27 Sep 2018 | 04:11 AM UTC
Azerbaijan: Rally planned in Baku September 29
The Karabakh Liberation Organization is planning to hold a rally in Baku near the Mahsul Stadium on September 29; localized traffic disruptions expected
Event
A rally to demand the return of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region to Azeri control is scheduled to be held in Baku on Saturday, September 29. The Karabakh Liberation Organization is calling on supporters to gather near the Mahsul Stadium from 15:00 to 17:00 (local time). Baku city officials have approved the rally and thousands of people are reportedly planning to participate. While the event is expected to remain peaceful, localized traffic disruptions are anticipated in the area.
Context
Azerbaijan and neighboring Armenia have a long-standing dispute over the possession of Nagorno-Karabakh, home to some 150,000 inhabitants (mostly ethnic Armenians) and located in the west of Azerbaijan. This issue has fueled tensions between the two countries since 1988; some 30,000 people were killed in fighting from 1990 to 1994. The two countries declared another ceasefire in April 2016 after the region experienced four days of violent clashes that left hundreds dead.
Advice
Individuals in Baku are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution and allow additional time to travel.
