Armenians in Karabakh decide to lay down arms: Russian Press
Following the anti-terrorist operation launched by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh, separatist Armenians decided to lay down arms. In the statement made by the Azerbaijan Defence Ministry, it was announced that there is a ceasefire as of 12 a.m. (Turkish time zone)
While the anti-terrorist operation launched by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh continues, Armenian separatists will meet with Azerbaijan tomorrow. The information that the Armenian separatists accepted Azerbaijan's demand to lay down arms and a ceasefire was declared in Karabakh, according to the Russian press.
"All of our demands were accepted," Azerbaijani officials said regarding the ceasefire decision.
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry announced that an agreement was reached on the suspension of the anti-terrorist operation launched by Azerbaijan in Karabakh. A ceasefire was established in Karabakh as of 12, local time 13. (Turkish Time zone)
NEGOTIATIONS WITH ARMENIANS
"At the proposal of Azerbaijan, a meeting with representatives of the Armenian residents of Karabakh will be held in the city of Yevlakh on September 21, 2023, to discuss integration issues in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan," The Azerbaijani Presidency said in a statement.
EMPHASIS ON RUSSIAN PEACEKEEPING
"The ceasefire agreement in Karabakh will be realized with the participation of Russian peacekeepers. Illegal Armenian armed groups in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan will surrender their weapons and leave the territories controlled by Russian peacekeepers," the statement said.
"Illegal Armenian armed groups will surrender all weapons and heavy equipment. The process of expulsion of illegal Armenian armed groups from Karabakh will be carried out in coordination with the Russian peacekeeping contingent," it added.
AZERBAIJAN'S ACCEPTED DEMANDS
Taking into account the request of the representatives of the Armenian residents of Karabakh through the Russian peacekeeping contingent, on September 20, 2023, at 13.00, an agreement was reached on the suspension of local anti-terrorist measures under the following conditions:
- The Armenian armed forces and formations of illegal Armenian armed groups in the Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan lay down their arms, abandon their combat positions and military positions, and are completely disarmed.
- The units of the Armenian armed forces leave the territory of Azerbaijan, and illegal Armenian armed groups are released. In parallel, all weapons and heavy equipment are handed over.
- The above-mentioned processes are coordinated with the Russian peacekeeping contingent.
ARMENIANS EVACUATED
In the statement made by the Russian Ministry of Defence, it was reported that Russian peacekeeping troops in Karabakh evacuated civilians in the risky area.
It was stated that more than 2 thousand civilians, including 1 thousand 49 children, were evacuated in total, and food and temporary shelters will be provided to civilians. In the statement, it was stated that the Russian peacekeeping force continues to carry out its duties in the region, and the situation is monitored throughout the day at 30 observation points.
Source: Ihlas News Agency
