Germany welcomes Azerbaijan decision of observers in Nagorno-Karabakh
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This marks the first UN mission in around 30 years in the Armenian-populated and governed Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan.
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Azerbaijani servicemen guard the Lachin checkpoint in Azerbaijan, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023 (AP)
Germany's Foreign Office confirmed on Tuesday that it welcomes Azerbaijan’s decision to allow international observers from the United Nations to watch over the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Over social media, the Office posted: "It is a positive step that Azerbaijan has allowed UN observers into Nagorno-Karabakh for the first time. They need a permanent presence, as only transparency can build trust in Azerbaijan's promise to protect the rights of all residents & returnees to the region."
This marks the first UN mission in around 30 years in the Armenian-populated and governed Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan.
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According to data by Armenia, around 100,500 people have already moved to Armenia since Azerbaijan launched the operation that it named "local anti-terrorist activities" in Nagorno-Karabakh on September 19 to "restore the constitutional order."
Armenia, in turn, called the operation an aggression against the population of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Under the mediation of Russian peacekeepers, Nagorno-Karabakh's authorities agreed to disarm and surrender all their weaponry to Baku the following day. Notably, Armenia was not a party to these negotiations.
The Azerbaijani government committed to facilitating the "integration" of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians who choose to remain in the region.
On September 28, Azerbaijan said it wanted ethnic Armenians to remain in Nagorno-Karabakh after it took full control of the region.
Read more: If world remains silent, Azerbaijan could invade Armenia: Ambassador
"We call on Armenian residents not to leave their homes and become part of Azerbaijan's multi-ethnic society," Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministery said after around half of the region's population fled to Armenia since Baku announced its operation on September 19.
