Armenia and Japan Discuss Partnership for Nagorno-Karabakh Crisis

Armenia and Japan Discuss Partnership for Nagorno-Karabakh Crisis

The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia, Narek Mkrtchyan, recently held discussions with the Japanese Ambassador to Armenia, Masanori Fukushima. The meeting revolved around the support provided by the Armenian Ministry to those forcefully displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh and the possibilities of collaborations to address their social issues.

Armenia’s Efforts in Managing the Nagorno-Karabakh Crisis

During the meeting, Minister Mkrtchyan shed light on the ongoing efforts by his Ministry and the associated working group to manage the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. He emphasized the significance of cooperation with international partners in this context.

Ambassador Fukushima expressed his sorrow over the events that transpired in Nagorno-Karabakh and conveyed the Japanese government’s readiness to contribute towards resolving the social problems faced by the displaced individuals from Nagorno-Karabakh. This indication of Japan’s potential active role in aiding the Armenian government in managing the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh provides hope for displaced individuals facing social issues.

(Read Also: Escalating Crisis in Karabakh: The Rising Tide of Refugees)

Increased International Collaboration for Nagorno-Karabakh

The main takeaway from the meeting is the potential for increased international collaboration in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis, with the Japanese government expressing its readiness to assist the Armenian Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. This development signifies a step forward in the efforts to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.

The circumstances in Nagorno-Karabakh are dire. The region’s 120,000 ethnic Armenians are facing an uncertain future following Azerbaijan’s lightning military offensive. The breakdown of the decades-old conflict has resulted in Armenian separatists agreeing to lay down their arms, leaving residents in fear of what the future may hold. Despite assurances from Azeri President Ilham Aliyev regarding the guarantee of rights and security of Armenians living in the region, the years of hate speech and violence between the rivals have left deep scars.

Officials from Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh are discussing security guarantees and humanitarian assistance, but the need for international support remains. Without high-level international guarantees, it remains impossible to sign an agreement given the depth of the conflict. The fear of genocide and ethnic cleansing still looms large amongst the local population, with many considering fleeing the country.

(Read Also: Azerbaijan Declares Full Restoration of Sovereignty: Unpacking the Geopolitical Implications)

Armenia’s Preparation for Displaced Nagorno-Karabakh Residents

The Armenian government is preparing to accept tens of thousands of people from Nagorno-Karabakh if it becomes impossible for them to stay under Azerbaijani rule. The government has readied spaces, including hotels near the border, for the displaced residents. Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stated that he does not want them to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.

The discussions between the Armenian Minister and the Japanese Ambassador suggest a potential partnership to address the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. While the road ahead is challenging, the prospect of international collaboration offers a glimmer of hope to the displaced and distressed residents of Nagorno-Karabakh.

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