Armenia has formally submitted a statement of claim against Azerbaijan to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), invoking the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and requesting the application of temporary measures. In its suit, Armenia seeks to impose new demands on Azerbaijan while reinforcing its existing obligations under previous orders issued by the ICJ.

Among the new demands put forth by Armenia, one is the complete withdrawal of military and law enforcement personnel from civilian establishments in Nagorno-Karabakh, and another is the facilitation of humanitarian aid deliveries to ethnic Armenians residing in the region. Additionally, the suit calls on Azerbaijan to abstain from any actions, whether direct or indirect, that are intended to displace the remaining ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh.

This legal action follows Azerbaijan's military offensive against the ethnically Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which commenced on September 19. After a day of intense fighting, authorities in the capital of Stepanakert (known as Khankendi in Azerbaijani) agreed to a ceasefire on September 20, brokered by Russia. Armenia has characterized this offensive as part of a broader policy of "ethnic cleansing."

In an effort to address the ongoing conflict, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev are scheduled to meet in Spain on October 5 for talks. They will be joined by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and European Council President Charles Michel. This high-level meeting aims to facilitate diplomatic discussions and potentially find a resolution to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The involvement of high-level leaders from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and key European nations in the upcoming talks underscores the international community's commitment to resolving this protracted conflict. The meeting in Spain signifies a crucial opportunity for diplomatic efforts to address the complex issues surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh and find a sustainable path toward peace.

As the parties come together to discuss these matters, the world will be closely watching the outcome, hopeful for a resolution that ensures stability and the protection of the rights and well-being of all affected populations in the region.

Image source: Armenia News