OSCE Chairman Ian Borg Optimistic About Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Amid Border Delimitation Progress

In a significant development, OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ian Borg has expressed cautious optimism for a sustainable peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, citing progress on border delimitation. This comes after the peaceful handover of four villages in the western Azerbaijani Gazakh District, which were under Armenian occupation for 30 years.

The villages of Baganis Ayrim, Ashagi Askipara, Kheyrimli, and Gizilhajili were officially returned to Azerbaijan on April 19, 2024, marking a milestone in the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. The implementation of the agreement determined a 12.7 km long border line, with the Azerbaijani State Border Service taking control of these territories.

This event represents the first mutually recognized delimitation of the state border between Armenia and Azerbaijan since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The peaceful nature of the handover sets a precedent for further negotiations and underscores a step towards ensuring Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

President Ilham Aliyev reiterated his stance on the return of Gazakh's villages, emphasizing their unconditional return to Azerbaijan. The success of the delimitation process, conducted without intermediaries, highlights the effectiveness of official Baku's proposals for direct peace talks and border negotiations.

Why this matters: The peaceful resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border dispute has significant implications for regional stability and security. A sustainable peace agreement could lead to increased economic cooperation and improved relations between the two nations, potentially paving the way for greater regional integration and cooperation.

The OSCE, under Ian Borg's leadership, has offered its support and diplomatic tools to facilitate dialogue and understanding towards a lasting resolution. Borg's cautious optimism reflects the progress made and the potential for a sustainable peace agreement between the two nations.

The peaceful handover of the villages marks a significant milestone in the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. The implementation of the agreement determined a 12.7 km long border line, a step towards ensuring Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The success of the delimitation process highlights the effectiveness of official Baku's proposals for direct peace talks and border negotiations.

Key Takeaways

• OSCE Chairman Ian Borg expresses cautious optimism for a sustainable peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
• Azerbaijan regains control of 4 villages in Gazakh District after 30 years of Armenian occupation.
• 12.7 km border line is established, marking a milestone in the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process.
• Peaceful handover sets a precedent for further negotiations and ensures Azerbaijan's sovereignty.
• A sustainable peace agreement could lead to increased economic cooperation and regional integration.