October 11, 2020 - 15:58 AMT
Karabakh urges Iran, Russia, Armenia to create counter-terrorism center

The National Assembly of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) has called on Armenia, Russia and Iran to create a center for counter-terrorism coordination to identify and neutralize international terrorists who have penetrated the region, as well as their points of deployment and military bases.

In a statement published Sunday, October 11, the parliament said international terrorists and members of extremist groups from Syria, Iraq, Libya and other countries have been deployed in the region by Turkey, which is openly supporting Azerbaijan's aggression against Karabakh.

Armenia was the first to report on Turkey's deployment of thousands of Syrian fighters to Azerbaijan on September 28. International media publications followed suit, as did reaction from France, Russia, Syria and Iran.

Karabakh's National Assembly called on Russia and Iran to condemn the use by Azerbaijan of international terrorist groups in military aggression against Artsakh.

Armenia, Iran and Russia were also urged to create a joint counter-terrorism coalition for the prompt and effective physical neutralization of terrorists and that have reached the region.

Azerbaijan, with help from Turkey, launched a large-scale offensive against Karabakh (Artsakh) in the morning of September 27, shelling Armenian positions and civilian settlements with large caliber weapons and rocket systems. Armenia and Karabakh have introduced martial law and total mobilization. The Armenian side has reported deaths and injuries both among the civilian population and the military. International and local journalists too have been injured in Azeri shelling of towns and villages, as well as the iconic Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi. Before a humanitarian ceasefire could begin on October 10, Azerbaijan launched a new offensive and struck settlements both in Karabakh and Armenia.