Intellectuals from Turkey urge global intervention in Nagorno-Karabakh

123 journalists, writers, and intellectuals from Turkey have published an open letter calling on the international community to take a proactive stance in Nagorno-Karabakh, where a ceasefire that saw Armenian forces stand down aünd the fate of Armenians in the region remains uncertain.

The call to action is directed at global bodies, chiefly the United Nations, to ensure the rights and safety of the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh. The letter states, "Various bodies, from the United Nations to the European Council and select individual countries, have been urging Azerbaijan for months to end its blockade targeting 120,000 people in Karabakh." The statement goes on to caution against expecting Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, to change its stance after previously disregarding such appeals.

The authors further explain their perspective, stating, "The aim is to gain complete control of Nagorno-Karabakh Artsakh, driving the Armenian people from lands they have inhabited for centuries, and, should they resist, to end their existence." They also claim that the ongoing ceasefire talks do not seem to recognize any distinct status or cultural presence. They compare Azerbaijan's objective to its past actions in Nakhchivan, where they allege that not a single stone was left standing in the historic Julfa Armenian Cemetery.

Expressing their concern, the signatories note, "We, the undersigned Turks, see that the international community has not shown adequate sensitivity to developments and we watch the situation with alarm." The letter reiterates that preventing genocides isn't about waiting for them to happen and then intervening, but rather about proactive measures.

The intellectuals conclude with a call for urgent humanitarian aid and airlifts for the trapped civilians. They stress that the ceasefire should be made permanent and that the living conditions of the Nagorno-Karabakh population should be guaranteed just as those of citizens in any other country.