– Armenia’s Defense Ministry has refuted Azerbaijan’s claim that Armenian forces fired at Azerbaijani positions on March 20.
– Azerbaijan has yet to provide evidence to support its allegations.
– Armenia has repeatedly proposed a joint investigation mechanism for ceasefire violations, but Azerbaijan has not responded.
– The Armenian government remains open to investigating any evidence Azerbaijan may provide.
On March 20, 2025, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense claimed that Armenian forces opened fire on Azerbaijani positions along the eastern and southeastern sections of the border. Armenia’s Defense Ministry promptly rejected the claim, calling it misinformation and stating that no such attacks had occurred. The Armenian government reiterated its longstanding offer to establish a joint investigation mechanism for ceasefire violations—a proposal that Azerbaijan has yet to accept.
Azerbaijan’s Misinformation Campaign
In recent weeks, Azerbaijan has repeatedly accused Armenia of violating the ceasefire agreement, with the March 20 statement being the twelfth such allegation in a short period. Armenia’s Defense Ministry asserts that these claims are unsubstantiated and aimed at shaping a false narrative about border security. The Armenian government has urged Azerbaijan to provide concrete evidence to support its accusations, but no such proof has been presented.
Armenia’s Call for a Joint Investigation
The Armenian Prime Minister’s Office has proposed a bilateral mechanism for investigating ceasefire violations, a measure that would involve both nations jointly verifying claims and counterclaims regarding border incidents. This initiative aims to ensure transparency and prevent the spread of misinformation. Despite repeated calls, Azerbaijan has not responded to this proposal, raising concerns about its commitment to regional stability.
Implications for Regional Security
The ongoing exchange of accusations between Armenia and Azerbaijan complicates diplomatic efforts to maintain peace. Without an independent mechanism to assess ceasefire violations, tensions may escalate further, undermining stability in the region. Analysts suggest that continued false claims by Azerbaijan could be an attempt to justify potential military actions or deflect attention from its own activities along the border.
Armenia’s Defense Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to factual reporting and peacekeeping efforts. It remains open to reviewing any verifiable evidence Azerbaijan may provide regarding alleged ceasefire violations. Meanwhile, the Armenian government continues to advocate for a joint investigative process, urging the international community to support efforts for a more transparent and accountable security framework in the South Caucasus.