2016 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

April 2016 conflict in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh yes February 2020 2016 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Location Nagorno-Karabakh en.png 300px #FDF5DF Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh including Armenian-occupied territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh#F8C54E Territory claimed by the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh but controlled by Azerbaijan 1–5 April 2016 (04 1 2016 04 5 2016) Nagorno-Karabakh line of contact The line of contact shifted for the first time since 1994Simão Licínia The Nagorno-Karabakh redux June 2016 2 10.2815/58373 https://www.iss.europa.eu/sites/default/files/EUISSFiles/Alert_28_Nagorno_Karabakh.pdf European Union Institute for Security Studies 9789291984022 2315-1129 For the first time since the 1990s, Azerbaijani forces managed to regain control of small parts of the territory surrounding Karabakh – the first time the Line of Contact has shifted. Although these changes do not significantly alter the parties' military predicament on the ground... 31 March 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063300/https://www.iss.europa.eu/sites/default/files/EUISSFiles/Alert_28_Nagorno_Karabakh.pdf 21 March 2018 live Azerbaijan captures a territory from 800 hectares (8.0 km2) to 2,000 hectares (20 km2), including 2 heights Inconclusive (see aftermath) Azerbaijan claims victoryThe Nagorny Karabakh Conflict: Defaulting to War https://www.chathamhouse.org/publication/nagorny-karabakh-conflict-defaulting-war chathamhouse.org Chatham House https://archive.today/20200805095251/https://www.chathamhouse.org/publication/nagorny-karabakh-conflict-defaulting-war 5 August 2020 11 July 2016 Azerbaijan presents its operations of 2–5 April 2016 as a tactical victory and psychological breakthrough. 21 April 2019 live Jardine Bradley Armenians and Azerbaijanis commemorate two years since breakout of "April War" https://eurasianet.org/armenians-and-azerbaijanis-commemorate-two-years-since-breakout-of-april-war EurasiaNet April 2, 2018 https://archive.today/20200805092939/https://eurasianet.org/armenians-and-azerbaijanis-commemorate-two-years-since-breakout-of-april-war 5 August 2020 President Ilham Aliyev, for his part, posted an image on Instagram of himself wearing military fatigues with the caption, “The April War was our glorious historical victory.” 5 August 2020 live Armenia claims to have successfully repelled the Azerbaijani offensivePresident Serzh Sargsyan invited a meeting of the National Security Council https://www.president.am/en/press-release/item/2016/04/12/President-Serzh-Sargsyan-National-Security-Council-April-12/ president.am Office to the President of Armenia https://archive.today/20200805093731/https://www.president.am/en/press-release/item/2016/04/12/President-Serzh-Sargsyan-National-Security-Council-April-12/ 5 August 2020 12 April 2016 ....It was noted that during the military actions unleashed by Azerbaijan, the RA Armed Forces fulfilled their task. The NKR Defence Army was victorious in thwarting Azerbaijani aggression and frustrating its plans. 5 August 2020 live Aslanian Karlen Movsisian Hovannes Azeri Offensive In Karabakh Failed, Says Sarkisian https://www.azatutyun.am/a/27656534.html azatutyun.am RFE/RL April 5, 2016 https://archive.today/20200805092934/https://www.azatutyun.am/a/27656534.html 5 August 2020 5 August 2020 live ArtsakhArmenia Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh Bako SahakyanNagorno-Karabakh Levon MnatsakanyanArmenia Serzh SargsyanArmenia Seyran OhanyanArmenia Yuri Khatchaturov Azerbaijan Ilham AliyevAzerbaijan Zakir HasanovAzerbaijan Najmeddin SadikovAzerbaijan Hikmat HasanovAzerbaijan Polad Hashimov ArtsakhArmenia Azerbaijan Per Armenian sources: 91 troops killedhttp://asbarez.com/158971/165-armenian-servicemen-died-in-2016/ 165 Armenian Servicemen Died in 2016 Asbarez 1 February 2020 29 September 2020 1 February 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200201184941/http://asbarez.com/158971/165-armenian-servicemen-died-in-2016/ (11 non-combat),https://www.armenianow.com/en/karabakh/2016/04/14/armenia-casualties-update-karabakh-april/951/ Karabakh War Casualty Update: Armenia puts April death toll at 92 15 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160418231210/http://www.armenianow.com/en/karabakh/2016/04/14/armenia-casualties-update-karabakh-april/951/ 18 April 2016 dead 123 wounded125 wounded (as of 15 April 2016), https://web.archive.org/web/20180725153303/https://news.am/eng/news/322494.html 25 July 2018 of which 2 subsequently died, https://web.archive.org/web/20180725064932/https://news.am/arm/news/323302.html 25 July 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20161130035829/https://www.armenpress.am/eng/news/869725/nkr-soldier-succumbs-to-wounds-following-months-of-treatment.html 30 November 2016 leaving a total of 123 wounded 9 civilians killed, 6 woundedhttp://armenpress.am/eng/news/842900/serj-tankian-calls-on-supporting-families-of-killed-armenian-soldiers.html Serj Tankian calls on supporting families of killed Armenian soldiers 9 April 2016 9 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160411143736/http://armenpress.am/eng/news/842900/serj-tankian-calls-on-supporting-families-of-killed-armenian-soldiers.html 11 April 2016 live 14 tanks destroyedhttp://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/210323/ Azeri surgeon: Number of severely injured soldiers greatly tops the norm PanARMENIAN.Net 13 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160416095725/http://panarmenian.net/eng/news/210323/ 16 April 2016 live Azerbaijani claim:http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/2533045.html Azerbaijan kills over 320 Armenian occupants in April clashes 13 May 2016 Trend.Az 17 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160516170707/http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/2533045.html 16 May 2016 deadhttps://report.az/dagliq-qarabag-munaqishesi/mudafie-naziri-aprel-doyuslerinde-560-ermeni-mehv-edilib/ Azərbaycanın Müdafiə naziri: "Aprel döyüşlərində 560 erməni məhv edilib" 21 June 2020 Report.Az 22 June 2020 live 22 June 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200622235630/https://report.az/dagliq-qarabag-munaqishesi/mudafie-naziri-aprel-doyuslerinde-560-ermeni-mehv-edilib/ 560 soldiers killed, 500 wounded 33 tanks and armoured vehicles, 25 artillery pieces destroyed Per Azerbaijani sources: 31–94 soldiers killed, 2 missing, 39 woundedhttps://www.meydan.tv/az/site/opinion/13405/ Siyahı: 93 hərbçi şəhid olub, 6 mülki şəxs dünyasını dəyişib (YENİLƏNİR) Meydan TV 8 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20170728135013/https://www.meydan.tv/az/site/opinion/13405/ 28 July 2017 dead 6 civilians killed, 26 woundedhttp://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/94826.html Baku says Armenia's military dictatorship threats values that civilized world stands for AZERNEWS 6 April 2016 6 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160513125719/http://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/94826.html 13 May 2016 live 1 Mi-24 helicopter and 1 drone losthttps://edition.cnn.com/2016/04/02/asia/azerbaijan-armenia-violence/index.html 18 Armenian, 12 Azerbaijani troops killed in fighting 2 April 2016 3 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160404204103/http://edition.cnn.com/2016/04/02/asia/azerbaijan-armenia-violence/index.html 4 April 2016 live 1 tank destroyedhttp://haqqin.az/news/67421 Минобороны Азербайджана назвало потери в боях 5 April 2016 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161004150436/http://haqqin.az/news/67421 4 October 2016 live Armenian claim:http://fmgnews.info/47365-ministerstvo-oborony-azerbaydzhana-priznalo-fakty-skrytiya-pogibshih-v-nagornom-karabahe.html Министерство Обороны Азербайджана признало факты скрытия погибших в Нагорном Карабахе. FMG NEWS - Международная Служба Новостей 22 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160420112544/http://fmgnews.info/47365-ministerstvo-oborony-azerbaydzhana-priznalo-fakty-skrytiya-pogibshih-v-nagornom-karabahe.html 20 April 2016 live 300–1,500 soldiers killed, 2,000–2,700 wounded 2 helicopters, 14 drones shot down 26 tanks, 4 IFVs, 1 AEV, 1 MRL destroyed The 2016 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, also known as the Four-Day War,hy Քառօրյա պատերազմ K’ařorya paterazm, IPA: [kʰɑroɾjɑ pɑtɛɾɑzm]; az Dördgünlük müharibəhttp://www.armenianow.com/karabakh/71283/armenia_karabakh_azerbaijan_politicians_negotiations_ceasefire Four-Day War Fallout: Armenian politicians insist on Karabakh's becoming full party to talks - Karabakh - ArmeniaNow.com 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160411033234/http://www.armenianow.com/karabakh/71283/armenia_karabakh_azerbaijan_politicians_negotiations_ceasefire 11 April 2016 deadhttp://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2016-04-06/four-day-war-nagorno-karabakh The four-day war in Nagorno-Karabakh 6 April 2016 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160411211126/http://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2016-04-06/four-day-war-nagorno-karabakh 11 April 2016 livehttp://en.apa.az/xeber____four-day_war_____changed_status_quo__bala_241824.html APA – 'Four-day war': Changed status quo, balance against Armenia 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160611020425/http://en.apa.az/xeber____four-day_war_____changed_status_quo__bala_241824.html 11 June 2016 deadhttp://www.panorama.am/en/news/2016/04/09/Serzh-Sargsyan-Levon-Ter-Petrosyan/1560621 President Serzh Sargsyan met with first President Levon Ter-Petrosyan to discuss Four Day War Helix Consulting LLC 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160411235038/http://www.panorama.am/en/news/2016/04/09/Serzh-Sargsyan-Levon-Ter-Petrosyan/1560621 11 April 2016 livehttp://www.nationalinterest.org/blog/secrets-the-four-day-karabakh-war-15772 Secrets of the Four-Day Karabakh War The National Interest 13 April 2016 22 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160423153224/http://www.nationalinterest.org/blog/secrets-the-four-day-karabakh-war-15772 23 April 2016 live April War,Armenia: Divided Within? http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/peopleandpower/2016/10/armenia-divided-161026070435409.html Al Jazeera 27 October 2016 ...the territories lost during the April war were of no tactical or strategic importance... 15 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161115152240/http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/peopleandpower/2016/10/armenia-divided-161026070435409.html 15 November 2016 liveSouleimanov Emil What the fighting in Karabakh means for Azerbaijan and Armenia https://www.cacianalyst.org/publications/analytical-articles/item/13361-what-the-fighting-in-karabakh-means-for-azerbaijan-and-armenia.html CACI Analyst 12 May 2016 ...the April War of 2016. 15 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161116020244/https://www.cacianalyst.org/publications/analytical-articles/item/13361-what-the-fighting-in-karabakh-means-for-azerbaijan-and-armenia.html 16 November 2016 liveNersisyan Leonid A Frozen War in Russia's Backyard Heats Up http://nationalinterest.org/feature/frozen-war-russias-backyard-heats-17085 The National Interest 24 July 2016 ...the short but bloody April war. 15 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161116021055/http://nationalinterest.org/feature/frozen-war-russias-backyard-heats-17085 16 November 2016 livehy Ապրիլյան պատերազմ Aprilyan paterazmԱրցախի հյուսիսային սահման. ապրիլյան պատերազմը լուսանկարներում http://hetq.am/arm/news/67089/arcakhi-hyusisayin-sahman-aprilyan-paterazmy-lusankarnerum.html Hetq 6 April 2016 hy 15 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161116021023/http://hetq.am/arm/news/67089/arcakhi-hyusisayin-sahman-aprilyan-paterazmy-lusankarnerum.html 16 November 2016 live or April clashes,az Aprel döyüşlərihttps://president.az/articles/23230 İlham Əliyev Azərbaycan Ordusunun aprel qələbələrinin ildönümü ilə əlaqədar bir qrup hərbçilərlə görüş keçirib President of Azerbaijan 31 March 2017 az began along the former Nagorno-Karabakh line of contact on 1 April 2016 with the Artsakh Defence Army, backed by the Armenian Armed Forces, on one side and the Azerbaijani Armed Forces on the other. The clashes occurred in a region that is disputed between the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The region includes the former Soviet Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and the surrounding districts of Azerbaijan under the control of Armenian forces at the time. Azerbaijan claimed to have started a military operation to prevent purported continuous Armenian shelling of civilian areas in Azerbaijan.Abbasov Ramil News https://mod.gov.az/az/pre/21662.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20191213230226/https://mod.gov.az/az/pre/21662.html 13 December 2019 13 December 2019 Defence Ministry of Azerbaijan However, there was no evidence of Armenian shelling. Until the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, the clashes were the worst since the 1994 ceasefire agreement signed by Artsakh, Azerbaijan and Armenia.https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35949991 Nagorno-Karabakh violence: Worst clashes in decades kill dozens BBC News 3 April 2016 22 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160419232951/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35949991 19 April 2016 live A ceasefire was reached on 5 April between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Moscow. The Nagorno-Karabakh authorities also welcomed the oral agreement.https://www.president.am/en/press-release/item/2017/04/18/President-Serzh-Sargsyan-met-with-OSCE-Ambassadors/ President Serzh Sargsyan met with the Ambassadors of the OSCE member states live https://web.archive.org/web/20191010125014/https://www.president.am/en/press-release/item/2017/04/18/President-Serzh-Sargsyan-met-with-OSCE-Ambassadors/ 10 October 2019 president.amhttp://mod.gov.az/index2.php?content=news%2F2016%2F20160406_atespoz Ermənistan silahlı qüvvələrinin bölmələri tərəfindən atəşkəs yenə də pozulmaqdadır 23 November 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20161004165543/http://www.mod.gov.az/index2.php?content=news%2F2016%2F20160406_atespoz 4 October 2016 dead After the agreement, both sides accused each other of violations. Azerbaijan claimed to have regained 20 km2 on of land,Silahlı Qüvvələrimiz tərəfindən 2000 hektardan artıq ərazi azad edilib https://web.archive.org/web/20160518170532/http://www.mod.gov.az/index2.php?content=news%2F2016%2F20160518_ermeniler 18 May 2016 // Official site of Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan, 18 May 2016. while Armenian officials suggested a loss of 8 km2 on of land of no strategic importance.https://horizonweekly.ca/en/86363-2/ Karabakh lost 800 ha of land that played no strategic role: Armenia 17 May 2016 horizonweekly.ca live https://web.archive.org/web/20190627161602/https://horizonweekly.ca/en/86363-2/ 27 June 2019 However, the International Crisis Group reported that those heights were of strategic importance.Nagorno-Karabakh's Gathering War Clouds https://www.crisisgroup.org/europe-central-asia/caucasus/nagorno-karabakh-azerbaijan/244-nagorno-karabakhs-gathering-war-clouds International Crisis Group https://archive.today/20200805094551/https://www.crisisgroup.org/europe-central-asia/caucasus/azerbaijan/qaralar-fears-azerbaijani-village-border-armenia 5 August 2020 1 June 2017 Although Azerbaijan gained control of only two strategic heights in the conflict zone, that was enough to restore its people's confidence in their army... 5 August 2020 live Officially, Baku reported the loss of 31 servicemen without publishing their names. Armenian sources claimed much higher numbers varying between 300 and 500.http://asbarez.com/165612/leaked-memo-claims-massive-azerbaijani-losses-during-april-war/ Leaked Memo Claims Massive Azerbaijani Losses During April War 17 August 2017 live https://web.archive.org/web/20190409030340/http://asbarez.com/165612/leaked-memo-claims-massive-azerbaijani-losses-during-april-war/ 9 April 2019 asbarez.com The Ministry of Defence of Armenia reported the names of 92 military and civilian casualties, in total.http://mil.am/hy/news/3990 Տեղեկանք՝ ապրիլի 2-ից 5-ն ընկած ժամանակահատվածում կորուստների մասին 13 April 2016 mil.am live https://web.archive.org/web/20190424144246/http://mil.am/hy/news/3990 24 April 2019 hy The US State Department estimated that a total of 350 people, both military and civilian, had died.https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/05/257263.htm Background Briefing on the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict U.S. State Department 16 May 2016 17 May 2016 20 January 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170120213129/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/05/257263.htm live Official sources of the warring parties put those estimates either much higher or much lower, depending on the source. Background Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Armenian–Azerbaijani war (1918–1920) Armenian–Azerbaijani War First Nagorno-Karabakh War Madrid Principles The First Nagorno-Karabakh War ended with a ceasefire agreement between the warring parties that came into effect on 12 May 1994. Violations of the ceasefire occurred periodically in the following years, with notable escalations in 2008 and 2010, but incidents especially increased since 2014.Broers Laurence July 2016 The Nagorny Karabakh Conflict: Defaulting to War https://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/publications/research/NK%20paper%2024082016%20WEB.pdf