The World Peace Council (WPC) expresses its deep concern about the recent escalation of the tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia over border disputes in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which have resulted in casualties on both sides, including civilians. This conflict which has its origin more than thirty (30) years back is a complicated matter in which various regional and global powers are indirectly involved.

The WPC denounces and condemns all foreign intervention, whether this be of provoking and escalating tension or of direct or indirect participation in the conflict itself and demands the end of the actions taken by certain forces so far. It is not a secret that the specific area and the broader region are of geostrategical interest for powerful countries and the control of energy resources and roads as it is been observed in the Middle East, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

The WPC is aware of the complex history of the disputed territory and is concerned with the serious consequences that the outbreak of a conflict between the two countries has - for its peoples and for the peoples of the already troubled region. Recognizing the very real possibility of such a conflict escalating into a war of much greater proportion, the WPC calls for:

• An immediate ceasefire and end to all hostilities,
• A return to dialogue between the parties concerned, to search for a political and negotiated resolution to the conflict.
• The active mobilization of peace forces in the two countries and wider region to prevent war hysteria taking hold and promote the possibility of a peaceful resolution.

The WPC believes that the above is the only way forward in the interests of the peoples of Azerbaijan and Armenia against the imperialist plans and for peace in the region.

The Secretariat of WPC Athens 28th September 2020