Armenia is actively working towards signing a peace agreement with its long-time rival, Azerbaijan, ahead of the UN’s COP29 climate conference, set to take place in Baku next month. This move comes after decades of conflict between the two nations, primarily revolving around the contested region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The president of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, shared in an exclusive interview that while there are still unresolved matters, both sides are nearing the conclusion of the peace talks.
Moving Toward Peace After Years of Conflict
The long-standing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan escalated last year when Azerbaijan seized Nagorno-Karabakh in a military offensive, resulting in the exodus of around 100,000 ethnic Armenians from the region. Despite the historical enmity, the Armenian president expressed hope that a peace deal might be finalized before the start of COP29.
“It would be ideal to have it signed by COP29,” said Khachaturyan. “But we can’t rush this process.”
This period of negotiation comes after Azerbaijan’s call for a “COP truce” last month, urging countries to unite and avoid political conflicts during the climate summit. Hosting COP29 shortly after their offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh has drawn criticism, especially as Azerbaijan faces ongoing human rights concerns, including the detention of political opponents.
Remaining Issues and Prospects for the Future
According to Khachaturyan, one of the key issues in the negotiations is the matter of prisoners of war, although it is not directly part of the current peace talks. “It remains on our agenda,” Khachaturyan noted. The Armenian leader acknowledged that a final peace agreement might not address all concerns at once but could lay the groundwork for future cooperation between the two nations.
On the sidelines of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, where climate and development topics were discussed, Khachaturyan emphasized the need for Armenia to move forward from its “warlike situation” and forge peaceful relations not just with Azerbaijan, but with all its neighboring countries.
“We have spent too long dreaming of an impossible reality,” he said. “It’s time for pragmatism. We must live in peace, not only with Azerbaijan but with all our neighbors.”
The Nagorno-Karabakh Refugee Crisis
One of the most immediate challenges for Armenia has been absorbing the wave of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh. The president shared that the approximately 100,000 refugees who fled Azerbaijan’s offensive last year arrived in Armenia “with nothing,” and integrating them remains a monumental task.
In addition to those displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia is also preparing for the possibility of welcoming refugees from Lebanon, many of whom are ethnic Armenians. With Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hizbollah, Khachaturyan said, “We are keeping our doors open for them. We need to be ready.”
Strengthening Ties with the EU
While Armenia has historically maintained close ties with Russia, there are signs that it may be looking to forge stronger connections with the European Union. President Khachaturyan mentioned that the EU monitoring mission on Armenia’s borders with Azerbaijan, established in 2023, has been instrumental in reducing tensions in the region.
He clarified, however, that Armenia is not immediately seeking EU membership. “We share similar values with the EU, but we’re not ready to apply for membership at this stage,” Khachaturyan said, adding that Armenia still sees its relationship with Russia as vital.
Looking Ahead
The potential peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan represents a critical moment for both countries as they attempt to move beyond decades of conflict. As negotiations continue in the lead-up to COP29, many will be watching closely to see if this historic agreement can be finalized, bringing a new era of stability to the region.
The stakes are high, but President Khachaturyan remains cautiously optimistic. “Peace is not just a goal; it’s a necessity,” he said. “For the future of Armenia, for our neighbors, and for the stability of this region, we must find a way forward.”
Armenia’s Journey to Peace with Azerbaijan: Key Highlights
- Decades-Long Conflict: Armenia and Azerbaijan have been locked in a bitter conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh for years, with tensions escalating in 2023.
- Negotiations Nearing Conclusion: Both nations are in the final stages of peace talks, with a possible deal before COP29 in November.
- Challenges Ahead: Issues like prisoners of war and the integration of refugees remain critical challenges for Armenia.
- Geopolitical Dynamics: Armenia is cautiously balancing its relationships with both the EU and Russia while working towards regional peace.
A Hope for Peace Amidst Conflict
As Armenia and Azerbaijan move closer to a peace deal, there is a sense of cautious hope. The road to peace is fraught with challenges, but for the first time in many years, there is a real possibility of ending one of the world’s most entrenched conflicts. For Armenia, peace with Azerbaijan is not just a political milestone—it’s the beginning of a new era.
