In a significant development, Azerbaijan has confirmed the success of peace talks with Armenia, bringing an end to decades of conflict. The two nations have reached an agreement on the previously unresolved articles of the draft peace treaty. Armenia has accepted Azerbaijan's proposals, which address key concerns between the nations. This marks a pivotal step towards lasting peace after years of tensions over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that the draft peace agreement resolves all outstanding issues. The Armenian leader underlined that the text effectively addresses mutual concerns. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan has stipulated that Armenia's constitution must eliminate claims against its sovereignty and territorial integrity as a prerequisite for signing the treaty.
Nagorno-Karabakh, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, has been a longstanding point of contention. The region witnessed two wars between Armenia and Azerbaijan since the Soviet Union's collapse. Ceasefire agreements have been fragile, with Azerbaijan regaining total control of Nagorno-Karabakh in a swift operation in September 2023. The ethnic Armenian population fled to Armenia shortly thereafter.
Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the negotiations, stating:
“We note with satisfaction that the negotiations on the text of the draft Agreement on Peace and the Establishment of Interstate Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have been concluded.” – Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry
Armenia's foreign ministry has announced that the Peace Agreement is ready for signing. The agreement addresses crucial issues, including the prohibition on deploying forces from third countries along the border and the mutual withdrawal of claims from international forums. It also includes commitments not to undertake actions against each other.
Prime Minister Pashinyan has called for a national referendum to adopt a new constitution, although he asserted that Armenia's current constitution does not contain territorial claims against Azerbaijan. This sentiment was echoed in his statement:
“After the Constitutional Court’s decision last year, it is clear that the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia does not contain territorial claims against Azerbaijan or any other country.”
