Turkey's Defense Minister Attempts to Justify Azerbaijan's Aggression

Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has blamed the Minsk Group for inefficacy and claimed that Azerbaijan's aggression is a result of reaching a diplomatic deadlock. Akar made this statement during the opening ceremony of the 2020-2021 academic year at Turkey's National Defense University and Military Institutes.

Referencing an article published on the internet news site "Yeni Konya," Akar discussed various military-political and regional issues, addressing Azerbaijan's aggression unleashed against Artsakh, stating that the prolongation of the conflict resolution by the Minsk Group has compelled Azerbaijan to say 'enough is enough' and to launch an offensive.

The Turkish Defense Minister emphasized a single precondition for halting military operations: "Everyone should understand that operations will not cease and a ceasefire will not be established until Armenia withdraws from the 'occupied' (editorial) territories." Turkey and Azerbaijan are unique participants in international relations who propose preconditions for the establishment of a ceasefire.

During a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club on October 22, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated, "Our positions regarding the South Caucasus do not align at all. We believe that such disputed issues should be resolved not by force or arms, but through diplomatic efforts around the negotiating table. Yes, it can be said that negotiations have been ongoing for 30 years, but there are no results. Well, in my opinion, that does not mean one should start shooting."

On the morning of September 27, Azerbaijan began active military operations along the entire length of the contact line with Artsakh. The shelling and missile strikes have targeted civilian settlements, including the capital Stepanakert and Shusha. Azerbaijani Armed Forces have also targeted the military and civilian infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia. Fierce battles are ongoing along the contact line, with both sides suffering manpower and armament losses, the Azerbaijani losses significantly exceeding those on the Armenian side. Since the very first days of the clashes, evidence of Turkey's involvement, the transfer of mercenaries from Syria, and their use against Artsakh has been discovered and presented to the international community.