Armenian and Azerbaijani statements on Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin corridor have sparked international discussion
Official channels from Yerevan have called for an international mission to Nagorno-Karabakh to verify claims about the presence of Armenian armed forces in the region. The Armenian Foreign Ministry released a formal statement reiterating this request and clarifying the purpose of the mission would be to ascertain the factual situation on the ground. The ministry stressed that the international community should assess the accuracy of reports circulating about recent military movements and deployments.
In the same statement, the Armenian Foreign Ministry noted that Azerbaijan’s highest leadership has repeatedly rejected the idea of sending such an independent investigative mission. Armenia asserted that those denials came despite persistent claims alleging Azerbaijani actions in and around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachin corridor.
The ministry further argued that the broader narratives from the Azerbaijani defense ministry about damage to a military convoy were unfounded. Armenia described those claims as without basis and not reflective of the actual events, suggesting the statements were aimed at diverting attention from the international community and the facts on the ground.
Armenia also reaffirmed its position regarding the Lachin corridor, stating that no munitions or military equipment were transported through the corridor during 2022, both prior to and following the blockade that began in December of that year. The government reiterated that Armenia does not maintain a military presence in Nagorno-Karabakh and that no Armenian army operates in the region under its jurisdiction.
The situation has been linked to a broader incident involving clashes in which Azerbaijani forces engaged a vehicle associated with law enforcement personnel from Nagorno-Karabakh. The event reportedly resulted in casualties among law enforcement officers and soldiers on both sides, underscoring the ongoing volatility of the area and the risk of further escalation. Analysts and observers have emphasized the importance of independent verification to clarify the sequence of events and to prevent misinformation from obscuring the underlying realities on the ground. [Source attribution: Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
As the international community weighs responses, diplomats from multiple states and international organizations are seeking factual verification through neutral channels. The discussions focus on ensuring that any deployments or movements are accurately documented and that humanitarian and civilian protections are prioritized in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and along key corridors.
Overall, the exchanges highlight the persistent dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh and the broader implications for regional security. The emphasis remains on transparency, independent verification, and adherence to international norms to reduce tensions and prevent further casualties among military personnel and civilians alike. [Attribution: Official statements from national authorities and recognized observers]