London – Amid the fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, with hundreds of dead and fears that regional powers could be drawn to Turkey and Russia, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo slammed the two countries’ foreign ministers at the embassy. Bids to stop fighting.
Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with Fox News, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said his country was ready to lay down arms.
“We are ready to agree to a ceasefire,” he said. He added that such a move would be conditional on Armenia extending beyond what Azerbaijan calls “occupied” border settlements. The past two ceasefires have failed during nearly four weeks of fierce fighting.
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Babu, who claims civilian casualties in the conflict, is under international criticism. Residential buildings and a landmark church have also come under fire from the Azeri army. Azerbaijan says Armenia is doing the same, and the president claims the damage is not intentional.
“We said in public that we would take revenge, but on the battlefield,” Aliyev said. “We don’t kill civilians. We don’t target places of worship.”
The concern is that this localized war could escalate: Turkey supports Azerbaijan, and Russia is an ally named Armenia.
“Our position is that all regional countries should refrain from direct involvement in the conflict.” “We are against the ‘internationalization’ of the conflict.”
Still, Turkey’s Baku backing is strong and public. In addition to military gear, it has been alleged by several sources that the Turkish-allied Syrian army is fighting alongside Azeri troops. Aliyev categorically denied the allegations.
“We don’t need any mercenaries. It’s all fake news with the intention of tarnishing the image of the country and undermining the bravery of the soldiers on the battlefield,” he said.
Some accounts note the pre-election timing of the meetings held in Washington between Pompeo and the principals of the fight in Washington. “We’ll see what happens,” President Trump told reporters after the meetings.
The President of Azerbaijan seemed ready to accept aid, although he received it.
“Any motivation to end hostilities is our support,” Aliyev said. “The most direct position by President Trump is supported by me as well as the people of Azerbaijan.”
In fact, Trump praised Armenia at a press event at the Oval Office on Friday and did not mention Azerbaijan. Asked once again if he thinks a peaceful resolution is possible, Aliyev gave a measure.
“I’m confident … but it depends on the other side,” he said.
