BAKU: In an interview with Fox News, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan addressed the ongoing conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, defending Azerbaijan's military actions and rejecting accusations of targeting civilians. The interview, which took place on October 25, 2020, focused on the 44-day second Karabakh war that began on September 27, 2020, and led to the liberation of territories that had been under Armenian occupation for nearly three decades. According to Trend News Agency, President Aliyev described the military operation, known as "Iron Fist," as a response to provocations by Armenian forces, asserting that Armenia initiated hostilities on September 27. Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan's adherence to United Nations Security Council resolutions from 1993, which called for the withdrawal of Armenian troops from occupied Azerbaijani territories. He argued that Azerbaijan's actions were in self-defense and aimed at restoring territorial integrity. Aliyev dismissed allegations that Azerbaijani forc es targeted civilian areas, including accusations of damaging religious sites. He claimed that Armenia's attacks on Azerbaijani cities, such as Ganja, were acts of terrorism. He also refuted reports of Syrian mercenaries fighting alongside Azerbaijani troops, labeling them as "fake news" propagated by foreign media and governments. The Azerbaijani president reiterated his openness to a ceasefire, contingent on Armenia's commitment to withdrawing from occupied territories and adhering to the principles laid out by the United States, Russia, and France. He criticized Armenia's Prime Minister for statements suggesting no diplomatic solution was possible and called for Armenia to accept a peaceful resolution based on territorial integrity. Addressing international involvement, Aliyev highlighted Turkey's political support for Azerbaijan and denied claims that Turkey was pushing for war. He expressed a desire for regional stability and discouraged the internationalization of the conflict, urging countries with a mandate, such as the OSCE Minsk Group, to facilitate peace efforts. In relation to the United States, Aliyev expressed appreciation for President Trump's balanced approach and emphasized the importance of the U.S. remaining neutral as a mediator. He welcomed diplomatic efforts from Secretary of State Pompeo and underscored Azerbaijan's strategic partnership with the U.S., particularly in energy security and counterterrorism. Aliyev concluded by expressing hope for a peaceful resolution and regional integration in the Southern Caucasus, drawing parallels to post-World War II reconciliation in Europe. He advocated for coexistence between Armenians and Azerbaijanis within the framework of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity.