Azerbaijan and Armenia Face Hurdles in Peace Talks as Regional Tensions Persist
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov has described Yerevan’s territorial claims against Baku as a barrier to reaching a peace agreement. In a statement released by the ministry’s press service, Bayramov argued that Armenia’s assertions about Azerbaijan’s sovereignty in its own constitution obstruct any peaceful settlement between the two sides. He reiterated that the most significant obstacle remains the remaining claims to Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, which the minister said complicate progress toward a durable peace. [Attribution: Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry press service]
Meanwhile, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan suggested that Yerevan was prepared to finalize and sign a peace agreement within a month. He indicated that Armenia did not see Baku showing readiness to accept the document within the specified timeframe. The remarks appear in the context of ongoing negotiations and a broader regional security dialogue. [Attribution: Armenian Foreign Ministry statements]
Earlier in September 2023, Azerbaijani authorities announced a local operation in the Karabakh region aimed at suppressing large scale provocations, disarming, and facilitating the withdrawal of Armenian army units from the territory. Azerbaijani officials said the operation was a necessary step to restore security and stability in the region. [Attribution: Azerbaijani authorities]
The situation evolved as Russian peacekeepers helped to broker a ceasefire agreement the following day. The parties agreed to halt active hostilities and to continue negotiations under the mediation framework, aiming for a longer term political settlement. The ceasefire was described as a critical moment to prevent further escalation and to create space for dialogue. [Attribution: Russian mediation authorities]
In a related public statement, the Armenian prime minister indicated that the Armenian people were fatigued by the ongoing conflict, signaling a demand for a pragmatic path forward in the peace process. The comments underscored a broad public interest in an enduring resolution that addresses security, stability, and humanitarian needs in the region. [Attribution: Armenian government sources]