After years of conflict, over 80% of the peace treaty draft has already been agreed upon, a remarkable achievement considering the deep divisions that have defined relations between the two countries for decades. Yet, the unresolved issues that remain are of paramount importance, particularly the presence of Armenia’s territorial claims against Azerbaijan enshrined in its constitution and legal documents.
Azerbaijan has made it clear that peace cannot be built on unstable ground. As long as Armenia maintains legal provisions that imply territorial ambitions over Azerbaijan, true peace remains elusive. It is not just a matter of signing a document; Azerbaijan insists that for any agreement to be genuine, Armenia must commit to revising or removing these claims from its constitution. Without such a move, peace would be fragile, merely a pause in hostilities rather than a sustainable resolution.
Baku’s position is not one of obstinacy, but of prudence. Azerbaijan seeks not a temporary ceasefire but a durable and comprehensive peace that will ensure long-term stability in the South Caucasus. The recent history of the region, marred by violence, occupation, and immense suffering, underscores the necessity for a peace that addresses the root causes of the conflict. Azerbaijan cannot afford to settle for a peace that leaves fundamental issues unresolved.
The hurdles to peace are not confined to legal texts. Another significant obstacle is Armenia’s ongoing militarization. Over the past year, Armenia has accelerated its military buildup, raising concerns not only in Azerbaijan but across the region. For a country that has engaged in decades of aggressive foreign policy and maintains territorial claims against a neighboring state, this intensification of armament is deeply troubling. The question must be asked: What is the purpose of such military expansion if the goal is genuine peace?
The situation is further exacerbated by a well-coordinated defamation campaign led by certain Armenian and pro-Armenian groups on the international stage. This campaign seeks to undermine Azerbaijan’s standing globally, casting a shadow over its peace efforts and tarnishing its image. These efforts, while unsuccessful in derailing Azerbaijan’s path to development and stability, nonetheless create an atmosphere of mistrust that complicates the peace process. For peace to flourish, such negative external influences must be curtailed.
Complicating matters further is the role of external powers with vested interests in the South Caucasus. These geopolitical actors often view the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia as an opportunity to exert influence in the region, prioritizing their strategic goals over the well-being of local populations. In many cases, these powers have adopted a stance that disproportionately favors Armenia, emboldening its leadership to take less constructive positions in the peace negotiations. For sustainable peace to be achieved, it is essential that external actors prioritize the long-term stability of the region over their short-term geopolitical ambitions.
Despite these challenges, there is a foundation for optimism. The peace process is advancing, and both Azerbaijan and Armenia have a clear interest in reaching an agreement. The conflict that once defined the region has, in large part, been resolved, and new geopolitical realities have emerged in the aftermath of the Second Karabakh War. These realities include an enhanced role for Azerbaijan in regional economic and transport networks, particularly through projects like the Zangezur corridor, which promises to transform regional trade and connectivity.
Another encouraging sign is the progress made in the delimitation and demarcation of borders, which had long been a contentious issue. The ongoing negotiations on this matter are a testament to the fact that both sides are willing to engage in practical dialogue on difficult issues. This willingness to work through the complexities of border demarcation offers hope that a broader peace agreement can be reached.
The Path to Sustainable Peace
To ensure that peace is not only signed but sustained, it is critical that Armenia demonstrates a greater commitment to constructive engagement in the negotiations. This includes halting its military buildup and refraining from international campaigns aimed at isolating or undermining Azerbaijan. Peace requires mutual respect, trust, and a genuine willingness to compromise. Azerbaijan, for its part, has shown extraordinary patience and a readiness to move beyond the past. Despite enduring 30 years of occupation, with its associated human, material, and emotional costs, Azerbaijan continues to extend a hand of peace.
This commitment to peace reflects not just a desire to resolve bilateral issues with Armenia but a broader vision for the South Caucasus region. Azerbaijan is invested in creating a future where the region can thrive economically, politically, and culturally. This vision requires peace, stability, and cooperation between all its neighbors, including Armenia. The peace process is therefore not just about ending a conflict but about building a new era of collaboration and shared prosperity.
In conclusion, the time for peace has come. While significant challenges remain, the progress made thus far gives reason for cautious optimism. For the region to truly move forward, both Armenia and Azerbaijan must embrace the opportunities before them. Armenia, in particular, must take bold steps towards genuine reconciliation by removing its territorial claims and engaging in a more constructive and peaceful dialogue. Only then can the South Caucasus achieve the lasting peace and stability it so desperately needs.
Azerbaijan, as always, remains ready to walk the path of peace.
Ayshan Aslan-Mammadli is a lecturer at Baku State University.
