25 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan talks to Valeriy Semerikov, Deputy Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Mirzoyan presented the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border resulting from the large-scale aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan at midnight on September 13. The prospects of implementing the existing CSTO mechanisms were discussed.

12:05 p.m.: According to Armenia’s Health Ministry three civilians have been wounded in the Azerbaijani attack on Armenia. One of them is in serious condition.

11:40 a.m.: The Polish Chairmanship of the OSCE tweeted that the escalation of military hostilities on Armenia-Azerbaijan border must cease immediately, adding that the diplomatic progress achieved must not be squandered. The tweet continues that the Chairmanship remains ready to assist in achieving a lasting solution.

11:30 a.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone call with the President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi. The PM informed Raisi of the details of the Azerbaijani offensive on Armenia’s sovereign territory. Raisi noted that a new war in the South Caucasus is unacceptable and that Iran is closely following the developments, stressing that all conflicts in the region must be resolved in a peaceful manner and Iran’s position on territorial integrity of states is clear. Raisi also mentioned Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s words that the connection between Armenia and Iran cannot be endangered. Raisi underscored that his country is ready to support the establishment of peace in the region, adding that the security of Armenia is important to Iran.

11 a.m.: The Foreign Ministry of Artsakh condemned the Azerbaijani aggression against the sovereign territory of Armenia, calling the recent attack yet another manifestation of Azerbaijan’s Armenophobic and genocidal policy.    

11 a.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. The Prime Minister presented the situation created as a result of Azerbaijan aggression against the sovereign territory of Armenia in detail. Charles Michel noted that there is no alternative to peace and stability in the region and expressed readiness to make efforts to prevent further escalation.

11 a.m.: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani expressed concern about the recent escalation of tension and border conflicts between Azerbaijan and Armenia and called on both sides to resolve disputes in a peaceful manner and based on international law. Kan’ani once again emphasized that Iran will not tolerate any changes in the borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia. He said the Islamic Republic of Iran is carefully monitoring the developments related to this issue and stressed the need to respect the territorial integrity of the two countries. He also announced Iran’s readiness to provide any assistance in resolving the disputes between the two neighboring countries.

10:50 a.m.: Azatutyun reports that two injured soldiers were taken to the Erebuni medical center in Yerevan and one wounded soldier is on the way to the same hospital. The medical center in Martuni reports that they continue to receive injured soldiers, some of them are being sent to Yerevan. 

10:25 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Minister Suren Papikyan talked to his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu over the phone. Papikyan has briefed Shoygu on the situation on the border after Azerbaijan’s armed forces attacked the sovereign territory of Armenia. The Defense Ministers have agreed to take necessary steps to stabilize the situation. 

10: 25 a.m.: EU Special Representative to the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar tweeted that “the fighting along the Armenian-Azerbaijan border and the reported intense shelling need to stop immediately,” adding that the EU is in close contact with the sides to contribute to de-escalation.

10:25 a.m.: Artsakh’s Defense Army denied accusations by Azerbaijan that the Defense Army shelled Azerbaijani positions near Martuni. According to the Defense Army, with such accusations Azerbaijan is preparing ground to launch an offensive against Artsakh as well. At the moment, the situation is relatively stable on the Line of Contact. 

10:20 a.m.: The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine issued a statement, urging the parties to a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict in compliance with international law, particularly the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states within their internationally recognized borders. At the same time, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry noted “the worthlessness of any mediation and peacekeeping efforts by the Russian Federation that once again demonstrates its inability to fulfill any taken commitments.”

10:20 a.m: Defense Ministry Spokesperson Aram Torosyan published a video, in which Azerbaijani soldiers advance into the territory of Armenia, then retreat facing retaliation from the Armenian Armed Forces.

9 a.m.: According to the Artsakh Info Center, the situation is relatively calm on the Line of Contact in Artsakh, however, as hostilities are taking place close to the Stepanakert-Yerevan road, traveling through that route may currently be dangerous.  

9 a.m.: The Mayor of Sotk reported that as a result of the shelling in the night the roof of the municipality building in Sotk as well as several civilian homes have been damaged, some houses have caught fire. 

8:40 a.m.: During a briefing by the speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry Aram Torosyan, as of 8 a.m., the situation on the border remains unchanged. Azerbaijani Armed Forces continue firing in the direction of Sotk, Vardenis, Ishkhanasar, Goris and Kapan using artillery, mortars, large-caliber firearms and UAVs, targeting civilian as well as military infrastructure. Battles continue on several sections of the border as Azerbaijani forces try to advance into the territory of Armenia. The military attaches of the diplomatic missions accredited in Armenia have been informed about Azerbaijan’s aggression. Numbers on killed and wounded are still being clarified.

6:40 a.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The PM presented details about the aggression launched by Azerbaijan against the sovereign territory of Armenia. Nikol Pashinyan informed Blinken that in connection with the ongoing actions, a decision was made to officially apply to the Russian Federation Council for the implementation of the provisions of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and to the UN Security Council. In this context, Pashinyan expressed hope for an adequate reaction of the international community. Antony Blinken expressed the deep concern of the American side regarding the created situation and considered the further escalation of the situation inadmissible. He expressed the readiness of the United States to make efforts to stabilize the situation.

5:48 a.m.: During a briefing, the spokesperson for Armenia’s Defense Ministry said that as of 5 a.m. local time, the situation on the border remains unchanged: “The adversary continues to use artillery, mortars, drones and large-caliber weapons in the directions of Vardenis, Sotk, Artanish, Ishkhanasar, Goris and Kapan targeting military and civilian infrastructure. Battles continue on certain sections of the border.”

