Azerbaijan ready for dialogue with Armenia: FM
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Given the current escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Baku reiterates its desire to participate in "genuine" discussion.
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Separatist forces disarmed, halting Azerbaijan's 24-hour offensive to reclaim the pivotal territory (AFP)
Given the current escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Baku said it confirms its willingness to engage in "genuine" dialogue and conversations with Yerevan based on mutual respect for both nations' legitimate interests, according to Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov on Saturday.
"Despite all serious challenges, stemming from Armenia's destructive position, Azerbaijan once again reaffirms its readiness for a genuine dialogue and negotiations with Armenia on the basis of equal and reciprocal respect for each other's legitimate interests," Bayramov said during his address at the UN General Assembly in New York.
The Azerbaijani top diplomat also stated that landmine exposure remained a "significant impediment" to speeding the repair and reconstruction work in Azerbaijan.
"The refusal of Armenia to share all maps of mined areas and the continuing planting of landmines, installation of booby traps and other explosives even after the declaration of cessation of all military activities, further aggravates the situation and increases the human toll," Bayramov added.
Azerbaijan initiated a military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh on September 19, with the announced goal of "restoring constitutional order." Baku further stated that Azerbaijani forces only attacked Armenian military facilities in the region.
Read next: Nagorno-Karabakh combatants say negotiating their troops' withdrawal
Yerevan characterized the operation as hostile and underlined that there was no military presence in the disputed zone. Armenian state media reported numerous civilian casualties as a result of Azerbaijani airstrikes.
The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that Azerbaijan and representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh's Armenian people had reached an agreement to end hostilities through the mediation of Russian peacekeepers.
According to the defense ministry, military groups in the region have begun to relinquish their weapons and equipment under the supervision of Russian peacekeepers, in accordance with the agreement.
Nagorno-Karabakh combatants surrender
Saturday at dawn, Moscow said the Nagorno-Karabakh combatants had surrendered six armored vehicles and more than 800 firearms so far.
"As of 22 September, six armored vehicles, more than 800 small arms and anti-tank weapons, and about 5,000 rounds of ammunition were surrendered," Russian peacekeepers confirmed.
Earlier on Friday, the combatants said they were negotiating the withdrawal of their troops from the region after Azerbaijan reclaimed control in a swift military operation.
Azerbaijan on Thursday held a first round of "reintegration" talks with the Armenian Karabakh combatants after they agreed to lay down their weapons against the backdrop of the day-long military offensive.
The combatants said they were in Russian-mediated talks with Baku to organize the withdrawal process and the return of civilians displaced by the fighting.
Reuters reported that Azerbaijan is contemplating the potential implementation of an amnesty for Nagorno-Karabakh combatants who voluntarily surrender their arms.
