ICG calls on Baku and Yerevan to keep communication channels open

Deadly July skirmishes left twelve military officers and a civilian killed on the Azerbaijani side, and four casualties on the Armenian side. One Armenian civilian was injured during the clashes, according to local reports.

The communication channel was established between the sides in breakthrough accords in 2018. In 2019, direct communication lines between security personnel and political representatives in both capitals were opened for the first time in fifteen years. Nevertheless, this has failed to create conditions for co-existence across the border, and the report adds that fresh violence continue to damage peace efforts.

Therefore, only through cooperation can Baku and Yerevan make a lasting difference in the border regions, the report states.

“The two sides have found ways in the past to put aside deeply divisive territorial disputes to cooperate on limited humanitarian measures.”