Nagorno-Karabakh war of 1991-1994 took the lives of more than 40 thousand people.This was the first ethnic conflict in the former Soviet Union.And the bloodiest.The active phase of the Nagorno-Karabakh war ended in 1994, but peaceful compromise has not been found.Even today, the armed forces of both countries are in constant combat readiness.
origins of the Nagorno-Karabakh war
A premise of this feud goes back to the beginning of XX century, when after the formation of the Soviet state of Azerbaijan SSR was included Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous region, most of which was inhabited by Armenians.After seventy years, the Armenian population still prevalent here.In 1988 it was about 75% versus 23% of Azerbaijanis (2% were Russian and other nationalities).For quite a long period of Armenians in the region regularly expressed complaints about discriminatory actions of the Azerbaijani authorities.Actively discussed here and the question of reunification of Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia.The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the fact that the intensity of the voltage over nothing could hold back.Mutual hatred intensified as never before, which led to the beginning of the Nagorno-Karabakh war.
In 1988, the Board of Deputies of the Parliament of Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous region held a referendum in which the vast majority of the population voted for joining Armenia.As a result of voting the Council of Deputies asked the governments of the USSR, Azerbaijan and Armenian Republics to authorize the process.Of course, it did not cause delight from the Azerbaijani side.In both republics increasingly began to occur a collision on the basis of ethnic strife.There were the first murders and massacres.Before the collapse of the Soviet state power somehow delay the onset of large-scale conflict, but in 1991 these forces suddenly gone.
course of the Nagorno-Karabakh war
After the failure of the August coup became clear once the fate of the Soviets.And in the Caucasus, the situation escalated to the limit.In September 1991, the Armenians illegally proclaimed independence of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, forming at the same time very efficient army with the help of the Armenian leadership, as well as foreign diasporas and Russian.Last but not least it was possible thanks to good relations with Moscow.At the same time the new government in Baku led policy of rapprochement with Turkey, which has caused tension with the recent private capital.In May 1992, Armenian troops managed to break through the Azerbaijan corridor, fortified enemy troops, and come to the borders of Armenia.Azerbaijani army, in turn, was able to occupy the northern territory of Nagorno Karabakh.
However, in spring 1993, Armenian-Karabakh forces conducted a new operation, which resulted in their control was not only the whole territory of yesterday's autonomy, but also a part of Azerbaijan.The military defeat of the latter led to the fact that in Baku in mid-1993, was overthrown by a nationalist pro-Turkish President Elchibey, and he was replaced by another prominent figure in the Soviet period, Heydar Aliyev.The new head of the state has significantly improved relations with post-Soviet states, joined the CIS.This facilitated and understanding with the Armenian side.Fighting around the former autonomy lasted until May 1994, after which the Karabakh war heroes laid down their arms.Soon, the Bishkek cease-fire was signed.
result of the conflict
In subsequent years, continually going dialogue brokered by France, Russia and the United States.However, to date he has not finished.While Armenia advocates for the reunification of the enclave of the Armenian people with the main part of Azerbaijan insists on the principle of territorial integrity and inviolability of borders.
