Armenia and Azerbaijan Seal Historic Peace Agreement

Armenia and Azerbaijan have officially agreed to a peace agreement, ending nearly four decades of hostilities rooted in the territorial dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh. The breakthrough comes after prolonged negotiations and international pressure to stabilize the Caucasus region.

The conflict, which began in the late 1980s, centered on Nagorno-Karabakh, a region internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians. The area fell under Armenian separatist control following the collapse of the Soviet Union, sparking two full-scale wars and several skirmishes over the years. The most recent flare-up occurred in September 2023 when Azerbaijani forces launched a swift 24-hour military operation, reclaiming the territory and prompting nearly 120,000 ethnic Armenians to flee to Armenia.

On Thursday, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry announced that the Peace Agreement is “ready for signing.” This milestone was achieved after Armenia accepted Azerbaijan’s proposals on two unresolved articles of the draft agreement. One condition prohibits the deployment of foreign forces along the shared border, while the other involves the mutual withdrawal of international legal claims and a commitment to refrain from hostile actions.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry expressed satisfaction with the negotiations, confirming the conclusion of the draft agreement. However, Baku emphasized that Armenia must amend its constitution to eliminate any claims on Azerbaijani sovereignty and territorial integrity as a prerequisite for signing the treaty.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan responded by clarifying that Armenia’s constitution contains no territorial claims against Azerbaijan or any other nation. He cited a decision by Armenia’s Constitutional Court from the previous year as evidence. Pashinyan also pointed out that Azerbaijan’s constitution includes claims on Armenian territory, urging a reciprocal approach to constitutional amendments.

Despite the lingering constitutional issue, the peace treaty represents a significant step toward reconciliation. The agreement aims to normalize bilateral relations, open communication channels, and foster economic cooperation. Both nations have expressed a commitment to continue dialogue to address remaining concerns.

International observers have welcomed the development. The European Union and the United Nations praised the diplomatic efforts that led to the agreement and pledged support for post-conflict reconstruction and humanitarian assistance in the region. The United States and Russia, both influential players in the Caucasus, have also endorsed the peace process.

However, challenges remain. Political opposition within Armenia has criticized Pashinyan’s willingness to compromise, while nationalist factions in Azerbaijan demand stricter conditions. Moreover, the displacement of Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenian population raises concerns about human rights and cultural preservation.

The historic agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan marks a pivotal moment in the region’s history. By addressing the root causes of the conflict and fostering dialogue, both nations aim to achieve lasting peace and stability. As the treaty awaits formal signing, the international community remains hopeful that this accord will pave the way for a new era of cooperation and prosperity in the Caucasus.