An anti-government rally was broken up by police, who dragged away several of the leaders. Ruling party officials, meanwhile, are laying low since capitulating to Azerbaijan.
Celebrations broke out around the country following the announcement that their historical capital in Karabakh had been captured – perhaps no more so than among the city’s former residents.
“The coming days will be decisive,” the de facto leader of Karabakh announced as Azerbaijani forces advanced toward Shushi. Baku may see the capture of the town as critical leverage to achieve a favorable political settlement.
Even while negotiations are continuing, it is clear that developments on the battlefield are driving events far more strongly than anything agreed over the negotiation table.