UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called in the strongest terms for an immediate end to the fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh, de-escalation, and stricter observance of the 2020 ceasefire and principles of international humanitarian law.
A statement by Guterres has been published by his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
“The Secretary-General is extremely concerned over the use of military force in the region and reports of casualties, including among the civilian population. He regrets that these worrying developments follow the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance to the local population on 18 September.
“The Secretary-General calls in the strongest terms for an immediate end to the fighting, de-escalation, and stricter observance of the 2020 ceasefire and principles of international humanitarian law. He remains concerned about the humanitarian situation on the ground and reiterates his call for urgent steps to facilitate full-fledged access for humanitarian actors to people in need. He calls on the parties to refocus on efforts to help build confidence and secure long-term peace in the region,” reads the statement.
Azerbaijan has launched a large-scale attack on Nagorno-Karabakh, bombarding and sending troops from various directions of the line of contact. Civilian infrastructures are being hit. The attack has caused multiple casualties, including among the civilian population.
