Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh Leadership, and regional peace prospects
The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that Armenia and the leadership it backs in Nagorno-Karabakh have shown little interest in a peaceful resolution. In its statement surrounding the election of the Nagorno-Karabakh leadership, Azerbaijan underscored that the long-standing status quo and occupation-driven policies endure, and that provocative actions continue to arise rather than a genuine search for peace.
The ministry emphasized that the only legitimate framework for political decision-making within Azerbaijan rests on the country’s constitution and laws. It also drew attention to what it described as Armenia’s heavy interference in Azerbaijan’s domestic affairs as a central concern in the regional crisis.
Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry asserted that achieving lasting peace and regional stability requires the unconditional and complete withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from Karabakh, along with the dissolution of the leadership it described as a regime. This position reflects Azerbaijan’s view that security and sovereignty must be restored through compliance with international norms and national law.
During a recent discussion between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and French President Emmanuel Macron, a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was described as a moment of potential de-escalation. Pashinyan expressed willingness to engage in urgent negotiations aimed at reducing tensions, signaling a possible opening for diplomacy despite past strains.
Earlier, Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry criticized the Armenian prime minister’s public statements about concentrating military forces near the border and in Karabakh as political maneuvering. The ministry warned that the primary security threat in the region stems from ongoing Armenian military and political provocations, territorial claims against Azerbaijan, and the continued presence of Armenian forces in Azerbaijani territory. The emphasis remained on the necessity of removing Armenian troops and aligning actions with agreed-upon international norms to safeguard regional peace.
Over the course of negotiations, both sides have discussed the possibility of mutual recognition of territorial integrity as a foundational principle for any lasting settlement. The path to stability hinges on respecting sovereignty, de-escalation of military activities, and credible commitments to international law. Analysts note that genuine progress would require verifiable steps from all parties, reinforced by credible international engagement and monitoring, to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of renewed conflict.
Historical tensions in the region have shown that a durable peace is built not just on declarations but on consistent behavior, trust-building measures, and a clear framework for resolution. The international community remains engaged in encouraging dialogue, facilitating confidence-building mechanisms, and encouraging both sides to pursue a settlement that honors the territorial and political realities of the region while safeguarding the rights and security of all communities involved.
In the broader perspective, any sustainable settlement must address issues of security, humanitarian concerns, and the legitimate interests of all affected populations. The focus is on ending hostilities, ensuring safe return for displaced persons where possible, and establishing a stable security architecture that can endure beyond cycles of violence. The ultimate aim is a peaceful coexistence that respects Azerbaijan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity while acknowledging the unique status concerns of Nagorno-Karabakh within a framework acceptable to regional and international actors.