BAKU: In an extensive interview with France 24 TV channel, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev addressed the ongoing conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, the ceasefire violations, and the role of international mediation. President Aliyev detailed the complexities of the ceasefire, the military actions, and the diplomatic efforts surrounding the Nagorno-Karabakh situation. According to Trend News Agency, the conversation, broadcasted from Baku, centered on the recent ceasefire intended as a humanitarian truce, which President Aliyev claims has been repeatedly violated by Armenia. He stressed that Azerbaijan maintains its commitment to the ceasefire, which was brokered by Russia, but has had to respond to Armenian provocations to protect its citizens. President Aliyev accused Armenia of altering the agreed negotiation format by attempting to include "authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh" in the talks, a move he firmly rejects. The Azerbaijani leader also discussed the impact of military actions, emphasizing that Azerbai jani forces have targeted only military installations and have ceased all attacks since the ceasefire, except in retaliation to Armenian violations. He firmly denied targeting civilians or religious sites, suggesting that recent damage to churches might have been perpetrated by Armenian forces to incite international backlash against Azerbaijan. In terms of international involvement, President Aliyev expressed satisfaction with the neutrality of France as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, despite previous tensions over allegations by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the deployment of Syrian mercenaries. Aliyev refuted these claims and highlighted Azerbaijan's substantial military capability. The interview also touched on the alleged involvement of Turkey in the conflict, which President Aliyev dismissed as "fake news," clarifying that while Azerbaijan uses Turkish military equipment, there is no direct Turkish military involvement. He praised the effectiveness of Turkish drones, which he claimed had inflicted significant damage on Armenian military assets. This detailed discussion comes at a critical time when both international attention and regional tensions are heightened over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, underscoring the complex interplay of military actions, diplomatic negotiations, and international relations in the region.