To read: Nagorno-Karabakh, in the shadow of scars and trauma
“We need to review our strategic thinking in the field of security and diversify our (international) relations in this area,” Nikol Pashinian said. “We are ready to purchase new and modern weapons, and over the past few years the government has signed arms purchase contracts worth billions of dollars.”
Azerbaijan denies having territorial claims against the former Soviet republic.
Regular incidents at the border
Azerbaijan and Armenia fought two wars, in the 1990s and in 2020, which left tens of thousands dead, over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, finally reconquered in September by the forces of Baku. Since this complete reconquest, almost the entire Armenian population of the region – more than 100,000 people – has fled to Armenia.
On this subject: After the victory of Azerbaijan, the exodus of the inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh
The Azerbaijani victory marked the end of the dispute between the two countries, but many observers still remain cautious about the progress of the negotiations, as disagreements and sources of tension between the two countries have accumulated over thirty years.
Armed incidents still regularly take place at the border.
Standardization of links underway
For several months, several rounds of negotiations led separately by Russia, the European Union and the United States did not produce results. The traditional arbiter in the region, Moscow, monopolized by its offensive in Ukraine, has lost its influence and the confidence of its Armenian ally.
On December 7, the two countries nevertheless committed to taking “concrete measures” to “normalize” their ties. Less than a week later, they exchanged prisoners of war, a first step toward normalizing relations. This gesture was hailed as a “breakthrough” by the European Union, the United States, Turkey and Russia, the two major regional powers.
Read more: Armenia and Azerbaijan announce “concrete measures” to “normalize” their relations
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev estimated on January 10 that the “conditions” for the signing of a peace treaty with Armenia had been “created”, assuring that he did not want a “new war”.
2024-01-29 01:42:42
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