Armenia and Azerbaijan have taken a historic step towards lasting peace by finalizing the text of a treaty aimed at ending nearly four decades of hostilities over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. This breakthrough marks a significant milestone in the turbulent relationship between the two South Caucasus nations.
Background of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan dates back to the late 1980s when Nagorno-Karabakh, a region within Azerbaijan predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians, sought independence with Armenia’s backing. This led to a series of wars, mass displacement, and enduring tensions between the two nations.
Azerbaijan regained full control of Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023 following a military offensive that forced nearly 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee to Armenia. Since then, diplomatic negotiations have been underway to reach a formal peace settlement.
Key Details of the Peace Agreement
On March 13, 2025, both Armenia and Azerbaijan confirmed that negotiations on the text of a peace agreement had been concluded.
- Armenia’s Position: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry stated that the agreement is ready for signing and expressed readiness to engage in consultations with Azerbaijan regarding the signing’s date and location.
- Azerbaijan’s Position: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed the completion of negotiations and noted its satisfaction with the finalized text.
- Constitutional Amendments: A major sticking point remains Azerbaijan’s demand for Armenia to amend its constitution, which Baku claims implicitly lays claim to Azerbaijani territory. Armenia denies this but has acknowledged the need for constitutional changes, although no timeline has been set.
Challenges and Uncertainties
Despite the agreement’s finalization, several challenges remain:
- Border Tensions: The Armenia-Azerbaijan border remains closed and heavily militarized, with sporadic clashes occurring even after the 2023 conflict.
- Domestic Political Concerns: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has indicated that a constitutional referendum may be necessary, but no date has been announced.
- Regional Implications: The peace deal will likely reshape geopolitics in the South Caucasus, impacting relations with Russia, Turkey, and Western nations.
International Reactions
The international community has largely welcomed the peace breakthrough:
- The United States commended both nations for reaching an agreement and emphasized the need for sustainable peace in the region.
- The European Union urged swift implementation of the deal and pledged support for post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
- Russia and Turkey, both key players in the region, are closely monitoring developments, given their strategic interests in Armenia and Azerbaijan.
What’s Next?
While the peace agreement signals hope for stability, its success hinges on effective implementation and political will from both sides. Key next steps include:
- Setting a Date and Venue for the Signing Ceremony.
- Addressing Border Demarcation Issues.
- Ensuring Safe and Voluntary Return of Displaced Populations.
- International Mediation and Support for Post-War Recovery.
The finalization of this peace agreement is a remarkable step toward ending a conflict that has shaped the South Caucasus for generations. If implemented successfully, it could usher in a new era of diplomacy, economic cooperation, and regional stability.
Related stories:
