Armenia Can Take Political, Military Steps to Counter Azerbaijan Aggression

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) — Tensions around the Armenia-Azerbaijan border area remain high despite the ceasefire agreement signed by the sides in 1994.

"If such an aggressive policy continues, it will leave Armenia no other choice but to take the necessary legal steps, political and military measures to give the Republic of Armenia and the [self-proclaimed] Nagorno-Karabakh Republic opportunity to develop in peace and security," Sargsyan stated, addressing the UN General Assembly.

The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has been a stumbling block in Armenia-Azerbaijan relations for decades now. The tensions escalated in February 1988, after the predominantly Armenian-populated Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous region announced its secession from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic.

Three years later, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic was established. The republic’s decision was not recognized by Baku, while the autonomous status was abolished.

The move triggered an armed conflict, which lasted until May 12, 1994 and led to Azerbaijan losing all control over Nagorno-Karabakh and several adjacent districts. The OSCE Minsk Group, co-chaired by the United States, Russia and France, has been mediating the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict since 1992.