Azerbaijani Victory in Nagorno-Karabakh War Sparks Mass Exodus of Armenians
The Nagorno-Karabakh war between Armenia and Azerbaijan has come to a devastating end, with Azerbaijan emerging as the victor following an offensive that began on September 19th. This military operation has led to the impending dissolution of the Republic of Artsakh and has triggered a mass exodus of Armenians from the region, as they try to escape the threat of ethnic cleansing.
Despite Azerbaijan publicly reassessing the safety of the Armenian population, concerns have been raised by both Armenia and international observers. Disturbingly, over 100,000 Armenians have fled Nagorno-Karabakh since the offensive began. The situation is dire, and urgent action is needed to protect innocent lives.
Coincidentally, the Azerbaijani offensive took place just days after the Armenian Automobile Federation (FAA) received an invitation from the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) to attend the annual FIA General Assembly and Prize Giving Ceremony. This prestigious event honors champions from various FIA-sanctioned series, including Formula One and the World Rally-Raid Championship, and will be hosted in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
FAA President Arsen Manukyan saw an opportunity to raise awareness for the crisis and lobbied the FIA to use its influential platform to address the unfolding catastrophe. He highlighted the FIA’s role in promoting worldwide peace, social justice, equality, and inclusion, and expressed his gratitude for the invitation while also drawing attention to the dire situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
In his letter to the FIA, Manukyan emphasized the destruction caused by the war, including violence against Armenian civilians and the displacement of tens of thousands of families. He described the ongoing blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh, which has deprived its inhabitants of electricity, water, food, and essential supplies, leading to starvation and humiliation. Manukyan implored the FIA to take a principled stand and act swiftly to safeguard innocent lives and uphold the values of humanity.
Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory generally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, has had an Armenian majority population governed by the Republic of Artsakh. However, following their defeat in the September offensive, the republic is set to be disbanded on January 1st, 2024.
Notably, the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation (FAA) has not publicly commented on the offensive. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan celebrated Memorial Day on September 27th, a public holiday that honors Azerbaijani troops who lost their lives in the 2020 war. Following that conflict, territories surrounding Artsakh were reclaimed by Azerbaijan before Russian peacekeepers were deployed. In 2022, Azerbaijan imposed a blockade on Nagorno-Karabakh before launching the recent offensive.
The crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh has had significant geopolitical repercussions. Russia, tied to both Armenia and Azerbaijan but maintaining neutrality, has prompted Armenia to seek closer relations with the West. The heightened tensions in Eastern Europe, exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have had profound effects on military and civil society. Even various motorsport events on military installations, such as the Extreme E’s Island X Prix and Rallye Breslau, have been delayed or significantly impacted. The Gotland Grand National is also facing eviction from its long-time home on the Tofta firing range due to the Swedish Army’s needs.
The FIA General Assembly and Prize Giving Ceremony, scheduled to be held in Baku from December 5th to 8th, provide a global stage from which to address pressing issues surrounding the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis. It is essential for the international community, including influential organizations like the FIA, to take a stand and advocate for a peaceful resolution to this humanitarian crisis.
The world is watching, and we must collectively work towards preventing further suffering and upholding the values of humanity. The FIA has an opportunity to make a difference, and it is our hope that they will take this responsibility seriously. The lives of innocent people depend on it.
