Armenia and Azerbaijan have successfully completed negotiations on a long-awaited peace agreement. This announcement was made simultaneously in the capitals of both countries—Baku and Yerevan. The discussions had been ongoing for a long time, taking place both in-person and through email exchanges. Sometimes, third-party mediators were involved, but most of the time, the two nations negotiated directly.
Historic Agreement Reached
The European Union, the United States, Russia, and France were among the first to acknowledge and praise this significant diplomatic achievement. However, the official announcements from both countries carried different tones. Armenia expressed optimism, stating that the agreement was fully ready to be signed. The Armenian foreign ministry noted that Yerevan had accepted Baku’s proposals on two previously unresolved sections of the draft. Armenia also declared readiness to begin discussions on selecting a date and location for the signing ceremony.
Azerbaijan, on the other hand, responded with a more cautious statement. While acknowledging the successful conclusion of negotiations, Azerbaijan emphasized the need for Armenia to amend its constitution. The Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated that Yerevan must remove any territorial claims related to Azerbaijan. Additionally, Baku called for the formal dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, an organization that had once worked on conflict resolution but has been largely inactive in recent years.
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Challenges in Finalizing the Peace Process
Despite the agreement being finalized, certain obstacles remain. Azerbaijan’s insistence on constitutional changes in Armenia adds complexity to the process. Amending a national constitution is a lengthy procedure that involves domestic political debates and legal processes. Tying the signing of the peace agreement to these changes could delay its finalization.
Additionally, the demand for abolishing the Minsk Group is directed more at the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) rather than Armenia. While this group has lost its relevance in recent years, making its dissolution a condition for the peace deal adds another layer of difficulty to the situation.
The next step is for both nations to decide on a date and location for signing the agreement. While the venue may not be a significant issue, ensuring that the deal is signed without unnecessary delays is crucial. The completion of negotiations marks an important milestone, but it is only one step in a larger peace process that requires further efforts.
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Path Toward Lasting Peace
For the peace agreement to be effective, it must have broad support from key stakeholders and the general population. At present, large sections of the public in both countries remain divided. Years of conflict have led to deep mistrust, and building confidence between the two sides will require continuous dialogue and cooperation.
In both Armenia and Azerbaijan, there are groups that strongly oppose peace efforts, often referred to as the “party of war.” Meanwhile, those who advocate for peace remain relatively weaker. To ensure long-term stability, efforts must be made to strengthen the voices supporting peace. This includes engagement with political leaders, media, and civil society organizations that promote dialogue and reconciliation.
Confidence-building measures between Armenia and Azerbaijan have been rare, but they are essential for normalizing relations. Creating opportunities for interaction between the people of both countries, such as cultural exchanges and economic cooperation, can contribute to long-term stability.
International support can also play a role in solidifying the peace process. Countries such as the US, UK, and several European nations have previously attempted to support peace initiatives in the region. However, their efforts have often lacked coordination and a clear understanding of the complexities involved. A more structured approach could help ensure that the peace agreement is implemented effectively.
With negotiations now complete, Armenia and Azerbaijan stand at a critical juncture. The steps taken in the coming days will determine how smoothly the peace process moves forward.
