Concerning the crimes against humanity due to large-scale military operations against NKR implemented by Azerbaijan on April 2-5

From April 2 to 5, 2016, having grossly violated the trilateral agreement on ceasefire (between Artsakh, Azerbaijan, and Armenia), signed on May 1994, Azerbaijan openly violated the rules of international law with the use of prohibited means and methods of warfare. The main target of the attack was the civilian population in the border and the hinterland.

From a variety of weapons under its arsenal ("MM-21" (Grad) and the multiple launch rocket system "Smerch", artillery ordnance of various caliber (including 152-mm gun) Heavy Flamethrower TOS-1A system attack helicopters Mi-24, tanks and other armored vehicles, assault drones), the Azerbaijani army subjected to rocket and artillery shelling a number of NKR settlements, killing and wounding civilians, including children, women and the elderly. For security reasons, the civilians of the settlement Talish, Matagis, Martakert have been evacuated. There is abundant evidence of the atrocities and inhuman violent actions of the Azerbaijani army against the peaceful population of Artsakh.

There is every reason to believe that hired terrorists were involved in the Azerbaijani army.

The aggression carried out by Azerbaijan against the Republic of Artsakh, is an international crime against peace and humanity.

These days the NKR Defense Army has taken the biggest blow, protecting the civilian population of Artsakh from Azerbaijani aggression, having used necessary means available in its arsenal to prevent the large-scale military attack, thus adequately performing the role of guarantor of the security of its people.

The Standing Committees of the NKR and RA Parliaments on State and Legal Affairs declare that are determined to study details of the above crimes, the consequences of Azerbaijani aggression and present the results in the prescribed manner to the international community.

April 9, 2016
Stepanakert