1-Feb-2023: Armenia appeals to International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Armenia appealed to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to order Azerbaijan to dissolve the road blockade isolating Nagorno-Karabakh. Nagorno-Karabakh is within Azerbaijan but had been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces since 1994 when a separatist war ended.
The self-declaration of independence by Nagorno-Karabakh in September 1991 in the backdrop of an imminent collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) resulted in a war between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh — supported by Armenia.
Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict
The Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict is a long-standing dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The conflict dates back to the early 20th century when the region was part of the Russian Empire.
The Nagorno-Karabakh region is located in the South Caucasus, a region that straddles Europe and Asia.
The conflict has been ongoing for several decades, with several periods of intense fighting and ceasefire agreements.
Causes of the Conflict
- Territorial disputes - The main cause of the conflict is the territorial dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has been controlled by ethnic Armenians since the early 1990s.
- Ethnic and cultural differences - The conflict also has deep-rooted ethnic and cultural differences between the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities, which have fueled the tensions between the two sides.
- Economic interests - The Nagorno-Karabakh region is rich in natural resources, including oil and gas reserves, which has made it a subject of economic interest for both Armenia and Azerbaijan.
- Political and historical factors - The conflict has also been fueled by political and historical factors, including historical grievances and the struggle for independence and self-determination.
Conflict History
- Early conflicts and tensions - The conflict dates back to the early 20th century, with tensions and sporadic conflicts between the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities.
- Nagorno-Karabakh War - The Nagorno-Karabakh War began in 1988 and ended in 1994, resulting in the displacement of thousands of people and the establishment of a de facto independent state in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
- Post-war period - The post-war period was characterized by sporadic violence and tensions between the two sides, despite the establishment of a ceasefire agreement.
International Community Response
- United Nations involvement - The United Nations has been involved in mediating the conflict and promoting peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
- International mediation efforts - Several international organizations, including the OSCE, have also been involved in mediating the conflict and promoting peace negotiations.
- Impact of geopolitical interests - The conflict has also been shaped by the geopolitical interests of regional and global powers, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
Humanitarian Impact
- Displacement of civilians - The conflict has resulted in the displacement of thousands of people, with both sides experiencing significant population movements.
- Impact on minority communities - The conflict has also had a significant impact on minority communities, particularly the Armenian and Azerbaijani minorities living in the opposite country.
- Economic impact - The conflict has had a significant economic impact, particularly on the Nagorno-Karabakh region, with infrastructure and homes being destroyed.
Current Status and Future Prospects
- Ceasefire, signed on November 10, 2020, resulted in the cessation of hostilities, although tensions remain high.
- The prospects for lasting peace remain uncertain, with both sides continuing to hold conflicting positions on the core issues of the conflict.
- Several obstacles to peace exist, including the territorial dispute, political and economic interests, and the historical and cultural differences between the two sides.