Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh

The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) criticizes the fact that Azerbaijan was able to buy Israeli-made drones that are now used to attack civilian targets in Nagorno-Karabakh. These armed autonomous aircraft also contain German "Dual Use Goods" – technology that can be used for both civil and military purposes. "Azerbaijani drones made by Israel that were shot down over Nagorno-Karabakh contain components that were made in Germany," stated Dr. Tessa Hofmann, expert on the South Caucasus, in Berlin today. "Thus, Germany is indirectly involved in the attacks on the civilian population in the region."

According to media reports, 60 percent of Azerbaijani drones are Israeli-made, and Turkey supplies such weapons as well. "Just like the mercenaries, the drones are contributing to the escalation of the conflict – making a peaceful solution more and more unlikely," Hofmann added. "The German government must exert influence on Turkey and Israel to stop the arms deliveries. The Federal Ministry of Economics must keep an even closer eye on licenses for technology that can also be used for military purposes." It is not uncommon that weapons exported from third countries are also used to attack civilian targets.

Arms exports to the war zone are also a controversial issue in Israel. In an open letter, researchers from various Israeli universities called on their government to stop arms exports to Azerbaijan and to work towards a peaceful solution to the conflict. "The people of Nagorno-Karabakh have a right to decide their own fate. The international community must recognize this right and do everything possible to put an end to the violence against the civilian population," Hofmann said. "In a first step, this means: an end to all arms deliveries, the withdrawal of all foreign troops, mercenaries, and military advisers, and international guarantees to protect the people in the region."