live https://web.archive.org/web/20230104142853/https://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/publications/research/NK%20paper%2024082016%20WEB.pdf 4 January 2023 24 November 2018 Chatham House According to the International Crisis Group, there were 60 deaths total, both military and civilian, in 2015 alone because of breaches of the ceasefire.2020-10-27 The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: A Visual Explainer https://www.crisisgroup.org/content/nagorno-karabakh-conflict-visual-explainer 2023-08-24 www.crisisgroup.org en The April 2016 clashes were the most serious breach of the 1994 ceasefire3 April 2016 Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Situation Report No. 1 (as of 03 Apr 2016) http://reliefweb.int/report/azerbaijan/nagorno-karabakh-conflict-situation-report-no-1-03-apr-2016 dead https://archive.today/20160404094519/http://reliefweb.int/report/azerbaijan/nagorno-karabakh-conflict-situation-report-no-1-03-apr-2016 4 April 2016 4 April 2016 ReliefWeb until 2020. Among the possible reasons behind the escalation of the conflict was the worsening economy of Azerbaijan. The collapse of oil prices in 2015–16 have been frequently cited, with clashes being used to distract the Azerbaijani population from rising prices and unemployment.https://www.economist.com/news/europe/21696563-after-facing-decades-armenia-and-azerbaijan-start-shooting-frozen-conflict-explodes A frozen conflict explodes 9 April 2016 The Economist 3 June 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160610052850/http://www.economist.com/news/europe/21696563-after-facing-decades-armenia-and-azerbaijan-start-shooting-frozen-conflict-explodes 10 June 2016 live Alternatively, some Armenian sources blame Turkey for provoking violence. Some Turkish commentators have suggested a Russian strategy to destabilize the region. Azerbaijan has been openly preparing for offensive operations against Nagorno Karabakh for several years, as evidenced by the continuous massive military buildup,http://contact.az/ Over five years, Russia will supply arms for 5 billion USD to Azerbaijan 14 October 2014 contact.az/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20170215215859/http://contact.az/ 15 February 2017https://www.dailysabah.com/business/2013/02/04/turkeys-atak-helicopter-joins-the-azeri-army Turkey's ATAK helicopter joins the Azeri army 4 February 2013 dailysabah.com live https://web.archive.org/web/20190502153746/https://www.dailysabah.com/business/2013/02/04/turkeys-atak-helicopter-joins-the-azeri-army 2 May 2019https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2016-04-26/ty-article/.premium/azeri-defense-ministry-plane-landed-twice-in-israel-this-month/0000017f-eb34-d4a6-af7f-fff648e30000 Azeri Defense Ministry Plane Landed Twice in Israel During Fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh 26 April 2016 haaretz.com live https://web.archive.org/web/20190502153743/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-azeri-defense-ministry-plane-landed-twice-in-israel-this-month-1.5436544 2 May 2019 as well as the Azerbaijani authorities' numerous statements in favor of a military solution to the conflict.August 2023 Thus, on 23 March 2015, Azerbaijan's Minister of Defence stated that the Azerbaijani military had accumulated the necessary weaponry to destroy 70 percent of opposing forces in a first strike.August 2023 In February 2016, US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper warned that Azerbaijan's military buildup combined with deteriorating economic conditions was increasing the risk of an escalation in 2016. 2016-02-09 U.S. Intelligence Chief Warns Of Karabakh Escalation «Ազատ Եվրոպա/Ազատություն» ռադիոկայան https://www.azatutyun.am/a/27541758.html 2023-08-24 On 19 March 2016, President Aliyev stated: "To resolve the conflict, in the first place it is necessary for our country and army to become even stronger. A lot is being done in this direction. Today, we have gained full advantage on the line of contact."https://en.president.az/articles/19323 Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the meeting of the Security Council under the President of Azerbaijan 2 April 2016 president.az live https://web.archive.org/web/20171203055302/http://en.president.az/articles/19323 3 December 2017 Furthermore, in his speech, president Aliyev openly accused the Minsk Group Co-Chairs of provocation against Azerbaijan and had stated that Azerbaijan's confidence in their activities had been completely undermined.https://en.president.az/articles/19436 Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the nationwide festivities on the occasion of Novruz holiday 19 March 2016 president.az live https://web.archive.org/web/20171010102322/http://en.president.az/articles/19436 10 October 2017 Combat operations The fighting was focused mainly on the front line with a length of 257 km. Each side blamed the other for the outbreak of clashes around the towns of Martakert, Tartar, Aghdam, Martuni, and Fuzuli.http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/3171918 В боях в зоне карабахского конфликта погибли 12 военнослужащих ВС Азербайджана TASS ru 2 April 2016 2 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160404153154/http://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/3171918 4 April 2016 live According to Armenian sources, on the night of 1 April and early morning of 2 April, the Azerbaijani side launched large-scale attacks along the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan. On 2 April, a 12-year-old Armenian boy was killed as a result of missile artillery attack from a BM-21 Grad near the border with Martuni.12-year-old Vaghinak Grigoryan killed in Azeri shelling http://www.horizonweekly.ca/news/details/83600 Horizon 2 April 2016 5 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160404222825/http://www.horizonweekly.ca/news/details/83600 4 April 2016 live Two other children were wounded as well.NKR Defence Ministry http://nkrmil.am/main/en/newsMore1240.html https://archive.today/20160405055500/http://nkrmil.am/main/en/newsMore1240.html dead 5 April 2016 (02/04/16 [10:25]) NKRmil.am 4 April 2016 On 2 April, Azerbaijani positions and inhabited places near the front line came under fire from Armenian military, armed with mortars and high caliber grenade launchers, that killed 2 people and wounded 10 civilians. According to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence, during a rapid counter-offensive, the Armenian side's front defence line was broken in multiple places and several strategic heights and inhabited places were retaken (including the strategically important hill of Lalatapa).http://www.mod.gov.az/index2.php?content=news/2016/20160402_melumat_cebheson Cəbhədə vəziyyətlə bağlı son məlumat 2 April 2016 Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan az https://web.archive.org/web/20160402135104/http://www.mod.gov.az/index2.php?content=news%2F2016%2F20160402_melumat_cebheson 2 April 2016 dead 2 April 2016 An AFP journalist confirmed that the Lalatapa heights were also under Azerbaijani control.AFP Fragile truce holds in Karabakh after four days of deadly clashes https://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/31286381/fragile-truce-holds-in-karabakh-after-four-days-of-deadly-clashes/ 24 April 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160425045536/https://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/31286381/fragile-truce-holds-in-karabakh-after-four-days-of-deadly-clashes/ 25 April 2016 The Azerbaijani side claimed that they had captured some areas, including heights near the village of Talysh, as well as the village of Seysulan.https://www.yahoo.com/news/armenia-azerbaijan-fighting-surges-along-karabakh-frontline-090716406.html Azerbaijan, Armenia forces clash as Putin urges ceasefire 2 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160402143945/https://www.yahoo.com/news/armenia-azerbaijan-fighting-surges-along-karabakh-frontline-090716406.html 2 April 2016 live an unmanned aerial vehicle of Armenia was claimed to be shot down in Fuzuli as well.Qarabağda ermənilərin pilotsuz uçuş aparatı məhv edildi 3 April 2016 http://www.interpress.az/34142-qarabada-ermnilrin-pilotsuz-uu-aparat-mhv-edildi.html#.WhuRqVVl-Uk interpress.az 27 November 2017 4 October 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201004175910/https://interpress.az/34142-qarabada-ermnilrin-pilotsuz-uu-aparat-mhv-edildi.html#.WhuRqVVl-Uk live On 8 May the Armenia's First Channel release footage from military positions near Seysulan.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsbWn7W9tc8 ՄԱՐՏԱԿԱՆ ԴԻՐՔԻ ԿՈՐՈՒՍՏՆ ՈՒ ՎԵՐԱԴԱՐՁԸ Popular on Youtube-Armenia 8 May 2016 16 November 2016 YouTube 14,400 people living in villages were affected by clashes, but no internal displacement or immediate humanitarian need was reported. Armenian Ministry of Defence spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisyan sharply accused Azerbaijan of launching an unprovoked coordinated ground offensive against Armenia's forces, saying the Azerbaijani military used warplanes, tanks and artillery to try to make inroads into Nagorno-Karabakh.http://georgiatoday.ge/news/3446/Heavy-Fighting-Erupts-in-Nagorny-Karabakh Heavy Fighting Erupts in Nagorny-Karabakh Georgia Today on the Web 2 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160402194954/http://georgiatoday.ge/news/3446/Heavy-Fighting-Erupts-in-Nagorny-Karabakh 2 April 2016 live During the first day of fighting, Armenian forces claimed to have destroyed at least three Azerbaijani tanks, two military helicopters (including an Mi-24https://www.azernews.az/nation/94597.html Azerbaijani armed forces destroy 10 Armenian tanks and servicemen-UPDATE 3 April 2016 9 December 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181210015935/https://www.azernews.az/nation/94597.html 10 December 2018 live https://armenpress.am/eng/news/844717/nkr-defense-army-releases-fresh-data-on-downed-azerbaijani-helicopter.html NKR Defense Army releases fresh data on downed Azerbaijani helicopter 23 April 2016 9 December 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181210063233/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/844717/nkr-defense-army-releases-fresh-data-on-downed-azerbaijani-helicopter.html 10 December 2018 live and at least one armed Mil Mi-8/17) and two unmanned drones, photographs and videos of which surfaced on the internet."‘Large-Scale’ Fighting Reported In Karabakh https://web.archive.org/web/20160405165312/http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/27649909.html 5 April 2016 ." RFE/RL. 2 April 2016. Armenian frontline positions were reinforced, heavy artillery was brought forward, and in the capital Stepanakert reservists were called up. On 3 April, Armenian military authorities announced that Artsakh Defence Army forces had recaptured positions around Talysh,"Heavy Fighting Continues In Karabakh https://web.archive.org/web/20160405165315/http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/27651576.html 5 April 2016 ." RFE/RL. 3 April 2016. On 6 April, news footage shown on Armenia's First Channel revealed Armenian journalists and NKR troops freely mingling on the streets of Talysh and Madagiz.hy Մեր սահմաններն անառիկ են https://web.archive.org/web/20201004175910/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbhxsQrldn0 4 October 2020 " [Our borders are impenetrable]. First Channel. 6 April 2016. On 8 April, news footage shown on an Azerbaijani TV channel showed the Azerbaijan military installations purported to be near the Talysh heights.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqwzLfRt-_c Qarabagda ermeni postunun ele kecirilmesi 04.04.2016 YouTube 4 April 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtqNf5rRcMk Talış kəndi yüksəkliyindən İLK reportaj ANS TV YouTube 7 April 2016 http://www.anspress.com/siyaset/08-04-2016/ans-azad-edilen-talis-yuksekliyinde ANS azad edilən Talış yüksəkliyində 17 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160419150422/http://www.anspress.com/siyaset/08-04-2016/ans-azad-edilen-talis-yuksekliyinde 19 April 2016 dead On 11 April, news footage from Armenia's First channel showed the Talysh heights under the control of Artsakh troops.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hgpn-FcHXM ԱՊՐԻԼԻ 8, 2016 ՀՅՈՒՍԻՍԱՐԵՎԵԼՅԱՆ ԱՄԵՆԱԲԱՐԴ ՀԵՆԱԿԵՏԸ Popular on Youtube-Armenia 11 April 2016 16 November 2016 YouTube Again on 8 May, news footage from Civilnet showed journalist Tatul Hakobyan with some NKR soldiers at Talysh heights near Naftalan.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxjjr0jwCOQ Թալիշի վերագրավված դիրքերում CivilNet TV 8 May 2016 16 November 2016 YouTube 4 October 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201004175921/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxjjr0jwCOQ live Later, Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov stated that if shelling of Azerbaijani settlements by Armenian forces did not cease, Azerbaijan would consider launching an artillery bombardment on Stepanakert.http://haqqin.az/news/67335 Азербайджан может нанести удар по Степанакерту Haqqin.az 4 April 2016 5 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160406105343/http://haqqin.az/news/67335 6 April 2016 live On the same day, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence announced a unilateral end to hostilities. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence stated that should Armenian shelling pursue, Azerbaijan would continue its offensive.http://haqqin.az/news/67220 Минобороны: Азербайджан в одностороннем порядке приостановил боевые действия Haqqin.az ru 3 April 2016 3 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160403092653/http://haqqin.az/news/67220 3 April 2016 live On 4 April, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence reported that an Armenian command and control center had been destroyed and released a video which captured footage of the attack. On 5 April, a strategically important military base in Madaghis which is on the main road leading to Aghdara city and a bus carrying "Yerkrapah" Armenian volunteers were fired.Sanchez Raf 'Suicide drone' used for first time in fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/08/suicide-drone-used-for-first-time-in-fighting-between-azerbaijan/ The Telegraph 8 April 2016 27 November 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20180130211240/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/08/suicide-drone-used-for-first-time-in-fighting-between-azerbaijan/ 30 January 2018 live"Azerbaycan, Ermeni hedeflerini İsrail'in insansız hava araçlarıyla vurdu" iddiası 7 April 2016 http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/azerbaycan-ermeni-hedeflerini-israilin-insansiz-hava-araclariyla-vurdu-iddiasi-40083314 hurriyet.com.tr 27 November 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171202075130/http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/azerbaycan-ermeni-hedeflerini-israilin-insansiz-hava-araclariyla-vurdu-iddiasi-40083314 2 December 2017 live The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence claimed that along with numerous military personnel, two high-ranking Armenian officers were killed as a result.http://haqqin.az/news/67287 Так сегодня уничтожили армянских генералов и полковников Haqqin.az ru 4 April 2016 4 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160405171918/http://haqqin.az/news/67287 5 April 2016 live The same day, the Armenian defence ministry announced that an Azerbaijani drone, identified as an Israeli-made IAI Harop, attacked a bus carrying Armenian volunteers enlisting in military service to the Nagorno-Karabakh town of Martakert by slamming itself against it, killing seven people aboard including the heads of two rural communities within the NKR. It is believed to be the first ever combat use of the drone anywhere.http://armenianow.com/karabakh/71206/armenia_karabakh_azerbaijan_victims_syunik_bus Karabakh: Five killed as Armenian volunteers' bus comes under Azeri fire – Karabakh ArmeniaNow.com armenianow.com 5 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160407224830/http://armenianow.com/karabakh/71206/armenia_karabakh_azerbaijan_victims_syunik_bus 7 April 2016 deadhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/04/05/israeli-made-kamikaze-drone-spotted-in-nagorno-karabakh-conflict/ Israeli-made kamikaze drone spotted in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Gibbons-Neff Thomas 5 April 2016 The Washington Post en-US 0190-8286 6 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160406185357/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/04/05/israeli-made-kamikaze-drone-spotted-in-nagorno-karabakh-conflict/ 6 April 2016 live An Israeli-made ThunderB surveillance drone was shot down on 2 April according to the Artsakh defence force.Karabakh Fighting Highlights Azerbaijan's New Israeli Weapons, Eurasianet, 6 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160417203250/http://www.eurasianet.org/node/78181 17 April 2016 Armenian officials later protested Israel's supply of weaponry to Azerbaijan.http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy-defense/109188-160410-armenia-raps-israel-over-alleged-supply-of-drone-to-azerbaijan Armenia raps Israel over alleged supply of drones to Azerbaijan: report i24news en-US 10 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160413041628/http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy-defense/109188-160410-armenia-raps-israel-over-alleged-supply-of-drone-to-azerbaijan 13 April 2016 livehttps://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2016-04-10/ty-article/.premium/armenia-protests-azerbaijans-use-of-israeli-drone/0000017f-f5db-d887-a7ff-fdff65b80000 Armenia Protests Azerbaijan's Use of Israeli-made Suicide Drone Ravid Barak 10 April 2016 Haaretz en 10 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160409230244/http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.713614 9 April 2016 live Some Azerbaijani sources claimed that Madagiz was under Azerbaijani control, citing Azerbaijan Ministry of Defencehttp://en.azvision.az/Azerbaijani_Armed_Forces_liberate_-34184-xeber.html Armenian-occupied Sugovushan settlement of Azerbaijan liberated 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161004165627/http://en.azvision.az/Azerbaijani_Armed_Forces_liberate_-34184-xeber.html 4 October 2016 dead but Armenian side reported this to be false.http://hetq.am/eng/news/67045/hetq-editor-mataghis-never-captured-combatants-from-turkey-suffer-heavy-losses.html Hetq Editor: Mataghis Never Captured; Combatants from Turkey Suffer Heavy Losses - Hetq - News, Articles, Investigations 5 April 2016 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161012135258/http://hetq.am/eng/news/67045/hetq-editor-mataghis-never-captured-combatants-from-turkey-suffer-heavy-losses.html 12 October 2016 live Later, the Armenian side published a video to prove that Madagiz remained in their control.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE5vLa9egYo EXCLUSIVE footage from Mataghis and Martakert by Shamshyan Aysor Panarmenian News ATV 5 April 2016 16 November 2016 YouTube 4 October 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201004175923/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE5vLa9egYo livehttp://www.shanttv.com/en/news/reportages/2016_05_13/18153/ Bako Sahakyan in Mataghis - Reportages - Armenian News - SHANT TV 16 November 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20161004185235/http://www.shanttv.com/en/news/reportages/2016_05_13/18153/ 4 October 2016 On 5 April, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence claimed that the mutual ceasefire agreement, which was agreed upon in Moscow by the heads of Azerbaijan's and Armenia's militaries, was breached by Armenian forces which shelled Azerbaijani positions near Tap Qaraqoyunlu with 60, 82 and 120 mm mortars.http://www.mod.gov.az/index2.php?content=news/2016/20160406_atespoz The ceasefire regime is still being violated by the units of the Armenian Armed Forces Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan 6 April 2016 6 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160410062934/http://mod.gov.az/index2.php?content=news%2F2016%2F20160406_atespoz 10 April 2016 dead thumb|Damaged houses in Makhrizli village, Agdam District. 1 May 2016 According to Azerbaijani claims, Armenian Armed Forces directed high caliber artillery fire at a mosque (in Ahmadaghaly, one civilian dead),Армяне разбомбили мечеть, погиб сельский житель https://web.archive.org/web/20160416103334/http://musavat.com/news/novosti-casa/armyane-razbombili-mecet-poqib-selskiy-zhitel_337378.html 16 April 2016 schools (in Seydimli, one schoolboy injured)http://www.vesti.az/news/288026#ad-image-0 От вражеского обстрела страдают азербайджанские школы-ФОТО 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160407204955/http://vesti.az/news/288026#ad-image-0 7 April 2016 dead and residential buildings as well as civilian infrastructure.http://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/94826.html Baku says Armenia's military dictatorship threats values that civilized world stands for AzerNews AzerNews 6 April 2016 6 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160513125719/http://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/94826.html 13 May 2016 livehttp://www.1news.az/politics/20160405124133220.html 1NEWS.AZ – Последние новости Азербайджана 12 April 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160418074256/http://www.1news.az/politics/20160405124133220.html 18 April 2016 Damage to houses in Azerbaijan by Armenian artillery fire was reported in the Russian press.http://www.gazeta.ru/politics/2016/04/07_a_8165687.shtml Специальный репортаж "Газеты.Ru" из прифронтовой зоны Нагорного Карабаха Газета.Ru 7 April 2016 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160410084901/http://www.gazeta.ru/politics/2016/04/07_a_8165687.shtml 10 April 2016 live According to Azerbaijan, on 7 April,http://mod.gov.az/index2.php?content=news/2016/20160407_tibbmasini Armenian side shells ambulance with wounded Azerbaijanis dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160410063104/http://www.mod.gov.az/index2.php?content=news%2F2016%2F20160407_tibbmasini 10 April 2016 Armenian armed forces shelled an ambulance evacuating injured Azerbaijani civilians in the Aghdara-Goranboy area.http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/2516328.html Armenian side shells ambulance with wounded Azerbaijanis 7 April 2016 Trend.Az 7 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160409001651/http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/2516328.html 9 April 2016 live Also, according to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence, on 7 April, an Armenian "X-55" style drone was shot down by Azerbaijani forces while trying to fly over the frontline.Azərbaycan: "Erməni dronu xüsusi üsulla endirilib" 7 April 2016 https://www.azadliq.org/a/cebhede-atisma/27650109.html azadliq.org 27 November 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20181023034831/https://www.azadliq.org/a/cebhede-atisma/27650109.html 23 October 2018 live The Ministry of Defence of the Artsakh Republic published some aerial photos to prove that Azerbaijan deploys military units near populated areas and violated the Article 52 of Geneva Convention.https://armenpress.am/eng/news/845497/azerbaijan-deploys-military-units-in-populated-areas.html Azerbaijan deploys military units in populated areas 28 April 2016 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160617031938/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/845497/azerbaijan-deploys-military-units-in-populated-areas.html 17 June 2016 live During a BBC visit to Azerbaijan's side of frontline, a team of BBC journalists asked to see and ensure where the alleged military objects are placed but the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence refused for "safety reasons".http://www.bbc.com/russian/international/2016/05/160506_karabakh_conflict_azerbaijan_side Конфликт в Карабахе: жизнь на линии фронта BBC Русская служба 7 May 2016 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160817130549/http://www.bbc.com/russian/international/2016/05/160506_karabakh_conflict_azerbaijan_side 17 August 2016 livehttp://www.panorama.am/en/news/2016/05/07/BBC-Azerbaijan/1575830 BBC's article shows that Azerbaijan hides fact of placing military objects within civilian settlements Helix Consulting LLC 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161004185258/http://www.panorama.am/en/news/2016/05/07/BBC-Azerbaijan/1575830 4 October 2016 live On 8 April, artillery fire was exchanged between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces, with the Armenians reporting two soldiers killed.https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/04/08/world/europe/ap-eu-azerbaijan-armenia.html Skirmishes Continue in Nagorno-Karabakh Despite Cease-Fire 8 April 2016 Associated Press 12 April 2016 The New York Times A temporary ceasefire agreement mediated by the International Committee of the Red Cross and field assistants of the OSCE, allowed for both sides to collect dead and missing soldiers.http://armenpress.am/eng/news/842916/icrc-hands-azerbaijani-side-corpses-of-eliminated-soldiers.html ICRC hands Azerbaijani side corpses of eliminated soldiers armenpress.am 9 April 2016 10 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160411143532/http://armenpress.am/eng/news/842916/icrc-hands-azerbaijani-side-corpses-of-eliminated-soldiers.html 11 April 2016 livehttp://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/209958/ Armenian President, OSCE Minsk Group discuss Karabakh in Yerevan PanARMENIAN.Net 10 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160412103822/http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/209958/ 12 April 2016 live On 14 April, the Azerbaijani government reported that one of its soldiers had been killed by Armenian forces on the line of contact.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-14/karabakh-truce-shaken-as-azeris-say-soldier-dies-by-armenia-fire Truce Shaken as Azeris Say Soldier Killed in Armenian Attack Zulfugar Agayev, Sara Khojoyan 14 April 2016 Bloomberg.com 22 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160422224444/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-14/karabakh-truce-shaken-as-azeris-say-soldier-dies-by-armenia-fire 22 April 2016 live On 15 April, Nagorno-Karabakh reported one of its soldiers had been killed in action with Azerbaijani forces.https://www.rferl.org/a/nagorno-karabakh-armenia-backed-separatist-killed/27676525.html Nagorno-Karabakh Says Fighter Killed By Azerbaijani Fire RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty 22 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160421235322/http://www.rferl.org/content/nagorno-karabakh-armenia-backed-separatist-killed/27676525.html 21 April 2016 live A soldier of the Nagorno-Karabakh military was reported killed in action with Azerbaijani forces on 19 April.https://www.armradio.am/en/2016/04/19/armenian-soldier-killed-in-azeri-firing-7/ Armenian soldier killed in Azeri firing Public Radio of Armenia 22 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160420102731/http://www.armradio.am/en/2016/04/19/armenian-soldier-killed-in-azeri-firing-7/ 20 April 2016 live Further skirmishes occurred on 21 April, killing another Nagorno-Karabakh soldier.https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-lavrov-visit-karabakh/27688053.html Lavrov Visits Armenia Amid Sporadic Firing Around Nagorno-Karabakh RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty 22 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160422001102/http://www.rferl.org/content/armenia-lavrov-visit-karabakh/27688053.html 22 April 2016 live Claims of atrocities and usage of prohibited munitions According to Armenian officials, residents of Talysh and Madagiz had been evacuated and provided with shelter in other parts of the region.Эвакуированные жители сел Нагорного Карабаха обеспечены временным жильем https://web.archive.org/web/20160410001311/http://www.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/280235/ 10 April 2016 . Caucasian Knot. 3 April 2016. Armenian and international reporters announced that after Talysh was retaken by Armenian troops, an elderly Armenian couple had been found shot in their home and their corpses had been mutilated. According to these reports, Azerbaijani soldiers also killed another elderly woman.http://hetq.am/eng/news/66976/azerbaijani-soldiers-execute-elderly-armenian-couple-in-artsakh-then-cut-off-their-ears.html Azerbaijani Soldiers Execute Elderly Armenian Couple in Artsakh; Then Cut Off Their Ears 3 April 2016 HETQ.am 3 April 2016 hy https://web.archive.org/web/20160406043641/http://hetq.am/eng/news/66976/azerbaijani-soldiers-execute-elderly-armenian-couple-in-artsakh-then-cut-off-their-ears.html 6 April 2016 livehttps://news.am/eng/news/320396.html Hetq.am: Azerbaijani violence in Karabakh's Talish, civilians shot (18+) (PHOTO) 27 May 2023 news.amhttps://president.am/en/press-release/item/2016/04/04/President-Serzh-Sargsyan-meeting-with-Ambassadors-of-OSCE-states/ The President met with the Ambassadors of the OSCE Participating States The Office of the President of Armenia 4 April 2016 en Schoolchildren were killed and wounded in the school yard; elderly people were viciously killed in their homes – all of them peaceful residents, including a 92 year old woman. live https://web.archive.org/web/20160411032100/http://www.president.am:80/en/press-release/item/2016/04/04/President-Serzh-Sargsyan-meeting-with-Ambassadors-of-OSCE-states 11 April 2016 Photographs of corpses with ears cut off revived memories of the atrocities of the 1988–1994 war, observed a Le Monde reporter.http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2016/04/11/au-haut-karabakh-l-etat-de-guerre-permanent_4899722_3214.html Dans la guerre sans fin du Haut-Karabakh Le Monde.fr 11 April 2016 22 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160411220259/http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2016/04/11/au-haut-karabakh-l-etat-de-guerre-permanent_4899722_3214.html 11 April 2016 live According to the Russia's leading human rights lawyer,http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1957604.ece The Times London Kremlin targets champion of hopeless causes Tony Halpin 20 June 2007 7 May 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20081013075853/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1957604.ece 13 October 2008 dead the head of the International Protection Centre Karinna Moskalenko, complaints about these facts of violence against the civilian population are already prepared to be sent to the European Court of Human Rights.http://www.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/280544/ Кавказский Узел - Москаленко: убийства в Карабахе - военные преступления или преступления против человечности Кавказский Узел 22 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160419002948/http://www.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/280544/ 19 April 2016 live On 4 April, it was reported that Azerbaijani forces decapitated the body of a Yazidi-Armenian soldier, Kyaram Sloyan, who had been killed in action,http://www.mia.az/w239519/Erm%C9%99nistan_c%C9%99bh%C9%99d%C9%99_%C3%B6ld%C3%BCr%C3%BCl%C9%99n_zabitl%C9%99rini_bir_qisminin_ad%C4%B1n%C4%B1_a%C3%A7%C4%B1qlad%C4%B1_-_%3Cfont_color=red%3E_S%C4%B0YAHI/ Ermənistan cəbhədə öldürülən zabitlərini bir qisminin adını açıqladı – SİYAHI MIA (Müstəqil İnformasiya Agentliyi) az 4 April 2016 6 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160420162855/http://www.mia.az/w239519/Erm%C9%99nistan_c%C9%99bh%C9%99d%C9%99_%C3%B6ld%C3%BCr%C3%BCl%C9%99n_zabitl%C9%99rini_bir_qisminin_ad%C4%B1n%C4%B1_a%C3%A7%C4%B1qlad%C4%B1_-_%3Cfont_color=red%3E_S%C4%B0YAHI/ 20 April 2016 livehttp://armenpress.am/eng/news/842717/nagorno-karabakh-defense-ministry-releases-names-of-36-killed-soldiers.html Nagorno Karabakh Defense Ministry releases names of 36 killed soldiers Armenian News Agency 8 April 2016 8 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160409031956/http://armenpress.am/eng/news/842717/nagorno-karabakh-defense-ministry-releases-names-of-36-killed-soldiers.html 9 April 2016 livehttp://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/world_news/Middle_East/article1686450.ece?CMP=OTH-gnws-standard-2016_04_09 Former Russian states on brink of renewing war – The Sunday Times The Sunday Times 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160419152207/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/world_news/Middle_East/article1686450.ece?CMP=OTH-gnws-standard-2016_04_09 19 April 2016 dead with videos and pictures of his severed head posted on social networks.http://ezidipress.com/en/karabakh-conflict-azerbaijani-soldiers-behead-ezidi-soldier-from-armenia/ Karabakh conflict: Azerbaijani soldiers behead Ezidi from Armenia – EzidiPress English 4 April 2016 5 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160405044658/http://ezidipress.com/en/karabakh-conflict-azerbaijani-soldiers-behead-ezidi-soldier-from-armenia/ 5 April 2016 livehttp://www.mediamax.am/en/news/karabakh/17555/ Iraqi Yezidis express solidarity with Armenians mediamax.am 5 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160412100826/http://www.mediamax.am/en/news/karabakh/17555 12 April 2016 livehttp://ekurd.net/azerbaijani-behead-yazidi-kurd-2016-04-04 Azerbaijani soldiers behead Armenian Yazidi Kurd: Karabakh conflict Ekurd.net 4 April 2016 8 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160416060642/http://ekurd.net/azerbaijani-behead-yazidi-kurd-2016-04-04 16 April 2016 livehttp://regnum.ru/news/polit/2110349.html ИГИЛ в Карабахе: азербайджанские военные отрезали голову армянскому солдату ИА REGNUM 22 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160423225603/http://regnum.ru/news/polit/2110349.html 23 April 2016 live According to The Sunday Times, it included "shocking souvenir photos of uniformed Azerbaijani soldiers posing with the severed head". Sloyan's body was buried without its head on 5 April 2016, in his native village of Artashavan. On 8 April, through the mediation of the Red Cross, the Azerbaijani side returned Sloyan's head.Armenian Soldier Reburied http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/27665737.html Radio Liberty Armenia 11 April 2016 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160414020202/http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/27665737.html 14 April 2016 live Sloyan was interred for a second time the following day, to lay his head with his body.The Poor Are the First to Fight in Nagorno-Karabakh http://www.eurasianet.org/node/78711 EurasiaNet Open Society Foundations 11 May 2016 12 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160512102731/http://www.eurasianet.org/node/78711 12 May 2016 livehttp://www.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/281270/ Кавказский Узел - Армения заявила о трех случаях обезглавливания своих солдат в ходе обострения карабахского конфликта Кавказский Узел 19 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160525173950/http://www.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/281270 25 May 2016 livehttp://en.a1plus.am/1233167.html Kyaram Sloyan buried for a second time 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160415013248/http://en.a1plus.am/1233167.html 15 April 2016 live According to Regnum News Agency and KavNews Russian agency, during his visit to Terter, Agdam and Barda districts, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev awarded the Azerbaijani soldier who allegedly posed with the severed head of Sloyan.http://kavnews.ru/lenta-novosteie/aliev-nagradil-voennogo-otrezavshego-golovu-armyanskomu-soldatu.html?print=1&tmpl=component Алиев наградил военного, отрезавшего голову армянскому солдату 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161004185235/http://kavnews.ru/lenta-novosteie/aliev-nagradil-voennogo-otrezavshego-golovu-armyanskomu-soldatu.html?print=1&tmpl=component 4 October 2016 dead Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan condemned the encouragement of the Azerbaijani serviceman who was depicted on another photo where the mutilated head of Sloyan was manifestly shown.http://araratnews.am/armenia-mfa-azerbaijan-has-adopted-policy-of-carrying-out-crimes-against-humanity/?lang=en#sthash.GuGCTJqZ.dpuf Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan has adopted policy of carrying out crimes against humanity - AraratNews AraratNews 19 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160807194154/http://araratnews.am/armenia-mfa-azerbaijan-has-adopted-policy-of-carrying-out-crimes-against-humanity/?lang=en#sthash.GuGCTJqZ.dpuf 7 August 2016 live On 8 April, Artak Beglaryan, a spokesperson for the NKR Prime Minister, posted a photo on his Twitter account showing the beheaded corpse of an Armenian soldier. He called the beheading in a Tweet a "barbaric act & Daesh/ISIS style war crime."18+... A barbaric act & #Daesh/#ISIS style war crime by #Azerbaijan army. #KarabakhNow #NKpeace #HumanRights #Peace https://twitter.com/Artak_Beglaryan/status/718437774718840832 Artak_Beglaryan on Twitter (verified account) 8 April 2016 4 October 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201004175926/https://twitter.com/Artak_Beglaryan/status/718437774718840832 live According to the public report of the Human Rights Defender (ombudsman) of Artsakh, "the facts of beheading [of] Hayk Toroyan, Kyaram Sloyan, and Hrant Gharibyan by the Azerbaijani troops, as well as the torturing and mutilation of 18 Artsakh army members constitute grave breaches of customary international law".http://www.eoi.at/d/Presse/Nagorno%20Karabakh/Interim_Public_Report_NKR%20Omb._FINAL.pdf The interim public report of the Human Right's defender (ombudsman) of NKR, European Ombudsman Institute Official Site, April 2016 eoi.at 26 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20161004165555/http://www.eoi.at/d/Presse/Nagorno%20Karabakh/Interim_Public_Report_NKR%20Omb._FINAL.pdf 4 October 2016 dead Relatives of three Armenian soldiers killed and beheaded during the escalation filed a complaint against Azerbaijan to the European Court of Human Rights. The plaintiffs demanded to recognize the case of inhumane treatment with regard to the bodies, lack of respect for their privacy, and discrimination based on nationality.http://eng.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/35390/ Complaint about beheading of Armenian soldiers filed to ECtHR, advocate reports 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160624082230/http://eng.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/35390/ 24 June 2016 dead In April 2016 the European Ombudsman Institute issued a statement that condemns any violation of human rights regarding civilians and attacks on civilian objects in Nagorno-Karabakh. According to their statement, "civilian citizens of Nagorno-Karabakh were inhumanly treated without any respect and by that offended in their dignity". "We are concerned by the information received, that peaceful civilians were killed in the Nagorno-Karabakh settlements through partly cruel and inhuman methods of execution. All these operations constitute gross violations of human rights; they are opposed to European human rights and human values; they significantly endanger the European system for the protection and promotion of human rights".http://www.eoi.at Europäisches Ombudsman Institut 19 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160525111507/http://www.eoi.at/ 25 May 2016 live Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe stated their intentions to report the beheadings and other human rights violations allegedly conducted by Azerbaijan to the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. The co-rapporteurs said: "We are going to submit a report to the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights on the fact of murdering and beheading of a conscript, and then publicizing it."PACE to Present Beheading of Armenian Soldiers to Europe Human Rights Commissioner http://asbarez.com/150282/pace-to-present-beheading-of-armenian-soldiers-to-europe-human-rights-commissioner/ Asbarez 12 May 2016 19 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160516221815/http://asbarez.com/150282/pace-to-present-beheading-of-armenian-soldiers-to-europe-human-rights-commissioner/ 16 May 2016 liveCo-Rapporteurs' Visit: PACE officials address Karabakh escalation on Armenia trip https://www.armenianow.com/en/news/politics/2016/05/13/armenia-pace-co-rapporteurs-visit-meetings/3110/ ArmeniaNow 13 May 2016 19 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160514103940/https://www.armenianow.com/en/news/politics/2016/05/13/armenia-pace-co-rapporteurs-visit-meetings/3110/ 14 May 2016 live HALO Trust reported that Azerbaijan had dropped rocket-dispensed cluster bombs around civilian settlements in NKR.https://www.halotrust.org/media-centre/news/halo-begins-emergency-clearance-in-karabakh/ HALO begins emergency clearance in Nagorno Karabakh 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160610100210/https://www.halotrust.org/media-centre/news/halo-begins-emergency-clearance-in-karabakh/ 10 June 2016 live On 17 May 2016 Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that on 11 May the Armenian military had used 122-mm calibre white phosphorus munitions prohibited by the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons against Azerbaijani civilians and civilian objects.http://www.mfa.gov.az/en/news/909/4104 Statement on the use of white phosphorus bomb by the armed forces of Armenia against civilians and civilian objects of Azerbaijan Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan 17 May 2016 11 June 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160621200311/http://www.mfa.gov.az/en/news/909/4104 21 June 2016 live On 11 May, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry jointly with the Foreign Ministry invited military attaches from 13 countries to visit the territory in the Askipara village where the Defense Ministry claims to have found a white phosphorus munition fired by Armenian forces.http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/video/specialists-dispose-of-white-phosphorus-shell-fired-by-news-footage/531120554 Specialists eliminate white phosphorus shell fired by Armenia on Azerbaijan's Terter Getty Images Getty Images / Anadolu Agency 11 June 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160811200557/http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/video/specialists-dispose-of-white-phosphorus-shell-fired-by-news-footage/531120554 11 August 2016 live The usage of phosphorus munition by the Armenian military was also reported by Al Jazeera.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhcuw6LuCLI ar:اتهامات أذرية لأرمينيا بقصف مناطق مدنية بالفسفور الأبيض ar Al Jazeera Arabic 17 May 2016 YouTube 12 June 2016 4 October 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201004175929/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhcuw6LuCLI live Azerbaijani Military Prosecutor's Office initiated a criminal case upon the finding. NKR foreign ministry and Armenia defence ministry dismiss it as a falsification and distortion of the reality.https://armenpress.am/eng/news/846805/defense-ministry-spokesman-responds-to-azerbaijani-allegations-of-white-phosphorus-usage-azerbaijan.html Defense Ministry spokesman responds to Azerbaijani allegations of white phosphorus usage: Azerbaijan is in an ill-mannered delusion 11 May 2016 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160806200147/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/846805/defense-ministry-spokesman-responds-to-azerbaijani-allegations-of-white-phosphorus-usage-azerbaijan.html 6 August 2016 livehttps://armenpress.am/eng/news/848030/nkr-mfa-falsification-and-distortion-of-reality-is-integral-part-of-azerbaijans-foreign-policy.html NKR MFA: Falsification and distortion of reality is integral part of Azerbaijan's foreign policy 20 May 2016 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160806213200/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/848030/nkr-mfa-falsification-and-distortion-of-reality-is-integral-part-of-azerbaijans-foreign-policy.html 6 August 2016 live Armenian media sources disclaimed it as a staged operation by Azerbaijan, citing absence of evidence of the presence of a shell or of a shell being used by Armenians, adding that this is a non-story as there is no evidence of any prohibited use.https://armenpress.am/eng/news/847224/azerbaijan-staged-a-story-about-white-phosphorus.html Azerbaijan staged a story about white phosphorus 14 May 2016 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160806210254/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/847224/azerbaijan-staged-a-story-about-white-phosphorus.html 6 August 2016 live Transfer of bodies On 10 April, the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic said that of the 18 bodies of Armenian soldiers transferred that same day by Azerbaijan, all showed signs of torture or mutilation. The commission called these acts "a flagrant manifestation of inhumanity, run counter to the laws and customs of war and are in grave violation of the international humanitarian law", adding that the Karabakh side will ensure that "such behavior of the Azerbaijani side is condemned in strongest terms by the international community and the specialized agencies".http://en.aravot.am/2016/04/11/175574/ All bodies of the deceased transferred by the Azerbaijani side had signs of torture and mutilation Առավոտ – Նորություններ Հայաստանից 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160416014528/http://en.aravot.am/2016/04/11/175574/ 16 April 2016 deadhttp://galatv.am/ru/news/145364/ Заявление Государственной комиссии НКР по вопросам военнопленных, заложников и без вести пропавших ԳԱԼԱ 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160508115455/http://galatv.am/ru/news/145364/ 8 May 2016 live Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence denied the accusations and claimed that the transferred bodies of Azerbaijani servicemen had been mutilated by the Armenian side.http://www.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/280712/ Кавказский Узел - Азербайджан опроверг заявления о глумлении над телами убитых Кавказский Узел 22 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160425095040/http://www.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/280712/ 25 April 2016 live The NKR State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons called this claim by Azerbaijan a cynical attempt to mislead the international community, observing that before the start of the exchange procedure, all the bodies of the dead soldiers had been examined in the presence of representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and no traces of abuse or ill-treatment had been discovered or registered on Azerbaijani soldiers.Karabakh MFA: No traces of abuse or ill-treatment were discovered on bodies of Azerbaijani soldiers", A1+, 15 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160505005011/http://en.a1plus.am/1233704.html 5 May 2016 Aftermath Casualty estimates According to the US State Department, Azerbaijan "took a huge number of casualties, including comparatively", although the number was not specified. Overall, a senior member of the US State Department estimated 350 casualties on both sides, including civilians. Official estimates of the warring parties are far apart from each other. According to official statements of the involved sides, 91 Armenian and 31 Azerbaijani soldiers were killed during the clashes, and several pieces of military equipment from both sides were destroyed. Also according to official statements, fifteen civilians (9 Armenian and 6 Azerbaijani) were killed in the conflict. Azerbaijani Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov declared that 560 Armenian servicemen were killed during the clashes and Armenian casualties were 10 times higher than Azerbaijani casualties. Hasanov claimed these figures were pronounced by the Armenian parliamentary commission which was established to investigate April clashes. Various non-official Azerbaijani sources, per research of social networks, put the actual number of Azerbaijani soldiers killed at 94, while two remain missing.http://www.azadliq.info/129468.html Son döyüşlərdəki şəhidlərimizin sayı 93-ə çatdı (Qeyri-rəsmi siyahı) Azadliq 11 April 2016 22 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160427100531/http://www.azadliq.info/129468.html 27 April 2016 live According to Christoph Bierwirth, UNHCR representative in Armenia, more than 2,000 people left Nagorno-Karabakh for Armenia amid the clashes.More than 2000 people left Karabakh for Armenia amid 2016 NK conflict escalation – UNHCR representative in Armenia https://web.archive.org/web/20170620122112/http://www.panorama.am/en/news/2017/06/20/2016-NK-conflict-escalation-UNHCR-representative-Armenia/1795923 20 June 2017 . Panorama.am. 20 June 2017. In 2017, dozens of servicemen of the Azerbaijani army were arrested and tortured and accused of spying for Armenia. Azerbaijani military expert, retired colonel Isa Sadigov said that the combat losses over these four days showed that "the country is not ready and not able to conduct military operations." Terter region (where mass torture took place a year later) is located in close proximity to the line of contact between the warring parties. The expert believes that the “Terter case” itself appeared due to the desire of the command to “hide its shortcomings” during the April 2016 battles."Умри или признайся". Как в Азербайджане искали армянских шпионов ru BBC News Русская служба https://www.bbc.com/russian/features-50431983 2023-03-14 Analysis There has been no conclusive assessment on the outcome of the clashes.Akhundov Sabir Azerbaijanism https://opendemocracy.net/od-russia/sabir-akhundov/azerbaijanism openDemocracy 3 August 2016 The result was inconclusive... 3 August 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160818152628/https://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/sabir-akhundov/azerbaijanism 18 August 2016 live Neil Melvin, director of the armed conflict and conflict management programme at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, stated that "Azerbaijan suffered heavy losses for relatively minor territorial gains, this is nonetheless seen as a victory, after 25 years of a sense of having been defeated".http://www.intellinews.com/nagorno-karabakh-the-slow-motion-conflict-98051/ bne IntelliNews - Nagorno-Karabakh: the slow-motion conflict 23 May 2016 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161004185309/http://www.intellinews.com/nagorno-karabakh-the-slow-motion-conflict-98051/ 4 October 2016 live Several analysts noted that the clashes did not result in significant changes.Liakhov Peter Behind the Four-Day War Jacobin April 2016 https://www.jacobinmag.com/2016/04/armenia-azerbaijan-nagorno-karabakh-war/ By the fourth day, with at least one hundred and seventy two people killed and negligent territorial gains or losses... 18 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160611104030/https://www.jacobinmag.com/2016/04/armenia-azerbaijan-nagorno-karabakh-war/ 11 June 2016 live Matthew Bodner wrote in The Moscow Times on 6 April that "the previous status quo has been more-or-less preserved."Bodner Matthew How Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Could Spark Major International Crisis http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/how-nagorno-karabakh-conflict-could-spark-major-international-crisis/564934.html The Moscow Times 6 April 2016 By the time both sides stopped shooting at each other on April 5, it indeed appeared that the previous status quo has been more-or-less preserved. 7 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160507183332/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/how-nagorno-karabakh-conflict-could-spark-major-international-crisis/564934.html 7 May 2016 live Independent Armenian journalist Tatul Hakobyan, who visited the frontline during the clashes, remarked that the death of scores of soldiers of both sides was "senseless" as no real change occurred. He stated: "Azerbaijan did not win and Armenia did not lose."Hakobyan Tatul Tatul Hakobyan 14 April 2016 Պատերազմի առաջին զոհը ճշմարտությունն է, եւ լրագրողներս պետք է այն հասցնենք հանրությանը http://www.aniarc.am/2016/04/14/tatul-hakobyan-gagik-aghbalian/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20160416074822/http://www.aniarc.am/2016/04/14/tatul-hakobyan-gagik-aghbalian/ 16 April 2016 15 April 2016 ANI Foundation for Armenian Studies hy Սա չորսօրյա պատերազմ է, որտեղ ադրբեջանական կողմը չհաղթեց, իսկ հայկական կողմը չպարտվեց: Սա ես համարում եմ ողբերգություն, որովհետեւ անիմաստ սպանվեցին տասնյակ մարդիկ եւ եղան հարյուրավոր վիրավորներ: [This is a four-day war, where the Azerbaijani side did not win, and the Armenian side did not lose. I consider this to be a tragedy, because tens of people died and hundreds were wounded senselessly]. Russian military expert Vladimir Yevseyev said that the Azerbaijani offensive, despite the initial victory, was not a success because the Azerbaijani side has numerous killed soldiers and destroyed tanks.http://en.a1plus.am/1232879.html Russian expert: The Armenian side can strike a big blow to Azerbaijan's economy (video) 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161004165645/http://en.a1plus.am/1232879.html 4 October 2016 live The International Crisis Group assessment stated that Azerbaijan gained "small but strategically important pieces of land".Nagorno-Karabakh: New Opening, or New Peril? http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/europe/south-caucasus/azerbaijan/239-nagorno-karabakh-new-opening-or-more-peril.aspx International Crisis Group 4 July 2016 23 July 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160707162657/http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/europe/south-caucasus/azerbaijan/239-nagorno-karabakh-new-opening-or-more-peril.aspx 7 July 2016 live Russian military analyst Pavel Felgenhauer believes that Azerbaijan "won the first round of fighting".