In the latest development of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has called on Azerbaijan to publicly commit to three principles for achieving peace. Speaking at the fall session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Pashinian expressed his frustration that the two sides are still “speaking different diplomatic languages” in their negotiations.
Pashinian emphasized that the agreed-upon principles are crucial for establishing trust and paving the way for a peaceful resolution. However, he lamented that Azerbaijan has not made a public commitment to these principles, creating a climate of mistrust. He further warned that the rhetoric from Azerbaijani officials raises concerns about the possibility of renewed military aggression against Armenia.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh has a long and complicated history. The region, which was a majority ethnic-Armenian enclave since the collapse of the Soviet Union, has been a point of contention between the two countries, leading to two wars in the last three decades.
Following intense negotiations and mediation by the European Union, Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders agreed on three key principles for peace. These include recognizing each other’s territorial integrity, basing the delimitation of borders on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration, and opening regional trade, transport, and communication while respecting sovereign jurisdictions.
However, Pashinian expressed concern that Azerbaijan’s refusal to acknowledge these principles undermines the progress made in the peace process. He accused Azerbaijani officials of using provocative language, referring to Armenia as “Western Azerbaijan,” and interpreting it as a sign of preparation for another conflict.
The diplomatic rift between the two countries extends beyond their failure to agree on the principles for peace. Azerbaijan recently announced that it would not participate in normalization talks with Armenia at the foreign-minister level, citing “one-sided and biased remarks” made by a U.S. Assistant Secretary of State. Similarly, Azerbaijan withdrew from meetings planned by the European Union, and President Ilham Aliyev refused to attend negotiations mediated by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and the EU’s Charles Michel.
Despite these challenges, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly expressed hope for a peaceful resolution. President Pia Kauma welcomed Armenia’s interest in reaching a deal with Azerbaijan and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in the peace process. She called on both countries to seize this opportunity to forge a new path based on peaceful coexistence, mutual security, and economic prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What are the three principles for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan?
The three principles are: mutual recognition of territorial integrity, delimitation of borders based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration, and the opening of regional trade, transport, and communication while respecting sovereign jurisdictions. -
Why is Azerbaijan’s commitment to these principles important?
Azerbaijan’s commitment is crucial for establishing trust between the two countries and progressing towards a peaceful resolution. Without a public acknowledgment of these principles, the atmosphere of mistrust deepens, raising concerns about the possibility of renewed military aggression. -
What is the diplomatic rift between Armenia and Azerbaijan?
The diplomatic rift encompasses Azerbaijan’s refusal to participate in normalization talks at various levels, withdrawal from meetings planned by the European Union, and President Aliyev’s rejection of negotiations mediated by other world leaders. These actions are often attributed to perceived biases against Azerbaijan or preconditions that Azerbaijan finds unacceptable. -
What is the role of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly?
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among parliamentarians from OSCE participating states. It plays a significant role in promoting peace, security, and cooperation within the OSCE region.