Azerbaijan’s Push for Peace with Armenia: Key Developments and Implications
Azerbaijan has shown willingness to finalize a peace treaty with Armenia during Elchin Amirbayov’s visit to Argentina. The proposed agreement involves constitutional reforms in Armenia regarding Nagorno-Karabakh. The Azerbaijani official emphasized the need for this change to secure lasting peace, while Armenia’s embassy voiced concerns over preconditions for the agreement. Additionally, economic relations between Azerbaijan and Argentina were discussed, highlighting potential cooperation.
Azerbaijan has expressed its readiness to finalize a peace agreement with Armenia aimed at resolving their longstanding conflict. Elchin Amirbayov, the presidential representative for Azerbaijan, conveyed this message during a recent trip to Argentina, where he engaged in discussions with officials and civil society organizations.
Disputes between Armenia and Azerbaijan date back to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with two wars primarily focused on the contested area of Nagorno-Karabakh. The latest resurgence of violence occurred in September 2023 when Azerbaijan executed a rapid offensive to regain control of the region, resulting in a humanitarian crisis.
Officials from both nations announced a preliminary peace treaty earlier this month, which has drawn support from the international community. A key aspect of the treaty stipulates that Armenia must amend its constitution to eliminate claims to Nagorno-Karabakh, a demand Amirbayov believes is essential for securing lasting peace.
During his statements, Amirbayov emphasized that constitutional changes are crucial, as the existing claims pose risks for future conflicts. He asserted, “The Armenian constitution today contains a territorial claim to part of Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory. We would like this claim to be out of the Armenian constitution because if it is left unattended, unaddressed, it can pose a serious threat to the future of peace.”
In response, the Armenian Embassy in Argentina criticized Azerbaijan’s demands for preconditions and called for a commitment to achieving durable peace. The statement expressed hope that Azerbaijan would show the political will necessary to finalize the peace agreement.
Additionally, Amirbayov mentioned that the peace deal would necessitate the end of third-party mediation, including the OSCE’s Minsk Process, and the withdrawal of international forces from the region. He believes that the future relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan should be handled independently without external interference.
While seeking peace, Amirbayov also discussed strengthening economic ties between Azerbaijan and Argentina, advocating for agricultural and economic cooperation irrespective of political tensions with Armenia. He acknowledged Argentina’s strong ties with the Armenian community while asserting that it could maintain positive relations with Azerbaijan.
He noted, “I think Argentina has an excellent relationship with Armenia, but that does not mean, or should not mean, that Argentina cannot have excellent relations with Azerbaijan.”
In conclusion, Azerbaijan’s readiness to secure a peace deal with Armenia represents a significant step towards resolving longstanding territorial disputes. The dialogue initiated by Azerbaijani officials highlights the importance of constitutional reforms in Armenia and the desire to establish a sustainable peace free from third-party intervention. Both nations are now confronting the challenge of fostering a relationship that allows for mutual growth and cooperation, particularly in light of economic ties with international partners such as Argentina.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
