UNICEF says over 130,000 displaced in Karabakh conflict

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - More than 130,000 people have been displaced in the Karabakh conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia since late September, UNICEF said Wednesday.

In a statement, the UN agency for children said 76 schools and kindergartens have been damaged, and one maternity hospital shelled in the conflict.

"Countless children are being scarred by the psychological impact of daily exposure to rocket and missile attacks in civilian areas," it said. "For children, this is the horrific tally of four weeks of fighting, and three thus far unrespected ceasefires".

Relations between the two former Soviet republics have been tense since 1991 when the Armenian military occupied Upper Karabakh, or Nagorno-Karabakh, an internationally recognized territory of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions.

New clashes erupted Sept. 27, and since then Armenia has repeatedly attacked Azerbaijani civilians and forces, even violating three humanitarian cease-fires since Oct. 10.

Multiple UN resolutions demand immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces from the occupied territory.

About 20% of Azerbaijan's territory has been under Armenian occupation for nearly three decades.

UNICEF called for an "immediate and complete cessation of hostilities so that no more children’s lives are lost."