AZERBAIJAN ENTERS AGHDAM DISTRICT HANDED OVER BY ARMENIA

Fri 20 November 2020:

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev says his troops have taken control of the first of three districts bordering Nagorno-Karabakh as part of a Russian-brokered peace agreement that ended a six-week war with Armenian forces over the breakaway region.

The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on November 20 that its units entered the Agdam district, one of three ringing Nagorno-Karabakh that are to be handed over to Azerbaijan after nearly three decades under Armenian control.

“Today, with a feeling of endless pride, I am informing my people about the liberation of Aghdam,” Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in an address to the nation. “Aghdam is ours!”

A new era begins for Agdam. Aghdam holds a special place in our future plans because it is a large district in terms of both territory and population. We will restore Aghdam as well. Government will extend assistance to ensure citizens’ return.

— Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) November 20, 2020

Crowds of people carrying national flags gathered in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, to celebrate the handover of Agdam as Aliyev announced “major” plans for the district.

The chief of staff of the Russian peacekeeping task force in Nagorno-Karabakh said the handover operation was carried out without incident.

Friday prayers were held at a mosque in #Azerbaijan‘s #Agdam region for the first time after its liberation from the occupying #Armenian forces. pic.twitter.com/uhIuXnTYF9

— ANews (@anewscomtr) November 20, 2020

As Azerbaijani troops moved into Agdam a day after columns of Armenian soldiers and tanks rolled out of the territory.

Under the deal, around 2,000 Russian peacekeepers will be deployed to maintain security in Nagorno-Karabakh, but critical final-status issues over the territory remain uncertain. Russian peacekeepers are also guarding the strategic Lachin Corridor, the sole road linking the region and Armenia.