Statement delivered by the Delegation of Armenia at the Meeting of the Joint Consultative Group on Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh

28 September, 2020

Mr. Chairman,

I would like to refer to the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia regarding the large-scale military aggression launched by the armed forces of Azerbaijan against the Republic of Artsakh yesterday morning, and stress that Armenia strongly condemns the aggression of Azerbaijan, which is in flagrant violation of international law, including humanitarian law. It violates the 1994-1995 trilateral ceasefire agreements, and commitments on non-use of force undertaken by Azerbaijan within the context of NK peace process.

Even though the JCG is not exactly the right place to discuss the recent aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh and its people, nevertheless we would use this opportunity to inform our colleagues of the current escalation of violence along the entire Line of Contact between Artsakh and Azerbaijani armed forces. This has clearly been a pre-planned attack with missile and UAV strikes against more that 50 settlements in Artsakh, including the capital city of Stepanakert. Civilian infrastructures, including schools, were targeted by Azerbaijani armed forces. The missile and aerial attacks resulted in casualties among military personnel and, most regrettably, among civilian population. Azerbaijan is using all types of large-calibre artillery in its arsenal as well as tanks and combat helicopters.

Moreover, according to the information provided by the Ministry of Defence of Artsakh, the Turkish F16 combat aircrafts, which were deployed in Azerbaijan under the pretext of joint large-scale military exercises following the July 12th to 16th offensive and remained there after the exercises were ended, have been operational during the aggression launched by Azerbaijan. Furthermore, we are particularly concerned about the persistent reports of Syrian mercenaries recruited by Turkey and transferred towards Armenian borders on September 23.

Given the gravity of the threat and bearing in mind previous experience of Azerbaijani aggressions, the President of Artsakh declared martial law and general mobilization of the population.

The Republic of Armenia as the main guarantor of the independence of Artsakh as well as safety and security of its people, and considering that at any moment the Azerbaijani armed forces might attack the Republic of Armenia as well, decided to also declare martial law and general mobilization.

Ever since the July offensive against Armenia, Azerbaijani leadership was spoiling for a fight. There have been numerous facts indicating the intentions of the Aliyev regime to start a large-scale war. Just to prove this claim, I would refer to the decision of Azerbaijani authorities to recall for “military training” the people long discharged from the armed service. On September 21, the Azerbaijani authorities also started to confiscate the pick-up type vehicles from the population for the needs of the Army. And I do not even refer to the latest warmongering statement of Azerbaijani leader delivered at UNGA on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the UN.

These facts only prove beyond any doubt that Azerbaijan was getting ready for war, which it finally started on September 27.

The situation is even more critical than before, since this time we have credible and justified doubts about Turkey fanning the instability in the South Caucasus in line with its recently declared policy and intentions of revival of Ottoman empire if not territorially then at least in terms of absolute influence.

Information: The Joint Consultative Group is a body in Vienna dealing with questions relating to compliance with the provisions of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe.

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