Nagorno-Karabakh: Armenia and Azerbaijan shaky ceasefire in force

2020-10-10 19:25:22

A temporary ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan has begun following nearly two weeks of fierce fighting in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. However, each side has since accused the other of breaking the agreement. The truce aims to enable an exchange of prisoners and the recovery of bodies. Armenia and self-declared Karabakh officials say they want the territory recognised as a state, but Azerbaijan says the ceasefire will not be extended and it expects to capture more land. Armenia and Azerbaijan also accused each other of bombarding civilian areas ahead of the ceasefire. More than 300 people have died and thousands been displaced since the latest violence in the long-running conflict broke out on 27 September. Nagorno-Karabakh is run by ethnic Armenians although it is officially part of Azerbaijan. The two former Soviet republics have blamed each other for the latest outbreak of violence - the worst in decades.