The First UN Delegation Arrives in Nagorno-Karabakh

Azerbaijani media reported on Sunday, October 1, that a United Nations delegation has entered the Nagorno-Karabakh region. This visit comes several days after the Azerbaijani army's attack on the area, which led to over 100,000 of its predominantly Armenian residents fleeing to Armenia. This is the first time in 30 years that a UN delegation has gained access to the region. Armenia has requested the International Court of Justice to compel Azerbaijan to withdraw its soldiers from civilian areas and allow UN observers access to the region. The World Health Organization also confirmed on Sunday that more than 100,000 Armenian civilians have fled Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. Dr. Hans Henri Kluge, WHO's regional director for Europe, announced the activation of emergency systems and the dispatch of experts in mental health, burn management, essential health services, and emergency coordination to Armenia. He added, "The challenges are truly immense, and we will do everything we can." Georgia Meloni's office, the Prime Minister of Italy, announced on Saturday, October 7, that Armenia has requested assistance from the European Union for Armenian refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh. The Nagorno-Karabakh region is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan's territory, yet Armenians make up the majority of its population. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the establishment of Azerbaijan and Armenia, Armenians took control of the region and formed the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh. Earlier, Samantha Power, the head of the U.S. Agency for International Development, who visited Armenia and Azerbaijan, stated that she has heard "very concerning reports of violence against Armenian civilians." Azerbaijan's use of military operations to control Nagorno-Karabakh has raised concerns among many in Armenia that Baku, with Turkey's support, may use force to create a land corridor from Armenian territory to connect with the autonomous region of Nakhchivan, potentially sparking another war. Meanwhile, American lawmakers have expressed strong concern over Azerbaijan's actions in Nagorno-Karabakh. In Europe, Canada, and the U.S., calls for sanctions against Baku have been made. Armenian officials have described what has occurred in Nagorno-Karabakh as "ethnic cleansing" by Azerbaijan, an accusation that Baku denies. Azerbaijani officials have also stated that they guarantee the security of Armenians in the region. Azerbaijan: We do not seek the emigration of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh. Fears of ethnic cleansing; more than 47,000 Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh have sought refuge in Armenia. Azerbaijani forces have detained the former leader of the separatist government of Nagorno-Karabakh. Turkey insists on constructing the Zangezur corridor; Erdogan says it is an important step for peace and prosperity in the region. Armenian Prime Minister: "Ethnic cleansing" is ongoing in Nagorno-Karabakh. An explosion in Nagorno-Karabakh left 20 dead and dozens injured. A senior U.S. official: Baku must protect the rights of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Aliyev's claim during a meeting with Erdogan: Part of Armenia should have been part of Azerbaijan. The United States has firmly declared its support for Armenia's territorial integrity. The leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh: 120,000 Armenians are fleeing to Armenia due to fears of "ethnic cleansing." Two senior U.S. officials have traveled to Armenia regarding the developments in Nagorno-Karabakh.