Фельгенгауэр Павел Баку побеждает в первом раунде http://www.novayagazeta.ru/politics/72578.html Новая Газета 29 March 1972 10 June 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160613151758/http://www.novayagazeta.ru/politics/72578.html 13 June 2016 live Former Minister of Defence of the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Samvel Babayan stated that the territories gained by Azerbaijan have strategic importance, and that Armenia lost these territories within one hour.Самвел Бабаян: "Легко говорить, что вы в Баку будете пить чай. Скорее, наоборот" http://www.armenianreport.com/pubs/131568/ Armenianreport.com 3 June 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160603221407/http://www.armenianreport.com/pubs/131568 3 June 2016 live The governments of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh rejected his criticism.Abrahamyan Gohar Response to Babayan: Armenian officials downplay criticism from Karabakh's ex-commander - ArmeniaNow.com https://www.armenianow.com/en/karabakh/2016/06/02/armenia-former-commander-karabakh-samvel-babayan-criticism/4348/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20170407233446/https://www.armenianow.com/en/karabakh/2016/06/02/armenia-former-commander-karabakh-samvel-babayan-criticism/4348/ 7 April 2017 26 June 2017 armenianow.com Chatham House fellow Zaur Shiriyev suggested that Azerbaijan prompted a "carefully controlled escalation [that] served to raise international awareness of the fragility of a status quo which Azerbaijan regards as unfavourable, in order to galvanize the international mediators and put pressure on Yerevan to be constructive at the negotiating table."Shiriyev Zaur Violence in Nagorny Karabakh a Reflection of Azerbaijan's Security Dilemma https://www.chathamhouse.org/expert/comment/violence-nagorny-karabakh-reflection-azerbaijan-s-security-dilemma Chatham House 22 April 2016 7 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160423124715/https://www.chathamhouse.org/expert/comment/violence-nagorny-karabakh-reflection-azerbaijan-s-security-dilemma 23 April 2016 live British journalist Thomas de Waal, senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and author of Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan Through Peace and War, does not believe that the Azerbaijani offensive was meant as a full-scale military operation but rather as a limited attempt to bring the conflict back on the international agenda and put Armenia under pressure. He believes that after the April violence, the conflict is unlikely to return to its semi-quiet state and that a new round of fighting would be harder to contain than previous conflicts.Thomas de Waal. Prisoners of the Caucasus: Resolving the Karabakh Security Dilemma https://web.archive.org/web/20160619070140/http://carnegieeurope.eu/2016/06/16/prisoners-of-caucasus-resolving-karabakh-security-dilemma/j1yq 19 June 2016 . Carnegie Europe. 16 June 2016. Christine Philippe-Blumauer noted, "Russian official reactions suggest that Russian troops would not actually decide to intervene in favor of the Armenian side, should the conflict scale-up to a fully-fledged war yet again."Philippe-Blumauer Christine Nagorno-Karabakh: A Conflict Entrenched in Nationalistic Propaganda http://www.fpri.org/2016/05/nagorno-karabakh-conflict-entrenched-nationalistic-propaganda/ Foreign Policy Research Institute 5 May 2016 8 June 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160722220921/http://www.fpri.org/2016/05/nagorno-karabakh-conflict-entrenched-nationalistic-propaganda/ 22 July 2016 live According to one analysis, the conflict highlighted the sidelining of the OSCE Minsk Group, which has a mandate to mediate negitations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and its replacement by Russian mediation. The OSCE Minsk Group organized a meeting only several days after the beginning of the fighting, and by that time the parties had already come to a ceasefire agreement in Moscow.https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2016-04-06/four-day-war-nagorno-karabakh The four-day war in Nagorno-Karabakh OSW 27 November 2018 27 November 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181030170443/https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2016-04-06/four-day-war-nagorno-karabakh 30 October 2018 live Following the conflict, Russia started to increase political and economic ties with both Azerbaijan and Armenia. In Yerevan, Gazprom agreed to increase gas supply to Armenia, and decreased the price of gas, which was already low. In Baku, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had a discussion about a railway line from Russia to Iran through Azerbaijan. Dmitry Rogozin, then deputy prime minister of Russia, said that Moscow is the biggest supplier of arms to both sides and will continue to be so in the future.March 2021 People who worked on the settlement process said that none of the sides would have trust in a permanent peace established by Russia alone.March 2021 As the former US ambassador to the Minsk Group Matthew Bryza puts it, "The key to resolving this is to get the two presidents to have sufficient trust in each other, and Russia is not going to be able to do that".https://www.ft.com/content/3d485610-0572-11e6-9b51-0fb5e65703ce Russia senses opportunity in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Financial Times 27 November 2018 27 November 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181127145949/https://www.ft.com/content/3d485610-0572-11e6-9b51-0fb5e65703ce 27 November 2018 live Farchy Jack Official statements Armenian Armenian Ministry of Defence Spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisyan stated that the Azerbaijani attempted to take part of northern Karabakh with a "blitzkrieg", which failed.Mkrtchyan Marianna Artsrun Hovhannisyan: Azerbaijan's attempt of blitzkrieg failed http://www.arminfo.info/index.cfm?objectid=A35495F0-FA77-11E5-9D010EB7C0D21663 arminfo.info 4 April 2016 15 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160415171216/http://www.arminfo.info/index.cfm?objectid=A35495F0-FA77-11E5-9D010EB7C0D21663 15 April 2016 live After a ceasefire was reached NKR Defence Army Colonel Victor Arustamyan said that one military position was left under Azerbaijani control, which was of no strategic significance.Ghazanchyan Siranush 32 Armenian soldiers dead, 121 wounded, 25 missing http://www.armradio.am/en/2016/04/06/32-armenian-soldiers-killed-121-wounded-25-missing/ Public Radio of Armenia 6 April 2016 Colonel Arustamyan gave clarifications about an Armenian military position left under Azerbaijani control. According to him, it's of no strategic significance, as the area of its peak is 5 meters, and the height is 20 meters as compared to the overall landscape. 6 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160407130628/http://www.armradio.am/en/2016/04/06/32-armenian-soldiers-killed-121-wounded-25-missing/ 7 April 2016 dead On 24 April President Serzh Sargsyan acknowledged that Azerbaijani troops had taken very small pieces of land in the north and south of the contact line, which he said had no strategic importance for Armenian forces, who had not attempted to reclaim them to avoid additional loss of life.Halpin Anthony Khojoyan Sara War May Resume at 'Any Moment,' Armenian President Warns https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-24/caucasus-war-may-resume-at-any-moment-armenian-president-says Bloomberg.com 24 April 2016 25 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160425225011/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-24/caucasus-war-may-resume-at-any-moment-armenian-president-says 25 April 2016 live On 17 May Sargsyan stated that the Armenian side had lost control of "800 hectares of land having neither tactical nor strategic importance".Karabakh lost 800 ha of land that played no strategic role: Armenia (video) http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/212454/ PanARMENIAN.Net 17 May 2016 18 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160518102958/http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/212454/ 18 May 2016 liveSerzh Sargsyan: We have lost 800ha of land having neither tactical nor strategic importance http://www.arminfo.am/index.cfm?objectid=69B287C0-1C2E-11E6-922F0EB7C0D21663 Arminfo 18 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160518100755/http://arminfo.am/index.cfm?objectid=69B287C0-1C2E-11E6-922F0EB7C0D21663 18 May 2016 liveNo Inch of Land: Armenian hardliners riled by Sargsyan's admission of territorial losses in Karabakh https://www.armenianow.com/en/karabakh/2016/05/18/armenia-karabakh-serzh-sargsyan-land-lost-sefilian/3431/ ArmeniaNow 18 May 2016 18 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160519105122/https://www.armenianow.com/en/karabakh/2016/05/18/armenia-karabakh-serzh-sargsyan-land-lost-sefilian/3431/ 19 May 2016 live On 26 April 2016 Sargsyan fired 3 senior Armenian army officials, including the chiefs of the Logistics, the Intelligence and the Communications Departments, a move which was apparently influenced by the public criticism of the high death toll among the Armenian soldiers.Dismissed: Sargsyan relieves three generals of senior army positions https://www.armenianow.com/en/news/2016/04/26/armenia-generals-resignations-president-sargsyan/1904/ ArmeniaNow 30 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160427103545/https://www.armenianow.com/en/news/2016/04/26/armenia-generals-resignations-president-sargsyan/1904/ 27 April 2016 live President Sargsyan stated that Armenia would formally recognize the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh "if the military operations continue and acquire a large scale."Armenia: Azerbaijan gains no high ground in Karabakh http://www.armenianow.com/karabakh/71194/armenia_president_serzh_sargsyan_karabakh_azerbaijan_territory ArmeniaNow 4 April 2016 15 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160415092841/http://www.armenianow.com/karabakh/71194/armenia_president_serzh_sargsyan_karabakh_azerbaijan_territory 15 April 2016 live On 5 May 2016 the Government of Armenia approved the bill on recognition of the independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. It was announced, that the recognition of the independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is "due to the results of discussions between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, [and] considering further developments, including external factors."http://news.am/eng/news/325703.html Armenia government approves bill on recognition of Karabakh independence 19 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161227090235/https://news.am/eng/news/325703.html 27 December 2016 live Azerbaijani Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev initially claimed the clashes were a "great victory" for Azerbaijan.Seddon Max Farchy Jack Azerbaijan and Armenia in worst clashes for decades http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/d9df0dcc-f9a4-11e5-b3f6-11d5706b613b.html#axzz45sozcP1G Financial Times 3 April 2016 On Sunday, Azerbaijan's president, Ilham Aliyev, called the skirmishes a "great victory" as the country declared a unilateral ceasefire. 15 April 2016 4 October 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201004175929/https://www.ft.com/content/d9df0dcc-f9a4-11e5-b3f6-11d5706b613b#axzz45sozcP1G live Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence claimed that the Azerbaijani armed forces remain in control of strategic heights near the village of Talysh.Information 6 April 2016 az, en, ru http://mod.gov.az/index2.php?content=news%2F2016%2F20160406_talis Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan Republic 24 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160425051753/http://mod.gov.az/index2.php?content=news%2F2016%2F20160406_talis 25 April 2016 dead Responding to Sargsyan's claim on the Armenian troops' loss of 800 ha of territory, Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence stated that the Azerbaijani military took control of 2000 hectares of territory.Silahlı Qüvvələrimiz tərəfindən 2000 hektardan artıq ərazi azad edilib http://mod.gov.az/index2.php?content=news%2F2016%2F20160518_ermeniler Müdafiə Nazirliyi 18 May 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160518170532/http://www.mod.gov.az/index2.php?content=news%2F2016%2F20160518_ermeniler 18 May 2016 In the opinion of analyst Rizvan Huseynov, an article posted on the website of the state oil company owned media CBC claimed, "Nearly 5% of occupied territories returned" (nearly 57,290 hectares of territory).http://cbc.az/en/news/garabakh-conflict/nearly-5-of-occupied-territories-returned.page Nearly 5% of occupied territories returned - CBC.AZ 3 June 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160416005714/http://cbc.az/en/news/garabakh-conflict/nearly-5-of-occupied-territories-returned.page 16 April 2016 Azerbaijani opposition websites say Azerbaijan long-serving chief of general staff Najmaddin Sadigov may be replaced over 4-day war by the First Corps Commander and deputy Nizami Osmanov, but this was refuted by the Ministry of Defence spokesman.http://jam.az/index.php?sid=10935 Müdafiə Nazirliyində kadr dəyişikliyi GÖZLƏNTİSİ - Jurnalist Araşdırma Mərkəzi 16 November 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20161004165701/http://jam.az/index.php?sid=10935 4 October 2016http://minval.az/news/123582916 Минобороны опровергает информацию об увольнении начальника Генштаба Minval.az 10 May 2016 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161004165738/http://minval.az/news/123582916 4 October 2016 live Military awards thumb|Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev gives awards to the serviceman of the military unit in Tartar district. 1 May 2016 A number of Armenian military servicemen were awarded with orders and medals in Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.https://armenpress.am/eng/news/844101/serzh-sargsyan-awards-soldiers-in-nagorno-karabakh.html Serzh Sargsyan awards soldiers in Nagorno Karabakh 19 April 2016 armenpress.am 19 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160611013321/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/844101/serzh-sargsyan-awards-soldiers-in-nagorno-karabakh.html 11 June 2016 live Junior sergeant Robert Abajyan was posthumously awarded with Hero of Artsakh which is the highest honorary title of NKR. He became the youngest person ever to hold the title at 19 years old.https://hetq.am/hy/article/67874 20-ամյա Ռոբերտ Աբաջյանը հետմահու ճանաչվել է Արցախի հերոս. ԼՂՀ-ում պարգևատրել են հայրենիքի պաշտպաններին (լուսանկարներ) Hetq.am 12 May 2016 hy On 19 April 2016, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed orders on awarding honorary titles, orders and medals to a group of Azerbaijani military servicemen.http://en.apa.az/xeber_azerbaijan_awards_military_servicemen_fo_242364.html APA - Azerbaijan awards military servicemen for distinguished bravery in prevention of Armenian provocations 19 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160420230010/http://en.apa.az/xeber_azerbaijan_awards_military_servicemen_fo_242364.html 20 April 2016 dead Among them, Lieutenant Colonel Shukur Hamidov,http://www.anspress.com/siyaset/22-04-2016/4-gunluk-muharibenin-qehremani-ans-e-danisdi 4 günlük müharibənin qəhrəmanı ANS-ə danışdı az dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160424055635/http://www.anspress.com/siyaset/22-04-2016/4-gunluk-muharibenin-qehremani-ans-e-danisdi 24 April 2016 anspress.com 22 April 2016 Lieutenant Colonel Murad Mirzayevhttp://www.vzglyad.az/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA_%D0%9C%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4_%D0%9C%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B5%D0%B2_%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%80%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%BE_-60646-xeber.html Полковник Мурад Мирзаев посмертно получил звание Национального героя 19 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160503201308/http://www.vzglyad.az/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA_%D0%9C%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4_%D0%9C%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%B5%D0%B2_%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%80%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%BE_-60646-xeber.html 3 May 2016 live and Major Samid ImanovPrezident şəhid mayora Milli Qəhrəman adı verib https://web.archive.org/web/20160505123915/http://az.azvision.az/Prezident_shehid_mayora_Milli_-88412-xeber.html 5 May 2016 // azvision.az, 20 April 2016. were awarded with the medal of National Hero of Azerbaijan. Colonel Mais Barkhudarov was awarded with the rank of general-major by the Azerbaijani President because of his personal participation in the military operation to take the heights of Lalatapa.Azerbaijani officer received the rank of General https://web.archive.org/web/20160603042739/http://en.axar.az/news/2847 3 June 2016 // axar.az, 20 April 2016. Political harassment Ali Karimli, the leader of Azerbaijani Popular Front party, who criticized the Azerbaijani government over its actions during the clashes, became a subject of a series of protests (the latest one held on 12 April in front of Karimli's house), organized by the authorities. The protesters demanded that Karimli be exiled from the country. According to human rights lawyer Intigam Aliyev, attacks against Karimli are "diverting attention from truly important issues and testing technologies to distract people's justified anger caused by the serious consequences of wrong decisions."Meydan.TV Danger of attacks against Ali Karimli https://www.meydan.tv/en/site/politics/13614/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160805184416/https://www.meydan.tv/en/site/politics/13614/ 5 August 2016 16 November 2016http://www.contact.az/docs/2016/Social/041300152857ru.htm#.V0hQG9hkhdg Активисты гражданского общества выразили поддержку Али Керимли 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161004170252/http://www.contact.az/docs/2016/Social/041300152857ru.htm#.V0hQG9hkhdg 4 October 2016 dead Russian TV channel TV Rain reported that the Azerbaijani authorities launched a criminal case against journalists of the Azerbaijani independent channel Meydan TV because of the publication of the list of Azerbaijani soldiers killed during the clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh. Their list consisted of 94 names, while the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan confirmed only 31 deaths. According to the Meydan TV chief editor Emin Milli, each person on their list really died in the clashes, and he stated that the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan could not deny this information.За что азербайджанских журналистов назвали нацпредателями // tvrain.ru 25 апреля 2016 Societal reactions The societal reactions to the April clashes were different in Armenia and Azerbaijan. In Azerbaijan, the clashes surged patriotism in the public, and thousands of people volunteered to fight, yet the Ministry of Defence did not allow them to do so. Even people with the critical voice could not hide their surprise at the intense and quick social mobilization. For this reason, the declaration of the ceasefire on 5 April led to a sense of disappointment in the public. According to conflict expert Laurence Broers, reactions to the outbreak of violence were more "sombre" in Armenia. Following the ceasefire, demonstrations took place in Yerevan, which were caused by the anti-Russian attitudes that objected to Moscow's arms sales to Baku. Even though the Armenian officials firstly emphasized the effective performance of the Armenian army, there was a growing public disappointment about the complacency and corruption in the army. Out-of-date equipment and poor communication lines were believed to be the cause for the death of many Armenian soldiers within the first few hours of the clashes. After the declaration of the ceasefire, four high-ranking army officials were dismissed from their position. Rumors circulated following the war that Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan had agreed to territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Nationalist politician and war veteran Jirair Sefilian formed a "resistance committee" to oppose such concessions before being arrested on 20 June 2016. 2016-07-17 Sarkisian In Emergency Meeting On Yerevan Hostage Crisis hy «Ազատ Եվրոպա/Ազատություն» ռադիոկայան https://www.azatutyun.am/a/27863501.html 2023-08-24 In July 2016, armed gunmen demanding the release of Sefilian and the ruling out of any territorial concessions in Nagorno-Karabakh took over a police station in Yerevan, triggering a two-week hostage crisis. Explainer: Two-week standoff at the seized police station in Yerevan resolved https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2016/08/01/daredevils-explainer-longread/1621464 2023-08-24 www.panorama.am enDanielyan Emil 2016-07-18 3 Hostages Freed In Armenian Police Station Standoff hy «Ազատ Եվրոպա/Ազատություն» ռադիոկայան https://www.azatutyun.am/a/27864894.html 2023-08-24 Later statements and investigations Since leaving office in 2018, former Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan has made a number of statements about the 2016 clashes. In August 2020, Sargsyan asserted that Armenia had won the Four-Day War and stated that "despite some minor shortcomings, almost all military, political, state and civilian parties did their best during the hostilities." He acknowledged that Armenian military intelligence had failed to detect the Azerbaijani offensive in advance.2020-08-21 Serzh Sargsyan speaks about April War after two years of silence https://oc-media.org/serzh-sargsyan-speaks-about-april-war-after-two-years-of-silence/ 2023-08-24 OC Media en-US2020-08-19 Serzh Sargsyan on 2016 Four-Day War: ""We didn't know that Azerbaijan was preparing a large-scale military operation" https://hetq.am/en/article/120662 2023-08-24 Hetq.am en He also stated that he declined to order a counterattack to retake the territory lost to Azerbaijan during the war in order to avoid further Armenian casualties. 2020-08-08 "There's no going back" – ex Armenian president releases videos on April 2016 war - JAMnews https://jam-news.net/videos-serzh-sargsyan-former-president-armenia/ 2023-08-24 English Jamnews en-US The Armenian parliament formed a commission to investigate the circumstances of the 2016 war in June 2019.Mejlumyan Ani 2019-06-14 Armenia begins probe of 2016 war https://eurasianet.org/armenia-begins-probe-of-2016-war 2023-08-24 Eurasianet Among the people called to testify before the commission were president Serzh Sargsyan, former defense minister Seyran Ohanyan and former Artsakh Defence Army commander Levon Mnatsakanyan, former NKR president Bako Sahakyan, and former foreign minister Eduard Nalbandyan, as well as officers and soldiers. The commission found that rumors that the Armenian side had suffered from shortages in ammunition, food and fuel during the war were false.Sanamyan Emil 2020-06-10 April War Commission Members Share Preliminary Findings https://armenian.usc.edu/april-war-commission-members-share-preliminary-findings/ 2023-08-24 USC Institute of Armenian Studies en-US The full findings of the commission were kept secret.2021-05-04 No Public Access: Closed-Door Discussion of April 2016 War Inquiry Committee Report https://hetq.am/en/article/130431 2023-08-24 Hetq.am en In November 2020, then speaker of the parliament of Artsakh Arthur Tovmasyan stated that, following the April War, Serzh Sargsyan met with former NKR president Bako Sahakyan and 22 parliamentarians urging them to accept the return of the seven Armenian-controlled districts of Azerbaijan surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh, which the NKR representatives refused.2020-11-28 2016-ի ապրիլյանից հետո Սերժ Սարգսյանը հորդորեց մեզ համաձայնել յոթ շրջանների հանձնմանը, մենք չհամաձայնեցինք. Արթուր Թովմասյան Arthur Tovmasyan: After the 2016 April [war], Serzh Sargsyan urged us to agree to the handover of the seven regions; we did not agree http://infoport.am/am/news/politics/2016-i-aprilyanic-heto-serzh-sargsyany-hordorec-mez-hamadzaynel-yot-shrjanneri-handznmany-menq-chhamadzaynecinq-artur-tovmasyan 2023-08-24 infoport.am hy In a February 2021 interview, Serzh Sargsyan stated that he was ready to accept a compromise solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict involving the return of districts surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh and attempted to remain in power after 2018 to realize this solution. 2021-02-16 Serzh Sarkisian Links 2018 Bid To Extend Rule With Karabakh Peace hy «Ազատ Եվրոպա/Ազատություն» ռադիոկայան https://www.azatutyun.am/a/31105680.html 2023-08-24 Responding to Sargsyan's statements, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan claimed in an interview that the April War had been stopped because Serzh Sargsyan made promises regarding the return of the Armenian-controlled districts, but that he had delayed the return using the 2016 hostage crisis and the 2017 Armenian constitutional changes as reasoning, creating "serious problems" for the succeeding government .2021-02-21 Interview of the Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan on "Liberty" (Azatutyun) Radio Station https://www.seco.am/information/interviews/95?lang=en 2023-08-25 Security Council Office of Armenia International reactions Supranational bodies EU – High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini urged the parties "to stop the fighting immediately and observe the ceasefire".https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/fiji/2921/node/2921_en Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on the escalation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict 2 April 2016 2 April 2016 UN – Secretary General Ban Ki-moon demanded all sides involved in the conflict to immediately cease all armed hostilities and observe the terms of ceasefire.http://ria.ru/world/20160402/1401551089.html Генсек ООН призвал немедленно прекратить столкновения в Карабахе RIA Novosti ru 2 April 2016 2 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160403110459/http://ria.ru/world/20160402/1401551089.html 3 April 2016 live EU – European Parliament. In April 2016 a debate on the escalation of tension on the Nagorno Karabakh - Azerbaijan borders took place in the European Parliament. The majority of the Members of the European Parliament urged both parties to stop the military escalation and resume the peaceful negotiations. Several MEPs urged Azerbaijan to install mechanism for monitoring cease-fire violations on the line of contact already accepted by Armenia.http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+CRE+20160412+ITEM-015+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN European Parliament debate on Nagorno Karabakh 4 October 2020 11 June 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190611180720/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-%2F%2FEP%2F%2FTEXT+CRE+20160412+ITEM-015+DOC+XML+V0%2F%2FEN&language=EN live PACE – President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Pedro Agramunt, called on both sides to respect the ceasefire and resume peaceful negotiations. He also called for the withdrawal of all Armenian armed troops from occupied Azerbaijani territories in compliance with the UN Security Council resolutions.http://assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/News/News-View-EN.asp?newsid=6094&lang=2&cat=15 PACE President calls for respect of cease fire in Nagorno-Karabakh Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe en 3 April 2016 3 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160406222142/http://assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/News/News-View-EN.asp?newsid=6094&lang=2&cat=15 6 April 2016 live In 2017 in the report entitled “The Azerbaijani Laundromat” published by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project as result of investigative journalism, Agramunt was mentioned to be benefiting from Azerbaijani scheme of money laundering. Furthermore, he played a key role in rigging various votes at PACE in favour of Azerbaijan. https://www.transparency.org/news/feature/clean_up_spain_justice_for_azerbaijans_reputation_laundering_in_europe CLEAN UP SPAIN – JUSTICE FOR AZERBAIJAN'S REPUTATION LAUNDERING IN EUROPE 31 October 2018 Transparency Internationalhttps://www.investigace.eu/dozvuky-azerbajdzanskeho-laundromatu/ The Azerbaijani Laundromat: Pedro Agramunt Resigns 11 October 2017 Czech Centre for Investigative Journalism Pedro Agramunt has resigned for Azerbaijan-linked corruption, accepting money, vacations, jewelry, watches and prostitutes as a bribe from Azerbaijan. https://www.dw.com/en/ex-president-of-council-of-europe-assembly-under-fire-for-azerbaijan-linked-corruption/a-43540198 Ex-president of Council of Europe assembly under fire for Azerbaijan-linked corruption Deutsche Welle OIC – The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned "the attack by Armenian forces on the borders of occupied Azerbaijani territories" and Yerevan's "disrespect of the unilateral ceasefire" announced by Baku.http://www.citizen.co.za/afp_feed_article/nagorny-karabakh-clashes-continue-despite-azerbaijan-ceasefire/ Nagorny Karabakh clashes continue despite Azerbaijan 'ceasefire' The Citizen en 3 April 2016 3 April 2016 dead https://archive.today/20160404225910/http://www.citizen.co.za/afp_feed_article/nagorny-karabakh-clashes-continue-despite-azerbaijan-ceasefire/ 4 April 2016 CSTO – A spokesman for the head of the CSTO, Nikolay Bordyuzha, stated that the conflict must be settled through negotiations. Bordyuzha added that the Azerbaijani side is "leading to the escalation of the situation and the conflict".CSTO Chief Blames Baku For Escalation in Karabakh http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/27650276.html Azadutyun 2 April 2016 4 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160408091745/http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/27650276.html 8 April 2016 live OSCE Minsk Group and co-chair countries OSCE Minsk Group – The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group expressed "grave concern over the reported large-scale ceasefire violations that are taking place along the line of contact in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone" and strongly condemned "the use of force and regret the senseless loss of life, including civilians".https://www.osce.org/mg/231216 Press Release by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group 2 April 2016 2 April 2016 The OSCE Minsk Group scheduled to have a meeting on 5 April 2016 in Vienna over the incidents.Minsk Group Co-Chairs to meet Monday https://en.armradio.am/2016/04/02/minsk-group-co-chairs-to-meet-monday/ 2 April 2016 2 April 2016 Russia – President Vladimir Putin called on both sides to end hostilities and show restraint.https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-russia-call-for-restraint-after-outbreak-of-fighting-in-nagorno-karabakh-1459685441 U.S., Russia Call for Restraint After Outbreak of Fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh Nathan Hodge 3 April 2016 WSJ 4 March 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170519050454/https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-russia-call-for-restraint-after-outbreak-of-fighting-in-nagorno-karabakh-1459685441 19 May 2017 live On 4 April Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized what he called Turkey's interference into the internal affairs of neighboring nations and called Turkey's strong support for Azerbaijan "one-sided".https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-russia-syria-turkey-idUSKCN0X10XT Turkey must stop meddling in other states' affairs, end support of terrorism, Russia says 4 April 2016 Reuters 2 July 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171130201746/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-russia-syria-turkey-idUSKCN0X10XT 30 November 2017 live United States – The State Department condemned ceasefire violations and urged the sides to "show restraint, avoid further escalation, and strictly adhere to the ceasefire." Their statement continued, "The unstable situation on the ground demonstrates why the sides must enter into an immediate negotiation under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs on a comprehensive settlement of the conflict. We reiterate that there is no military solution to the conflict. As a co-chair country, the United States is firmly committed to working with the sides to reach a lasting and negotiated peace."https://2009-2017.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2016/04/255432.htm United States Condemns Ceasefire Violations Along Nagorno-Karabakh Line of Contact U.S. Department of State 24 June 2017 2 October 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171002091711/https://2009-2017.