Un Mission Gains Access To Nagorno-Karabakh Amid Mass Exodus

A United Nations (UN) mission has successfully entered Nagorno-Karabakh, as confirmed by Azerbaijani authorities on Sunday. This marks the first time in approximately three decades that the international body has gained access to the region, primarily for the purpose of assessing humanitarian needs. A spokesperson for the Azerbaijani presidency informed AFP of the UN mission's arrival in Karabakh on Sunday morning. Subsequently, the mission visited a checkpoint at the border between Karabakh and Armenia. The UN mission, led by the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Vladanka Andreeva, is expected to hold a press conference on Monday to provide further details and insights into their assessment. The development follows the recent disarmament and dissolution of the separatist government in Nagorno-Karabakh, which had controlled the region for thirty years. This change came after a swift offensive by Azerbaijani forces. The outcome has dealt a significant blow to the centuries-old Armenian dream of reunifying what they consider their ancestral lands, which have been divided among regional powers since the Middle Ages. In the aftermath of the conflict, nearly the entire ethnic-Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, estimated at 120,000 residents, fled the territory, leading to a refugee crisis. While some refugees are uncertain about their future, Sergei Astsaryan, one of the last Armenians to leave the region, expressed hope that many would return if Azerbaijan provided guarantees and assistance. He stated that Azerbaijani authorities assured him that there would be no issues if residents chose to return and live in their homes. The Azerbaijani presidency has already initiated steps to ensure the sustainable reintegration of Armenian residents into Azerbaijani society and provide medical services in Khankendi (known as Stepanakert in Armenian), the main city in Karabakh. Amid these developments, Armenia observed a national day of prayer for the region, with religious services taking place across the country. Pope Francis also urged dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia to address the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the importance of international support. Despite these efforts, ethnic hatred, fueled by decades of conflict, remains a significant challenge in the path toward lasting peace and reconciliation between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The leaders of both countries are scheduled to meet in Granada, Spain, for Western-mediated talks aimed at resolving their longstanding enmity.