UN Secretary-General Urges Ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh amidst Renewed Hostilities
Photo: Reuters
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a call for an “immediate cessation of hostilities” in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, following the launch of a new offensive by Azerbaijan on Tuesday. The latest outbreak of violence, which has already claimed 29 lives, has raised serious concern within the international community. The contested region of Nagorno-Karabakh, recognized internationally as part of Azerbaijan but governed by ethnic Armenians, has been a source of conflict for decades. The recent escalation of violence represents a significant deterioration of the already tenuous peace between the two nations. Secretary-General Guterres expressed his deep concern regarding the situation, emphasizing the urgent need to restore peace and prevent further loss of life. He implored both sides to immediately cease hostilities and respect international humanitarian law, which prohibits deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
“The tragic loss of life in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is deeply alarming,” Guterres said. “There is an urgent need for de-escalation and a return to the negotiating table. There is no military solution to this conflict.” The Secretary-General also reiterated the UN’s readiness to support efforts towards a peaceful resolution. He urged both parties to engage constructively with the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which has been mediating the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict since 1992. In response to the current crisis, Guterres has been in contact with the leaders of both Azerbaijan and Armenia, urging them to exercise maximum restraint and to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation. The renewed hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh have not only resulted in a tragic loss of life but have also displaced thousands of people, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Humanitarian organizations are struggling to provide support to those affected, as ongoing violence and the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly hindered relief efforts. The international community has echoed Guterres’ calls for immediate de-escalation. Several countries and international organizations, including the European Union, have expressed serious concern about the situation and have urged both sides to immediately cease fire, respect international humanitarian law, and resume dialogue. The outbreak of violence in Nagorno-Karabakh serves as a stark reminder of the potential for longstanding disputes to erupt into deadly conflict. It underscores the vital role that international diplomacy and negotiation play in preventing such escalations and in working towards sustainable peace. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community will be watching closely, hopeful that the calls for peace from leaders like Secretary-General Guterres will not go unnoticed. It is imperative that both sides heed these calls, return to the negotiating table, and work towards a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and lives of all those involved.
By Sara Colin