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2016/04/255432.htm live Other states Belarus – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties to continue seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict "in accordance with the generally recognized principles and norms of international law, first of all, on the basis of respect and guaranteeing of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders, as well as the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and decisions of the OSCE". The Belarusian ambassador to Armenia was summoned to be informed that Yerevan was "deeply bewildered" by this statement which "does not correspond to the spirit of the Armenian-Belarusian relations" and "is detrimental to the negotiation process".http://vestnikkavkaza.net/news/Yerevan-isn%E2%80%99t-satisfied-with-support-of-Azerbaijan-s-territorial-integrity-by-Minsk.html Yerevan is dissatisfied with Minsk's support for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity Vestnik Kavkaza en 3 April 2016 3 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160415165048/http://vestnikkavkaza.net/news/Yerevan-isn%E2%80%99t-satisfied-with-support-of-Azerbaijan-s-territorial-integrity-by-Minsk.html 15 April 2016 livehttp://arka.am/en/news/politics/yerevan_bewildered_over_belarus_position_on_karabakh_conflict/ Yerevan bewildered over Belarus position on Karabakh conflict Arka.am en 3 April 2016 3 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160412194633/http://arka.am/en/news/politics/yerevan_bewildered_over_belarus_position_on_karabakh_conflict/ 12 April 2016 live Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko insisted that both sides should seek a peaceful dialogue.Lukashenko calls for dialogue between Nagorny Karabakh conflict parties http://eng.belta.by/president/view/lukashenko-calls-for-dialogue-between-nagorny-karabakh-conflict-parties-90200-2016/ Belarus News 4 April 2016 4 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160408231631/http://eng.belta.by/president/view/lukashenko-calls-for-dialogue-between-nagorny-karabakh-conflict-parties-90200-2016/ 8 April 2016 live Bulgaria – Foreign Ministry of Bulgaria has expressed deep concern about "massive violations of the ceasefire". Bulgaria reiterated its position that the conflict could only be solved through peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group.http://www.novinite.com/articles/173862/ Bulgaria Concerned about Ceasefire Violations in Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Novinite 4 April 2016 4 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160415094646/http://www.novinite.com/articles/173862/ 15 April 2016 live Canada – Minister of Foreign Affairs Stéphane Dion called on all sides to show restraint, immediately return to a true ceasefire, and actively resume dialogue within the framework of OSCE Minsk Group. "Canada firmly believes that there is no alternative to a peaceful, negotiated solution to this conflict," Minister Dion said in a statement.http://armenpress.am/eng/news/842038/canada-calls-for-true-ceasefire-in-nagorno-karabakh.html Canada calls for true ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh armenpress.am en 4 April 2016 4 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160406051707/http://armenpress.am/eng/news/842038/canada-calls-for-true-ceasefire-in-nagorno-karabakh.html 6 April 2016 livehttp://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/karabakh/2514051.html Canada calls for restraint in Nagorno-Karabakh trend.az en 4 April 2016 4 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160415014921/http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/karabakh/2514051.html 15 April 2016 dead Chile – Initially the Chamber of Deputies of Chile issued a resolution passed unanimously that condemned the "armed attack of Azerbaijan against the Nagorno Karabakh Republic". According to the resolution, "on the night of 1 to 2 of last April, ground forces and air of the Republic of Azerbaijan conducted a large-scale attack on the border with the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, with heavy artillery and last generation missiles". The Chamber of Deputies of Chile reaffirmed its commitment to peace and urged the Republic of Azerbaijan for the immediate cessation of all acts of war against the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh and the strict observance of the truce signed by both countries in 1994.http://asbarez.com/150548/ Chile Condemns 'Azeri Aggression Against the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic' - Asbarez.com 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161004165722/http://asbarez.com/150548/ 4 October 2016 live However, just two weeks later, the Senate of Chile, followed by the same Chamber of Deputies, adopted resolutions reaffirming Chile's recognition of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, acknowledging the democratic progress in the country and calling on the international community to assist Azerbaijan and Armenia in resolving the conflict on the basis of the UN Security Council resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884.Senado saluda 98 años de la existencia de la República de Azerbaiyán y reconoce su soberanía e integridad territorial https://web.archive.org/web/20170131184940/http://www.senado.cl/senado-saluda-98-anos-de-la-existencia-de-la-republica-de-azerbaiyan-y-reconoce-su-soberania-e-integridad-territorial/prontus_senado/2016-05-31/193923.html 31 January 2017 .DIPUTADOS RESPALDAN GESTIONES INTERNACIONALES PARA RESOLVER CONFLICTO ENTRE AZERBAIYÁN Y ARMENIA https://web.archive.org/web/20170131192914/https://www.camara.cl/prensa/noticias_detalle.aspx?prmid=129672 31 January 2017 . Czech Republic – Foreign Ministry expressed concern over extensive violations of the ceasefire on the line of contact of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and condemned the use of force. It called to involved parties to stop the violence and to strictly respect the truce. Foreign Ministry supported the peaceful efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group.http://www.mzv.cz/jnp/cz/udalosti_a_media/prohlaseni_a_stanoviska/x2016_04_03_zpravami_o_rozsahlem_porusovani_primeri.html Prohlášení MZV k porušování příměří v oblasti konfliktu v Náhorním Karabachu Ministerstvo zahraničních věcí České republiky 3 April 2016 4 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160407205839/http://www.mzv.cz/jnp/cz/udalosti_a_media/prohlaseni_a_stanoviska/x2016_04_03_zpravami_o_rozsahlem_porusovani_primeri.html 7 April 2016 live Cyprus – Foreign Ministry statement accused Azerbaijan of violations of the armistice line and urged Azerbaijan to "respect the status quo ante." It also urged Turkey to "refrain from any activities and statements that further destabilize the unfolding situation."http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2006.nsf/index_en/index_en?OpenDocument The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic denounces the use of force and the loss of life in Nagorno-Karabakh, 04.04.16 Ministry of foreign affairs of the Republic of Cyprus dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130324034357/http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2006.nsf/index_en/index_en?OpenDocument 24 March 2013 Georgia – Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili expressed concern over the recent developments in the region and expressed hope that the international community's efforts will help to de-escalate the situation.http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=29081 Tbilisi Concerned Over Heavy Fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh 3 April 2016 Civil Georgia 4 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160405163005/http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=29081 5 April 2016 dead President Giorgi Margvelashvili called on both neighbors to end fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh region and resolve the conflict peacefully.http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=29087 Georgian President Calls on Armenia, Azerbaijan to Direct Efforts towards Peace 5 April 2016 Civil Georgia 5 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160416163833/http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=29087 16 April 2016 live According to a Russian news website Defence Minister Tinatin Khidasheli reaffirmed Georgia's support of its neighbours territorial integrity in a telephone call with her Azerbaijani counterpart Zakir Hasanov.http://www.rosbalt.ru/exussr/2016/04/04/1503524.html В Грузии выразили озабоченность в связи с обострением ситуации в Нагорном Карабахе Rosbalt 4 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160405163055/http://www.rosbalt.ru/exussr/2016/04/04/1503524.html 5 April 2016 dead However no such official statement was made by the Defence Ministry of Georgia. Germany – Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on both sides to immediately stop fighting and to fully respect the ceasefire.https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/1.712270 Conflicting Reports on Number of Casualties in Nagorno-Karabakh Fighting Haaretz.com 2 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160403063931/http://www.haaretz.com/world-news/1.712270 3 April 2016 dead Greece – The Foreign Ministry expressed concern and called on the two sides to "exercise restraint and composure in order to return, as soon as possible, to the process of dialogue within the framework of the Minsk Group."http://www.mfa.gr/en/current-affairs/statements-speeches/foreign-ministry-announcement-on-the-recent-incidents-in-nagorno-karabakh.html Foreign Ministry announcement on the recent incidents in Nagorno-Karabakh 4 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160415184737/http://www.mfa.gr/en/current-affairs/statements-speeches/foreign-ministry-announcement-on-the-recent-incidents-in-nagorno-karabakh.html 15 April 2016 live Iran – Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari called for both sides to "refrain from any manner or action" which could "worsen the situation." He added that Iran recommends cessation of hostilities by reaching a peaceful solution within the framework of United Nations regulations, while he further underlined that, as the region has been the scene of "destructive actions" by extremist groups, such clashes arose "severe concerns" for Iran.July 2021 Kazakhstan – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its concern with the recent escalation of violence and called on the parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement.http://www.vestikavkaza.ru/news/Kazakhstan-prizval-ustanovit-rezhim-prekrashcheniya-ognya-v-Nagornom-Karabakhe.html Казахстан призвал установить режим прекращения огня в Нагорном Карабахе Vestnik Kavkaza ru 3 April 2016 3 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160414173953/http://www.vestikavkaza.ru/news/Kazakhstan-prizval-ustanovit-rezhim-prekrashcheniya-ognya-v-Nagornom-Karabakhe.html 14 April 2016 live A summit of the Eurasian Economic Union in Yerevan was cancelled after Kazakhstan refused to attend it in an apparent show of support for Azerbaijan.Eurasian Union Meeting in Yerevan Cancelled http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/27660207.html «Ազատ Եվրոպա/Ազատություն» Ռադիոկայան 7 April 2016 20 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160412004543/http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/27660207.html 12 April 2016 live Babayan Aza Kyrgyzstan – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its concern with the worsening situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. It said that it stands for working out constructive proposals on searching for ways of resolving the dispute and that it is ready to mediate the settlement of the conflict.http://tass.ru/en/world/867224 Kyrgyzstan ready to contribute to Nagorno-Karabakh settlement TASS Russian News Agency en 4 April 2016 4 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160407115020/http://tass.ru/en/world/867224 7 April 2016 live Latvia – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on both sides to stop the hostilities immediately and resume the ceasefire, expressing regret over the casualties and deaths and conveying condolences to the families of those killed.https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/news/latest-news/50270-latvian-foreign-ministry-calls-on-azerbaijan-and-armenia-to-cease-hostilities Latvian Foreign Ministry calls on Azerbaijan and Armenia to cease hostilities 4 April 2016 4 April 2016 Norway – Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende called the clashes an "unacceptable military escalation".http://ria.ru/world/20160402/1401489105.html Глава МИД Норвегии призвал стороны к прекращению огня в Карабахе RIA Novosti ru 2 April 2016 2 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160402172415/http://ria.ru/world/20160402/1401489105.html 2 April 2016 live Pakistan – Pakistan's Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing concern about the escalation "caused due to the continuous artillery firing by Armenian forces." It added, "Pakistan will continue to promote a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict."http://www.mofa.gov.pk/pr-details.php?mm=MzYyMQ,, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 7 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161004165700/http://www.mofa.gov.pk/pr-details.php?mm=MzYyMQ,, 4 October 2016 live Secretary to president, Ahmad Farooq, said Pakistan "always stands by Azerbaijan" and that "Azerbaijan is a brotherly and friendly country."http://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/94685.html Pakistan always stands by Azerbaijan, says high-ranking official azernews.az en 4 April 2016 4 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160405113955/http://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/94685.html 5 April 2016 liveFrom Azeri source only, not from Pakistan April 2016 Poland – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland called on parties of conflict to cease military operations in region and return to peace talks initiated in 1994. The ministry stated that the territorial dispute should only be resolved through diplomatic and political negotiations, including the OSCE Minsk group mediation format.http://armenpress.am/eng/news/842033/poland-prioritizes-stabilization-of-situation-in-nagorno-karabakh-conflict-zone.html Poland prioritizes stabilization of situation in Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone armenpress.am en 4 April 2016 4 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160406151640/http://armenpress.am/eng/news/842033/poland-prioritizes-stabilization-of-situation-in-nagorno-karabakh-conflict-zone.html 6 April 2016 live Romania – The Foreign Ministry of Romania expressed concern over the escalation in Nagorno Karabakh and urged an immediate cessation of hostilities. The ministry stated that "Resumption of diplomatic efforts is necessary for peaceful settlement."http://armenpress.am/eng/news/841959/romania-urges-to-resume-diplomatic-efforts-to-resolve-nagorno-karabakh-conflict.html Romania urges to resume diplomatic efforts to resolve Nagorno Karabakh conflict armenpress.am en 4 April 2016 4 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160413101141/http://armenpress.am/eng/news/841959/romania-urges-to-resume-diplomatic-efforts-to-resolve-nagorno-karabakh-conflict.html 13 April 2016 live Turkey – President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev to pay condolences for the "martyred" soldiers.http://aa.com.tr/en/world/azerbaijan-retakes-land-occupied-by-armenia/548277 Azerbaijan retakes land occupied by Armenia Anadolu Agency 2 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160404190555/http://aa.com.tr/en/world/azerbaijan-retakes-land-occupied-by-armenia/548277 4 April 2016 live The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning what they claimed was an Armenian attack on civilians and calling on Armenia to comply with the ceasefire.http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-82_-2-nisan-2016_-temas-hattinda-ve-azerbaycan-ermenistan-sinir-hattinda-devam-eden-catismalar-hk_.tr.mfa No: 82, 2 Nisan 2016, Temas Hattında ve Azerbaycan-Ermenistan Sınır Hattında Devam Eden Çatışmalar Hk. T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı 2 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160408223706/http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-82_-2-nisan-2016_-temas-hattinda-ve-azerbaycan-ermenistan-sinir-hattinda-devam-eden-catismalar-hk_.tr.mfa 8 April 2016 dead He also announced his country's support to Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh border clashes, saying that Turkey supports Azerbaijan "to the end" against Armenia".https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35953358 Nagorno-Karabakh clash: Turkey backs Azeris 'to the end' against Armenia – BBC News BBC News 3 April 2016 en-GB 3 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160403122705/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35953358 3 April 2016 live Turkey also sought support for Azerbaijan from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.http://www.armenialiberty.org/content/article/27670976.html Turkey Seeks Muslim Support For Azerbaijan Over Karabakh «Ազատ Եվրոպա/Ազատություն» ռադիոկայան 12 April 2016 22 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160604133424/http://www.armenialiberty.org/content/article/27670976.html 4 June 2016 live Sargsian Tatevik In another statement, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the passivity of the OSCE Minsk Group led the situation to this point.https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/turkiye/cumhurbaskani-erdogan-minsk-uclusunun-zaaflari-durumu-bu-noktaya-tasimis-oldu/548295 Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan: Minsk Üçlüsü'nün zaafları durumu bu noktaya taşımış oldu Anadolu Agency 23 November 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181123154403/https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/turkiye/cumhurbaskani-erdogan-minsk-uclusunun-zaaflari-durumu-bu-noktaya-tasimis-oldu/548295 23 November 2018 live Ukraine – According to a statement by the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine "Ukraine favors a long-term political solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the basis of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders". According to the ministry "The current situation eloquently shows that frozen conflicts remain a hotbed of instability across the OSCE space, which could flare up any moment and lead to large-scale hostilities and a great loss of human life".Karabakh conflict solution must respect Azerbaijan's territorial integrity – Ukrainian foreign ministry https://web.archive.org/web/20160412154655/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/335666.html 12 April 2016 , Interfax-Ukraine (5 April 