TW: Azerbaijan and Armenia Rumors of War

Baku, Azerbaijan (Gulustan)

In its latest TW News Prophecy E-Zine the Living Church of God has the following:

Rumors of war.

Tensions in a resource-rich region of central Asia threaten to disrupt a 25-year ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The two nations signed a treaty after the Nagorno-Karabakh War (1988-1994). However, in a direct provocation, Azerbaijani troops entered Armenia and killed three out-of-uniform soldiers. An Armenian military source stated, “The killing is a clear provocation, we have not reacted yet. I underline: ‘Yet’.” The “war rumor” has raised concerns in the EU, Russia, and the U.S. due to the critical importance of the region.

“In terms of direct threats to EU interests, it would increase oil prices by destroying the BTC pipeline from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean. It would also halt EU plans to reduce energy dependence on Russia by building a gas pipeline through the region.”

Russia’s 5,000 soldiers based in Armenia must intervene under a NATO-type Collective Security Treaty Organization agreement, if there is war. The U.S. also has hundreds of diplomats and thousands of Armenian-American passport holders in Armenia (EUobserver.com, May 14, 2012). As nations compete for spheres of interest, resources and recognition, “proxy wars can be expected” (German-Foreign-Policy.com, May 2, 2012).

Jesus prophesied that just before the end of this age, “nation will rise against nation,” and “wars and rumors of wars” would dominate world news (Matthew 26:6-7). For nearly 6,000 years, mankind has failed to find the way to peace (Isaiah 59:8).

Many Bible prophecies indicate that Jesus Christ will return to this earth and usher in an era of world peace in the Kingdom of God (Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 9:6-7). “He shall judge between many peoples, and rebuke strong nations afar off; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Micah 4:3).

For more information about major end-time events, request our free booklet Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ’s Return.

Notice also the following:

Azerbaijan’s Permanent Representative To UN Sends Letter To Secretary General

History of Truth (blog) – ‎28 May 2012

Azerbaijan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations sent a letter to UN Secretary General, expressing the protest in connection with Armenia’s military parade in the Azerbaijani occupied town of Khankendi…

“The Republic of Azerbaijan declares the strongest protest against Armenia’s warlike gesture, and irresponsible rhetoric of its leadership,” the letter said. “Such provocations as a military parade in the Azerbaijani occupied territories and the celebration of the occupying forces and the puppet armed gangs that are responsible for the heinous crimes committed against the Azerbaijani civilians during the war, are contrary to Armenia’s obligations on international law, and within the ongoing process of the conflict settlement.”

All the above-mentioned confirms that the Armenian policy still poses a serious threat to regional and international peace, security and stability and requires attention and response from the United Nations and the international community as a whole, the letter said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 per cent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994.

Azerbaijan is located on the northern end of the Iranian border and has issues with Iran as well (see Azerbaijan grants Israel use of its air bases: Prelude to Iranian strike? and Azerbaijan irritating Iran).

Armenia, from a COG perspective, is interesting as it played a role in church history (see, for one example, The Pergamos Church Era).

Azerbaijan itself, is a relatively wealthy nation and is also in the news for cultural reasons:

Azerbaijan Delights in Taking the Stage as Eurovision Host

New York Times – ‎27 May 2012

BAKU, Azerbaijan – Intent on making a flawless debut on the world stage as the host of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest finals, the government of Azerbaijan left nothing to chance…

That conflict with Armenia cast a shadow over Eurovision. Armenia pulled out of the contest, preferring to pay fines rather than participate with its enemy as host.

Elvin Kerivov, 29, a part-time musician who plays the synthesizer, said he was glad the roles were not reversed. “It’s better for Eurovision to be here in Azerbaijan than in Armenia. If Armenia won, our delegation would have to go to Armenia to sing, which is not good for our pride.”

As reported at the beginning of this article, wars and rumors of war are prophesied, and some will occur (Revelation 6:3-4, see also Red Horseman of War).

Some articles of possibly related :

The Pergamos Church Era was predominant circa 450 A.D. to circa 1050 A.D. An especially persecuted Church. Discusses some Christians in Armenia.
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi? What does the Bible say?
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000?