KONFLIKT
Neuerlicher Konflikt Armenien-Aserbaijdschan
January 18, 2023 - Armenien, Aserbaidschan und Russland beschuldigen sich gegenseitig an dem drohenden Konflikt schuldig zu sein. Aseri blockieren die einzige Straße, die Armenien mit dem mehrheitlich armenischen Nagorno-Karabach verbindet, während Russland nicht eingreifen will oder auch nicht kann.
Environmental activists ostensibly concerned over illegal Armenian gold and copper mining in the region - recognised internationally as part of Azerbaijan - are accused of working for the Azeri government, with the blockade causing food shortages.
Armenians believe Azerbaijan hopes to gain control of the vital Lachin Corridor link, and by extension the whole of Nagorno Karabakh, while Azerbaijan asserts that it is just demanding reciprocity. Under the terms of their 2020 ceasefire Armenia would ensure a transport link between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, an enclave separated from the rest of the country by Armenian territory.
The historical and cultural feud between the two countries has led to two recent wars, in 1988 and 2020, in which thousands died.
- Russia presses Azerbaijan to unblock road into enclave, Baku unmoved (Reuters)
- Russia blames Armenia for breakdown in Azerbaijan talks (Reuters)
- Armenia and Azerbaijan Are at a Boiling Point. Another Violent Conflict Is Just a Matter of Time (Haaretz)
- Renewed Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict Underlines Russia’s Waning Influence (NY Times)