2016)The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine comment on the aggravation of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict https://web.archive.org/web/20160418124608/http://mfa.gov.ua/en/press-center/news/46250-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-of-ukraine-comment-on-the-aggravation-of-nagorno-karabah-conflict 18 April 2016 , Foreign Ministry of Ukraine(5 April 2016) President Petro Poroshenko, in a phone conversation with his Azerbaijani counterpart, said that Ukraine supports Azerbaijan's integrity within internationally recognized borders.Ukraine supports Azerbaijan's territorial integrity within intl recognized borders – Poroshenko tells Aliyev http://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/ukraine-supports-azerbaijans-territorial-integrity-within-intl-recognized-borders-poroshenko-tells-aliyev-411402.html Kyiv Post 5 April 2016 6 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160406191815/http://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/ukraine-supports-azerbaijans-territorial-integrity-within-intl-recognized-borders-poroshenko-tells-aliyev-411402.html 6 April 2016 live United Kingdom – Minister for Europe David Lidington expressed concern about the increased violence and urged both sides "to engage constructively and intensively in the search for a negotiated peaceful settlement through the Minsk Group process."https://www.gov.uk/government/news/minister-for-europe-statement-on-nagorno-karabakh-conflict Minister for Europe statement on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict 4 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160402230621/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/minister-for-europe-statement-on-nagorno-karabakh-conflict 2 April 2016 live Partially recognized non-UN member states Foreign Ministers of the partially recognized states of Transnistria,http://www.nkr.am/en/news/2016-04-04/802/ Telephone Conversation between the Foreign Ministers of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and the Pridnestrovian Moldovian Republic 6 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160408042037/http://www.nkr.am/en/news/2016-04-04/802/ 8 April 2016 livehttp://mid.gospmr.org/en/NJh Telephone conversation with NKR Foreign Minister Karen Mirzoyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 4 April 2016 6 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160409172824/http://mid.gospmr.org/en/NJh 9 April 2016 live Abkhazia,Telephone conversation between Foreign Ministers of Nagorno Karabakh Republic and Republic of Abkhazia http://armenpress.am/eng/news/842544/telephone-conversation-between-foreign-ministers-of-nagorno-karabakh-republic-and-republic-of-abkhazia.html Armenpress 7 April 2016 8 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160410085826/http://armenpress.am/eng/news/842544/telephone-conversation-between-foreign-ministers-of-nagorno-karabakh-republic-and-republic-of-abkhazia.html 10 April 2016 live and South Ossetiahttp://www.nkr.am/en/news/2016-04-06/803/ Telephone Conversation between Foreign Ministers of the NKR and South Ossetia 6 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160417060604/http://www.nkr.am/en/news/2016-04-06/803/ 17 April 2016 livehttp://www.mfa-rso.su/en/node/1680 Сообщение пресс-службы Министерства иностранных дел Республики Южная Осетия - Министерство иностранных дел 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161004165708/http://www.mfa-rso.su/en/node/1680 4 October 2016 live expressed their support to the authorities and people of Nagorno-Karabakh. Other reactions U.S. Congressmen and co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Robert Dold (R-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Brad Sherman (D-CA) jointly condemning what they described as "Azerbaijan's aggression" and called upon the Obama administration to "hold Ilham Aliyev to account for his unilateral escalation of violence against Nagorno-Karabagh."Congressional Leaders Condemn Devastating Azerbaijani Attacks on NKR http://armenianweekly.com/2016/04/04/congressional-leaders-condemn-baku/ Armenian Weekly 4 April 2016 6 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160407121701/http://armenianweekly.com/2016/04/04/congressional-leaders-condemn-baku/ 7 April 2016 live In a separate statement, Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA) called upon Azerbaijan to "reverse its pattern of escalating violence against the peaceful people of Nagorno Karabakh".Congressman Jim Costa deplores Azeri attack against Karabakh http://www.armradio.am/en/2016/04/05/congressman-jim-costa-deplores-azeri-attack-against-karabakh/ Public Radio of Armenia 5 April 2016 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160425140856/http://www.armradio.am/en/2016/04/05/congressman-jim-costa-deplores-azeri-attack-against-karabakh/ 25 April 2016 live The Basque Parliament adopted a statement condemning the Azerbaijani attempts to solve the Karabakh conflict by military means. The statement notes that on 2 April 2016, Azerbaijan unilaterally launched an unprecedented attack on Nagorno-Karabakh which has caused dozens of deaths, including four civilians, one of them a child. The Basque Parliament also declared its support for the Minsk Group negotiation process and stated that Nagorno-Karabakh must have a place at the negotiating table.http://rus.azatutyun.am/content/article/27677038.html Парламент Страны Басков: 2 апреля нападение предпринял Азербайджан Радио Свобода 15 April 2016 22 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160421082850/http://rus.azatutyun.am/content/article/27677038.html 21 April 2016 live Selahattin Demirtaş, leader of the left-wing pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), criticised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu for encouraging violence with their support for military actions. He added, "Nagorno-Karabakh was an autonomous region. Armenia and Azerbaijan had to settle the issue around the negotiating table, as war will be of no benefit to either side."Demirtaş: Hükümet Karabağ'a körükle gidiyor Paylaş http://www.agos.com.tr/tr/yazi/14924/demirtas-hukumet-karabag-a-korukle-gidiyor Agos 5 April 2016 tr 6 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160407021927/http://www.agos.com.tr/tr/yazi/14924/demirtas-hukumet-karabag-a-korukle-gidiyor 7 April 2016 livePro-Kurdish Leader Blames Turkey for Karabakh Re-Escalation http://asbarez.com/148374/pro-kurdish-leader-blames-turkey-for-karabakh-re-escalation/ Asbarez 5 April 2016 6 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160408055335/http://asbarez.com/148374/pro-kurdish-leader-blames-turkey-for-karabakh-re-escalation/ 8 April 2016 live Parliamentarians of the Greek and Latvian Parliaments, Garifalia Kanelli and Sergejs Potapkins respectively, visited the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic after the clashes. Potapkins stated that it is inadmissible when the peaceful population suffers from military aggression, and that the re-establishment of peace is a priority, and that escalations of the conflict do not promote the establishment and maintenance of peace.http://www.panorama.am/en/news/2016/04/11/Artsakh/1560990 Greek and Latvian parliamentarians visit Artsakh Helix Consulting LLC 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160414035722/http://www.panorama.am/en/news/2016/04/11/Artsakh/1560990 14 April 2016 live A large number of French parliamentarians, senators and mayors in a joint statement announced that the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh should be readmitted to the negotiating table. According to them, "encouraged by international indifference, Azerbaijan under the rule of Ilham Aliyev attempted to regain by force its former colony, the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh", deliberately targeting cities, killing children in the courtyard of their schools, and maiming civilians.http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2016/04/07/l-osce-doit-reintegrer-la-republique-du-haut-karabagh-dans-les-negociations-de-paix_4897741_3214.html L'OSCE doit réintégrer la République du Haut-Karabagh dans les négociations de paix Le Monde.fr 7 April 2016 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160407175541/http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2016/04/07/l-osce-doit-reintegrer-la-republique-du-haut-karabagh-dans-les-negociations-de-paix_4897741_3214.html 7 April 2016 live On 12 April, 21 French parliamentarians and senators signed a joint statement: "While the cease-fire obtained by the Minsk Group has already been undermined by the Azerbaijani side, the French authorities must point out that any continuation of the fighting will lead to unilateral recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic".http://www.liberation.fr/debats/2016/04/12/la-france-doit-agir-pour-la-paix-au-haut-karabakh_1445683 La France doit agir pour la paix au Haut-Karabakh Libération.fr 22 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160420012805/http://www.liberation.fr/debats/2016/04/12/la-france-doit-agir-pour-la-paix-au-haut-karabakh_1445683 20 April 2016 live 30 French parliamentarians have appealed to the French government to recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.Soutien à l'appel de 30 parlementaires pour une initiative de la France http://www.armenews.com/article.php3?id_article=124687 Nouvelles d'Arménie Magazine 12 April 2016 fr 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160421221440/http://www.armenews.com/article.php3?id_article=124687 21 April 2016 dead French conservative Senator Valérie Boyer accused Azerbaijan for the violence and expressed solidarity with the Armenian people and Nagorno-Karabakh. She also called for the official recognition of the NKR by France.Valérie Boyer (LR) : "Il faut désormais reconnaître le Haut-Karabagh" http://www.valeursactuelles.com/politique/valerie-boyer-lr-il-faut-desormais-reconnaitre-le-haut-karabagh-60727 Valeurs Actuelles 6 April 2016 fr 7 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160413101508/http://www.valeursactuelles.com/politique/valerie-boyer-lr-il-faut-desormais-reconnaitre-le-haut-karabagh-60727 13 April 2016 live Frank Engel, a Member of the European Parliament and Honorary Consul of Armenia in Luxembourg, called for the recognition of Artsakh's independence, to avoid repetition of the Armenian genocide. He accused Azerbaijan of aggression in Karabakh earlier in April, which showed that some people living on the Caspian Sea shore dream of a new genocide in Nagorno Karabakh.http://www.arminfo.am/index.cfm?objectid=439CA020-095F-11E6-9C2F0EB7C0D21663 Arminfo: MEP Frank Engel comes out for recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh's independence 19 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160513011547/http://www.arminfo.am/index.cfm?objectid=439CA020-095F-11E6-9C2F0EB7C0D21663 13 May 2016 live Charles Tannock, British Member of the European Parliament accused Azerbaijan of a full-scale mobilization of its forces along the contact line. He suggested that both sides should resume talks under the auspices of OSCE Minsk Group.http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+CRE+20160412+ITEM-015+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN Debate in the European Parliament, 12.04.2016 11 June 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190611180720/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-%2F%2FEP%2F%2FTEXT+CRE+20160412+ITEM-015+DOC+XML+V0%2F%2FEN&language=EN live Eleni Theocharous, a Member of the European Parliament from Cyprus insisted that sanctions should be imposed on Azerbaijan for attacking civilians in Nagorno Karabakh. She also stated that the European Union has the obligation to support the people of Nagorno Karabakh as they are fighting to protect their homes and their freedom.http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+CRE+20160412+ITEM-015+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN European Parliament debate on 12 April, 2016 11 June 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190611180720/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-%2F%2FEP%2F%2FTEXT+CRE+20160412+ITEM-015+DOC+XML+V0%2F%2FEN&language=EN live Angel Dzambazki, a Member of the European Parliament from Bulgaria accused Azerbaijan of opening fire on Armenians right before the commemoration of the Armenian genocide. He also stressed the fact that Azerbaijan refused to install an investigative mechanism suggested by the OSCE Minsk group in 2015. The MEP suggested that it is unacceptable for an "EU partner," in this case Azerbaijan, to violate human rights and commit violence. U.S. Congressmen David Cicilline (D-RI), James Langevin (D-RI), Jack Reed (D-RI) condemned the Azerbaijani military operation against Karabakh in three separate statements. In his statement, Reed said: "These attacks on the Armenian people are completely unacceptable and call into question the sincerity with which Azerbaijan has approached recent peace negotiations." While Cicilline stated: "I strongly condemn the use of sniper attacks by the Azerbaijani government, which is in direct violation of the cease-fire agreement and international law, and am appalled by reports that Azerbaijan forces attacked a Red Cross envoy."RI Lawmakers Condemn Azerbaijani Offensive against NKR http://armenianweekly.com/2016/04/12/ri-nkr/ Armenian Weekly 12 April 2016 12 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160413170712/http://armenianweekly.com/2016/04/12/ri-nkr/ 13 April 2016 live The Los Angeles City Hall was lit in the colors of the Armenian flag in reaction to the violence. A vigil was also held to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict and to condemn Azerbaijan for "outrageous militarization and vicious attacks", as stated by Paul Krekorian, one of the organizers of the vigil.Los Angeles City Hall lit up in Armenian tri-color http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/210206/ PanArmenian 13 April 2016 14 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160424134516/http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/210206/ 24 April 2016 liveVigil at LA City Hall following attack on Armenians in Azerbaijan http://www.scpr.org/news/2016/04/12/59531/vigil-at-la-city-hall-following-attack-on-armenian/ KPCC 14 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160416030142/http://www.scpr.org/news/2016/04/12/59531/vigil-at-la-city-hall-following-attack-on-armenian/ 16 April 2016 live Turkish human rights activist Sait Çetinoğlu noted the support of Turkish authorities to Azerbaijan and called it a policy when the "genocide is exported out of borders of the state".http://news.am/eng/news/323754.html Cetinoglu: Ankara's support for Baku is exporting of genocide policy 19 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160507122821/http://news.am/eng/news/323754.html 7 May 2016 live US Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, called for a "Leahy Law" investigation into reports that the Azerbaijan armed forces, which annually receive millions of dollars in US military aid, committed gross violations of human rights during Baku's 2 April offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh.http://asbarez.com/149728/rep-loretta-sanchez-calls-for-leahy-law-investigation-of-azerbaijani-abuses/ Rep. Loretta Sanchez Calls for Leahy Law Investigation of Azerbaijani Abuses Asbarez.com 28 April 2016 19 May 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160502130450/http://asbarez.com/149728/rep-loretta-sanchez-calls-for-leahy-law-investigation-of-azerbaijani-abuses/ 2 May 2016 live US Senators Bill Barton and Lois Tochtrop condemned human rights violations by Azerbaijan as war crimes. According to them, "One heartbreaking account of barbaric actions during the four-day war in April was the mutilated elders that journalists found in Talysh after its recapture from Azerbaijani forces". Another violation was that "among the Azerbaijani officers Aliyev honored at a ceremony following the four-day war was the man who had posed with [Yezidi-Armenian soldier] Sloyan's severed head."http://www.foreignpolicyjournal.com/2016/05/20/state-lawmakers-support-for-azerbaijan-encouraged-last-months-anti-armenian-war-crimes/ State Lawmakers' support for Azerbaijan Encouraged Last Month's Anti-Armenian War Crimes Bill Barton 20 May 2016 16 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161004165625/http://www.foreignpolicyjournal.com/2016/05/20/state-lawmakers-support-for-azerbaijan-encouraged-last-months-anti-armenian-war-crimes/ 4 October 2016 live Israel's former minister of defence Avigdor Lieberman called upon the OSCE Minsk Group to be more objective in resolving this conflict. He accused Armenia of fueling the conflict and described the position of Azerbaijan in the conflict as "balanced" and "absolutely justified".6 April 2016 Avigdor Lieberman: Azerbaijan's position in Karabakh conflict justified http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/2515494.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20180929041237/https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/2515494.html 29 September 2018 16 November 2016 See also Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Armenia–Azerbaijan relations References Notes Citations Azerbaijan collapsed Category:Battles of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Armenian-Azerbaijani clashes Category:2016 in Armenia Category:2016 in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Category:2016 in Azerbaijan Category:April 2016 in Asia Category:2016 in military history Category:Operations involving special forces of Azerbaijan Category:Ilham Aliyev Category:April 2016 in Europe