Russian media reported on Friday that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed hope that Armenians could remain in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Pashinyan stated, "Yerevan will accept them, but mass resettlement will only happen if it becomes impossible for Armenians in Karabakh to stay there." He added, "There is currently no direct threat to the lives of Armenians in Karabakh."
Azerbaijani presidential foreign policy advisor Hikmet Hajiyev noted that "Azerbaijan intends to grant amnesty to Armenian fighters in Karabakh who surrender their weapons, although some military units there stated they would 'continue to resist'." In an interview with Reuters, Hajiyev remarked, "Even concerning military personnel and former fighters, if they can be classified this way, we intend to issue amnesty." He continued, "Armenians in Karabakh requested humanitarian assistance, and three shipments will be delivered to the region today," emphasizing that "Azerbaijan wants the peaceful reintegration of Armenians in Karabakh." Hajiyev also mentioned that "Baku will ensure that civilians can travel safely in their private vehicles on the road leading from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia."
Armenian leaders in the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh stated that "no concrete results have been achieved yet in talks with Azerbaijan regarding potential security guarantees or the amnesty proposed by Baku." David Babayan, advisor to Samuel Shahramanyan, the head of Nagorno-Karabakh, indicated that "these issues still need to be resolved... there are no concrete results yet." Babayan reported that an agreement has been reached for a humanitarian convoy to arrive today via the route connecting Armenia with Karabakh, which has been effectively blockaded by Azerbaijan for over nine months. He added, "The situation is difficult - humanitarian issues need resolution. An agreement has been reached for a humanitarian convoy from Armenia via the Lachin corridor."
Additionally, Reuters reported that seven Russian peacekeeping vehicles, including large trucks, passed through an Armenian checkpoint today on their way to the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
The European Commission has mobilized €500,000 in humanitarian aid to support populations affected by the escalation of hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh. In a statement, it said, "Fleeing from violence, thousands of people are now displaced and in need of assistance. The humanitarian aid provided by the EU will help affected individuals cover their basic needs through cash assistance, while also providing shelter and psychological and social support."
On Thursday, Azerbaijani news agencies reported that "talks between Baku and the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh held in the town of Yevlakh, Azerbaijan, have ended." These talks came after the separatist region was forced to surrender, leading to calls for the resignation of the Armenian Prime Minister for failing to protect the territory. Azerbaijan announced on Tuesday the launch of "anti-terror operations" targeting Armenian forces in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, following the deaths of six Azerbaijani citizens in two separate landmine explosions. They indicated that they had seized control of more than 60 Armenian military positions.
