Armenia Asks UN Court to Dismiss Azerbaijan's Case Over Karabakh Conflict

Legal representatives of Armenia urged the United Nations court to dismiss Azerbaijan's case regarding the Karabakh region, accusing Armenia of ethnic cleansing. This request comes in the context of ongoing legal battles between the two countries at the International Court of Justice.

Legal Proceedings

In 2021, Azerbaijan initiated legal proceedings against Armenia at the International Court of Justice, shortly after Armenia filed its own case against Azerbaijan. The conflict stems from the 2020 war over Karabakh, resulting in more than 6,600 fatalities. Last week, Azerbaijan sought the dismissal of Armenia's case.

Armenia's Challenge

Armenia is challenging the jurisdiction of the Hague-based court in response to Azerbaijan's case. The basis of the case relies on the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), which Azerbaijan ratified in 1996. Armenia alleges that most of the complaints date back to the first Karabakh war, which ended two years prior.

Armenia's representative, Yeghishe Kirakosyan, emphasized that Azerbaijan's pursuit of grievances under CERD after nearly 30 years is unjust, as many witnesses are no longer available, and evidence has vanished. The dispute revolves around the control of the Karabakh region, which was under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia until recently.

Tensions and Control

After tensions erupted in 2020, Azerbaijan claimed control over parts of the region and adjacent territories with the assistance of a Russia-brokered ceasefire. Subsequently, Azerbaijan conducted a swift military campaign in 2023, resulting in the majority of the region's 120,000 residents fleeing.

Legal Claims and Counterclaims

During hearings in 2021, Azerbaijan accused Armenia of planting landmines in the area and failing to assist in clearing efforts. On the other hand, Armenia refuted allegations of racial discrimination and denounced Azerbaijan's claims as false. The court has issued directives to both parties, advising steps to reduce tensions and prevent racial hatred and mistreatment of prisoners of war.

Peace Efforts and Resistance

Despite ongoing legal battles, both countries agreed to commence negotiations on a peace treaty in December. However, some residents of Armenia's border regions have resisted the demarcation efforts, viewing it as an encroachment by Azerbaijan.