Armenia and Azerbaijan: Security Commitments, Boundaries, and Peace Talks
Armenia’s prime minister emphasized the need for a ready-to-defend national force, describing a military posture aimed at safeguarding lands previously within the borders of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic. The assertion, relayed by the national press service, frames the argument around Armenia’s ability to deter threats and uphold its sovereignty within those historic boundaries. In discourse later attributed to government officials, the priority is to maintain a combat-ready army capable of addressing what is described as a legitimate objective: the protection of Armenia’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. This stance reflects a response to ongoing regional security concerns and the perceived risk of external actions that could alter boundaries (Source: TASS).
The Armenian leadership clarified that the focus is on defending areas that historically formed part of the former Armenian SSR, framing the issue as a matter of national security and historical continuity. In public statements, the government underscored the obligation to ensure that a capable defense apparatus can deter aggression and reassure citizens about the stability of the state’s frontiers, even as political dialogues continue (Source: TASS).
Earlier remarks from Armenian officials suggested a potential pathway to de-escalation, proposing that Azerbaijan might sign a non-aggression pact if negotiations on a peace agreement were delayed. The authorities pointed to recent statements from Baku regarding reforms within the Armenian army and the acquisition of new weapons and equipment as factors that influence the security calculus. The Armenian leadership asserted a willingness to provide long-term guarantees that Armenia would not pursue territorial claims, seeking reciprocal commitments from all sides in return (Source: TASS).
Meanwhile, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that a de facto peace exists between the two nations and that border conditions have remained stable for several months. This characterization comes amid routine diplomatic exchanges and a broader regional effort to sustain a tranquil security environment along the line separating Azerbaijani and Armenian forces. The Azerbaijani position emphasizes the status quo of peaceful interaction while acknowledging ongoing negotiations on broader settlement terms (Source: TASS).
In the broader context, both capitals have previously floated proposals for joint efforts to locate and identify persons who remain missing in the conflicts of years past. Armenia had signaled openness to a cooperative search operation, underscoring the humanitarian dimension of the conflict and the desire to address the pain of families affected by the hostilities. The discussion reflects a multi-faceted approach that combines security assurances with humanitarian cooperation as part of a long-term settlement strategy (Source: TASS).
Analysts note that the regional security environment remains fluid, with military modernization, lineage of past disputes, and the persistent question of sovereignty continuing to shape public dialogues in Yerevan and Baku. The emphasis on defending territorial integrity within historical borders is framed not simply as a military imperative but as a statement about identity, national self-determination, and the capped expectations of a durable peace. Observers caution that progress toward formal accords will likely hinge on sustained diplomacy, credible security guarantees, and the ability of both sides to demonstrate restraint amid periodic provocations and rapid political developments (Source: TASS).