Armenia has reaffirmed its stance on the territorial borders in the region, stating that it accepts Azerbaijan’s territorial claims while also expecting reciprocal recognition. This position was articulated by Armenia’s prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, in a public statement carried by DEA News. The core message emphasizes a mutual acknowledgment of territorial boundaries as a prerequisite for any durable peace between Yerevan and Baku.
In his remarks, Pashinyan made it clear that Armenia recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and expects Azerbaijan to extend the same recognition to Armenia, including all territories that were once part of the Armenian SSR. The prime minister suggested that a peace agreement would be achievable only if both sides commit to recognizing each other’s territorial boundaries and refrain from pursuing any further territorial claims.
He also indicated that Armenia is prepared to engage in a reciprocal withdrawal of forces from the lines established at the end of the Cold War era, a move described as a mirror-like pullback that would reflect the positions held by both countries at the time. These comments underscore a push for confidence-building measures that could pave the way for more substantive negotiations.
Meanwhile, on April 11, Azerbaijan’s president Ilham Aliyev acknowledged that progress toward a peace agreement is not proceeding as smoothly as hoped, but stressed that an agreement remains essential and unavoidable. This acknowledgment reflects the persistent tension surrounding negotiations and the high stakes involved for both nations and the wider regional stability.
Historically, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict reignited in the autumn of 2020, following a period of escalating hostilities that began in 1988. The renewed fighting brought significant harm to civilians and renewed concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict on local populations and neighboring communities.
Following several rounds of ceasefire efforts, the leaders of Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan issued a joint declaration on November 10, 2020, announcing a ceasefire and the deployment of Russian peacekeepers to the Nagorno-Karabakh region. This peacekeeping mission was intended to monitor and stabilize the frontline while negotiations continued under the framework of the agreement.
Under the provisions of the November 2020 agreement, control of certain territories shifted to Azerbaijan, with the Aghdam region coming under Azerbaijani administration on November 20, the Kelbajar region on November 15, and the Lachin region on December 1. Despite these territorial changes and the ongoing diplomatic dialogue, a comprehensive peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia has not yet been finalized. The absence of a final accord continues to shape regional security dynamics and the prospects for future steps toward lasting settlement.
As the situation evolves, both sides face intense domestic and regional pressures to secure a lasting resolution. The path ahead involves balancing national interests with regional stability, addressing the humanitarian concerns of those affected by the conflict, and navigating the complex web of regional alliances and security guarantees. Observers note that any durable peace will require steadfast commitments to mutual recognition, security assurances, and practical arrangements on the ground that reduce friction and foster trust between communities long divided by decades of discord.
In summary, while official statements reiterate a shared willingness to pursue peace, the practical realization of a comprehensive settlement remains contingent on steps that build legitimacy, reduce tensions, and ensure that each side feels respected in its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The international community continues to monitor developments, urging continued dialogue, restraint, and concrete actions that can transform rhetorical commitments into verifiable progress on the ground. [Attribution: DEA News]