The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense has publicly confirmed a ceasefire as of September 20, with official statements cited by RIA News, reflecting the country’s military department’s position at this critical juncture.
In a development framed by official channels, it was announced that, following a proposal from the administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a meeting is planned in Yevlah on September 21, 2023. The aim is to bring together representatives of the Armenian residents of Karabakh to address reintegration issues within the framework of the Constitution and laws of Azerbaijan. The announcement reiterates the status and identity of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the discussions, signaling a constitutional path forward for any future arrangements.
On September 20, Nagorno-Karabakh authorities declared a ceasefire at the invitation of Russian peacekeepers. In line with this agreement, remaining units and military personnel of the Armenian Armed Forces are expected to withdraw from the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, marking a notable security transition in the region and raising questions about subsequent governance, security arrangements, and the logistics of withdrawal for all parties involved.
Statements from a spokesperson associated with the Russian presidency indicated that there are currently no plans for direct telephone discussions with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. This note points to a broader diplomatic posture where messaging emphasizes formal channels and the continuing role of international intermediaries in monitoring agreements and facilitating communication among the parties on the ground.
Earlier, discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan touched on the mutual recognition of each other’s territorial integrity, a central theme in the broader peace process. These discussions underscore the delicate balance between state sovereignty, regional stability, and the practical steps necessary to implement any enduring settlement, including how governance will be exercised over disputed areas and how communities will be safeguarded during the transition.