Separatists in 'Nagorno-Karabakh': We have not reached an agreement with Azerbaijan on 'amnesty or security guarantees'

The leadership of Armenian separatists in the 'Nagorno-Karabakh' region announced on Friday that no agreement has yet been reached with Azerbaijan regarding security guarantees or amnesty for members of this separatist group. Two days earlier, the Armenian separatists had agreed to a ceasefire following military attacks by Azerbaijani forces on Nagorno-Karabakh. According to Reuters, the future of Nagorno-Karabakh and the approximately 120,000 Armenians living in the region has added complexity to the dispute. Azerbaijan seeks full control of Nagorno-Karabakh, but Armenians are concerned about potential persecution. Hikmet Hajiyev, foreign policy advisor to the President of Azerbaijan, told Reuters that Baku has considered amnesty for Armenian fighters who lay down their arms, while some of these fighters claim they will continue armed resistance. Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh state that no definitive agreement has been reached yet. David Babayan, advisor to Samuel Shahramanian, leader of the Armenian separatists in Karabakh, told Reuters that unresolved issues remain that need to reach specific outcomes. He mentioned that an agreement has been reached regarding the entry of humanitarian convoys from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh through the Lachin corridor. Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, stated on Thursday that after the agreement of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh to a ceasefire, Armenia must be 'free of conflict' to preserve its independence. The fall of Nagorno-Karabakh, a region that Armenian separatists controlled for three decades with support from Yerevan, has increased calls for Pashinyan's resignation in Armenia. Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, also stated on Wednesday that he values the fact that Armenia, despite having limited options, made no effort to counter Azerbaijan's attack on Nagorno-Karabakh. He added that with this obstacle removed, negotiations between the neighboring countries in the Caucasus will be facilitated for broader peace talks. In response, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, stated on Thursday that the only solution to end the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis is sustainable peace, and the U.S. will continue to engage with Azerbaijan and Armenia to achieve a permanent solution. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also requested on Tuesday, September 19, that Ilham Aliyev stop military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh. Mr. Blinken emphasized that there is no military solution and that the parties should resume dialogue to resolve their disputes. According to the U.S. State Department, Blinken stressed the need for immediate implementation, referring to Aliyev's readiness to halt military actions and meet with representatives of Azerbaijan and the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Nagorno-Karabakh separatists stated that following the Azerbaijani forces' attack on their controlled areas, supported by artillery, 27 people, including two civilians, were killed and over 200 were injured. The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations stated that humanitarian assistance to Nagorno-Karabakh is a priority. Armenian separatists in 'Nagorno-Karabakh' have demanded security guarantees. Flights from Iran to Azerbaijan and Armenia have resumed. Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh have agreed to disarm and dissolve their forces. Following Azerbaijan's attacks on 'Nagorno-Karabakh,' more than 27 people were killed and hundreds injured. Azerbaijan's military attack on Nagorno-Karabakh aims to 'disarm Armenians.' Armenia and the U.S. have begun joint military exercises. The U.S. has expressed 'deep concern' over the 'rapid deterioration' of humanitarian conditions in the Armenian-populated region of Nagorno-Karabakh.