Armenia Urges Azerbaijan to Begin Peace Treaty Talks

The two countries, which have fought two wars for control of Azerbaijan’s Armenian-populated Karabakh region—first at the collapse of the Soviet Union and again in 2020—have long been at odds over the area. In September 2023, Azerbaijan launched a swift, 24-hour offensive that resulted in the complete capture of the region, displacing over 100,000 ethnic Armenians.

Despite prior failed attempts to reach a lasting agreement, both sides have expressed optimism that a comprehensive peace deal is within reach. On Friday, Armenia and Azerbaijan announced the conclusion of high-level talks, with both parties agreeing on the text of a possible treaty.

"The draft peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been finalized and is now awaiting signing," Pashinyan wrote in a post on Telegram Thursday. "I propose to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev that we begin joint consultations to finalize the signing of the agreed-upon peace treaty."

If signed, the deal would represent a monumental step toward normalization of relations in a region where Russia, the European Union, the United States, and Turkey have long vied for influence. The breakthrough, however, faces challenges, including Baku’s demand that Armenia amend its constitution to remove references to its 1991 declaration of independence, which asserts territorial claims over Karabakh. Such a constitutional change would require a national referendum, potentially delaying the treaty’s finalization.

Pashinyan has already acknowledged Baku's sovereignty over Karabakh, a key gesture towards normalizing ties after three decades of Armenian separatist rule in the region. Armenia also made significant moves last year, returning four border villages that it had occupied for decades.

The conflict has taken a heavy toll on the region, with nearly all ethnic Armenians fleeing Karabakh following its capture by Azerbaijan. Despite these tensions, the diplomatic progress has garnered praise from international leaders. Washington, Brussels, and French President Emmanuel Macron have all expressed support for the peace talks and have played key roles as mediators throughout the process.

As the two countries prepare for the next steps, the global community watches closely, hoping this new agreement will bring lasting peace to the region.