Armenia Pursues Rapid Peace with Azerbaijan Amid Ongoing Negotiations

Arayik Harutyunyan, Chief of Staff to the Armenian Prime Minister, has stated that Armenia is committed to achieving a rapid peace with Azerbaijan. This statement highlights Erevan's dedication to resolving longstanding tensions through diplomatic efforts.

The announcement comes amidst ongoing negotiations between the two countries, which have been marred by intermittent conflicts and disputes over territories. Harutyunyan emphasized Erevan's willingness to make every effort to achieve this goal, reflecting a significant commitment to peace.

On June 3, Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Louis Bono, the Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations of the US Department of State, in Baku. The meeting focused on post-conflict regional peace efforts, bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and the ongoing Azerbaijani-Armenian peace negotiations.

During the discussions, Bayramov highlighted the progress made in the peace agenda, including the recent agreement by the delimitation commissions to return four Azerbaijani villages previously occupied by Armenia. This agreement is seen as a constructive step towards normalizing relations.

The US has expressed its support for the peace process. Senior Advisor Bono reiterated the US' commitment to aiding the negotiation process, citing recent developments as positive indicators for future peace-building activities.

In a related development, Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed on April 19 to return four abandoned border villages to Azerbaijan. This agreement, reached during the eighth round of talks between Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigorian and his Azerbaijani counterpart Shahin Mustafayev, marks a significant step in delineating the frontier between the two nations.

The villages to be returned include Baghanis and Voskepar in Armenia, and Baganis Ayrum and Asagi Askipara in Azerbaijan. The proposed border will align with the Soviet-era inter-republican border, which existed before the Soviet Union's dissolution.

This agreement follows Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian's statement on May 22, where he expressed readiness to recognize the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan under specific conditions. This potential compromise aims to end the decades-long conflict and revive the region.

Pashinian emphasized that any recognition would depend on guaranteeing the rights and security of ethnic Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh. This condition is essential for ensuring a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the conflict.

As Armenia and Azerbaijan continue their negotiations, the international community, including the US and the Group of Seven (G7) nations, has called for both countries to remain committed to the peace process. The G7 has urged for a dignified and durable peace based on principles such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The pursuit of rapid peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan represents a significant step towards stability in the South Caucasus region. With ongoing diplomatic efforts and international support, there is cautious optimism that a lasting resolution can be achieved.

Key Takeaways

• Armenia committed to achieving rapid peace with Azerbaijan through diplomatic efforts.
• Azerbaijan and Armenia agree to return four abandoned border villages to Azerbaijan.
• Armenian PM Nikol Pashinian willing to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan under certain conditions.
• US and G7 nations support the peace process, urging respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Ongoing diplomatic efforts aim to achieve a lasting resolution to the decades-long conflict.