5:30 a.m.: Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held a telephone conversation with the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried. Mirzoyan presented the situation created as a result of the aggression unleashed by the armed forces of Azerbaijan against the sovereign territory of Armenia on September 13 at midnight. Minister Mirzoyan emphasized the need for an appropriate and adequate response by the international community to the aggressive and provocative actions of Azerbaijan. The Armenian Foreign Minister stressed that the Armenian side will make all possible efforts to counter Azerbaijani aggression.

05:15 a.m.: The Armenian Foreign Ministry reports that Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has informed his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov of the situation created as a result of Azerbaijan’s aggression towards the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia. 

5 a.m.: The Armenian Defense Ministry reports that the Head of the Defense Policy and International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Defense, Levon Ayvazyan, and Deputy Head of the Main Operational Department of Armenia’s Armed Forces, Colonel Albert Baghdadyan, met with the military attachés of foreign embassies accredited in the Republic of Armenia and presented the situation created as a result of the large-scale offensive by Azerbaijan.

4:30 a.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan led an emergency session of Armenia’s Security Council. Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan and Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan also took part in the session. Further steps aimed at counteracting the aggressive actions by Azerbaijan against the sovereign territory of Armenia that started at midnight were discussed. A decision was made to officially apply to the Russian Federation in order to implement the provisions of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the UN Security Council regarding Azerbaijan’s aggression against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia.

4:10 a.m.: Armenian Defense Ministry spokesperson Aram Torosyan in a press briefing said that the situation on the border remains extremely tense as of 4 a.m. local time. The military offensive launched by Azerbaijani Armed Forces continues unabated, he said, adding that the adversary is utilizing artillery, mortars, drones and large-caliber weapons attacking military and civilian infrastructure. In certain directions, Azerbaijani forces are seeking to attain positional advancement. Battles are ongoing. Armenian Armed Forces are retaliating and carrying out their duties. Armenian losses are being clarified.

3:28 a.m.: Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Prime Minister said that Azerbaijan has launched provocative and aggressive military operations against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia in different directions of the border since midnight. Nikol Pashinyan expressed deep concern about the situation and emphasized the importance of an adequate reaction by the international community. President Macron considered further escalation of tensions unacceptable and stressed the need to defuse the situation.

3:03 a.m.: Freedom House tweeted: We are alarmed by reports of Azerbaijani Armed Forces intensively shelling the southern Armenian settlements of Goris, Jermuk, Vardenis and Sotk this evening. We call for an immediate ceasefire and urge both parties to find a peaceful resolution.

3 a.m.:  Aram Torosyan, Armenian Defense Ministry spokesperson gave a briefing about the situation on Armenia’s border following the attack by Azerbaijani Armed Forces. Armenian military positions in Sotk, Vardenis, Goris, Kapan, Artanish and Iskhanasar have come under shelling, including civilian infrastructure. “The subdivisions of the Armenian Armed Forces are carrying out their military mission,” Torosyan said, adding that Azerbaijan’s announcement that Armenian forces initiated the fire is blatantly false. Moreover, according to Torosyan, the almost daily reports of presumed Armenian shellings of Azerbaijani positions reported by Azerbaijan are false and an attempt by the military-political leadership of Baku to create the basis for this provocation. Torosyan said this is a signature move that has come to be known since before the 2020 Artsakh War. As before, this latest large-scale provocation was initiated by the military and political leadership of Azerbaijan. Torosyan also said that the Armenian side has dead and wounded and that details are being confirmed. The Defense Ministry will periodically publish updates as the situation develops, Torosyan said and called on people to refrain from publishing material that contains footage of military actions and to follow only official news sources. 

2:38 a.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the press statement issued by the PM’s office, Nikol Pashinyan conveyed details about “the provocative, aggressive actions by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in the direction of the sovereign territory of Armenia, which began at midnight.” Armenia’s PM considered the actions of the Azerbaijani side “unacceptable and emphasized the importance of an adequate reaction of the international community.” The sides agreed to be in operational contact.

2:34 a.m.: According to Armenia’s Human Rights Defender’s hotline, some local sources are confirming that it is already the second hour that Azerbaijani military forces are intensively and deliberately shelling Kapan, Goris, Jermuk, Vardenis and other borderline communities using different types of weapons including heavy artillery.  

“Based on our information the Azerbaijani Armed Forces are targeting civilian infrastructure too. This is a grave violation of the ceasefire statement which was being ‘prepared’ over the past days through spreading manipulative information by the neighboring country. These illegal acts should be stopped. The Human Rights Defender will share this information with relevant international partners and networks.”

2:22 a.m.: Armen Pambukhchyan, Armenia’s Minister of Emergency Situations announced that due to the “tension on the border,” the Regional Rescue Departments of Gegharkunik, Syunik and Vayots Dzor have been put on high alert to respond in case of need.

1:52 a.m.: Gegham Stepanyan, the Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh tweeted that

Azerbaijan’s actions “clearly indicate that its peace agenda is false. The impunity of Azerbaijan and bothsidesism of the international community are a green light for Azerbaijan’s criminal behavior and new aggressions.”

1:50 a.m.: Aram Torosyan, the speaker of Armenia’s MOD writes that intense skirmishes are continuing following Azerbaijan’s large-scale provocation. 

1 a.m.: The speaker of the Armenian Defense Ministry, Aram Torosyan has confirmed reports of a large-scale Azerbaijani military offensive along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border in the direction of Goris, Sotk and Jermuk. Azerbaijani Armed Forces started intensively firing on Armenian positions on September 13 at 12:05 a.m., using artillery and large-caliber firearms. The Defense Ministry confirmed that the adversary is also using drones.

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