200 instances of Azeri ceasefire violation reported Sept 15-21

September 21, 2013 - 15:08 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - 200 ceasefire violations by the Azeri armed forces were reported at the line of contact between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan from Sept 15-21.

Azerbaijan fired over 1000 shots from various caliber weapons towards Karabakh positions, NKR defense army’s press service said. The defense army continued with their military duty in line with ceasefire principles, taking necessary measures to protect the frontline.

Over 14000 ceasefire violations by Azeri armed forces were reported at the contact line in 2012. Azerbaijan fired over 68700 shots from various caliber weapons towards Karabakh positions, with intensified instances of ceasefire violations reported during state holidays and special events.

914 ceasefire violations were registered in December 2012 when Azerbaijan fired over 170 shots from sniper weapons, with 6 shots fired from large-caliber sniper weapons. About 1000 ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan were reported in November, with 210 shots fired from sniper weapons.

The number of ceasefire violations by Azeris in October totaled 1050, in September - 1185, in August – 1161 and over 1300 and 3750 in July and June respectively.

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.