UN Forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh Region; Pope Francis: I Am Concerned

As UN forces arrive in the region, reports indicate crises for Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh. Pope Francis has also warned about the 'humanitarian crisis' in the area and expressed concern. Following Azerbaijan's recent operations and agreements to regain control of Nagorno-Karabakh, over 100,000 Armenians have left the region. On Sunday, the UN announced that its forces had entered Nagorno-Karabakh. Hans Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, stated that the exodus of thousands of Armenian refugees poses a significant challenge and that resolving their issues will take a long time. On Sunday, Pope Francis, the leader of the world's Catholics, commented on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and called for the return of peace to the region. He said the area is experiencing a humanitarian crisis and he is worried about the dire situation of the refugees in Nagorno-Karabakh. Last week, the autonomous government of Nagorno-Karabakh announced it would withdraw its claims, paving the way for Azerbaijan to gain full control of the region. The first UN delegation has entered Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia has requested assistance from the European Union; the UN reports that 100,000 people have fled to Armenia. Fears of ethnic cleansing are rising; over 47,000 Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh have sought refuge in Armenia. Azerbaijani forces have arrested the former leader of the separatist government of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Armenian Prime Minister stated that 'ethnic cleansing' is ongoing in Nagorno-Karabakh. A senior American official urged Baku to protect the rights of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.