Azerbaijan Proposes Peace Deal with Armenia Amid Ongoing Conflict

Azerbaijan is prepared to finalize a peace agreement with Armenia, focusing on constitutional reforms concerning Nagorno-Karabakh to foster long-lasting peace. Elchin Amirbayov emphasized that the next steps depend on Armenia, while the Armenian Embassy expressed disappointment and called for genuine efforts towards peace. Discussions also included strengthening economic relations between Azerbaijan and Argentina.

Azerbaijan has expressed its readiness to finalize a peace agreement with Armenia to resolve their prolonged territorial disputes, as highlighted by Elchin Amirbayov, Azerbaijan’s presidential representative for special assignments, during a recent visit to Argentina. He reported that both nations are nearing the conclusion of a historic treaty aimed at addressing their conflict, particularly over Nagorno-Karabakh, which has led to two wars since the Soviet Union’s collapse.

During his visit, Amirbayov engaged with Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein, Cabinet Chief Guillermo Francos, and civil society groups, including the Consejo Argentinos para las Relaciones Internacionales (CARI) think tank. It was noted that the latest offensive in September 2023 resulted in significant territorial changes and the displacement of over 100,000 Armenians. In light of this context, a peace treaty has been discussed, requiring Armenia to amend its constitution to relinquish claims to Nagorno-Karabakh.

Amirbayov emphasized that constitutional reform is crucial for establishing a durable peace between the two nations. He noted, “The Armenian constitution today contains a territorial claim to part of Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory. We would like this claim to be out of the Armenian constitution because if it is left unattended, unaddressed, it can pose a serious threat to the future of peace.”

Furthermore, he asserted that the onus now lies with Armenia, stating, “Now the ball is in Armenia’s court.” However, the Armenian Embassy in Argentina responded with disappointment, accusing Azerbaijan of creating preconditions instead of pursuing genuine peace. They expressed hope that Azerbaijan would display the political will to finalize the agreement regulating bilateral relations in the near future.

In his briefing, Amirbayov mentioned additional prerequisites for the peace deal, including the dismantling of third-party mediation, notably the “Minsk Process,” and the withdrawal of European armed forces from the border region. He stressed the importance of a direct relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan without external interference.

Aside from discussions on peace, Amirbayov’s visit also aimed to strengthen economic ties between Azerbaijan and Argentina, emphasizing agricultural trade. He remarked that the ongoing conflict with Armenia should not hinder Argentina’s relations with Azerbaijan, a position underlined by Argentina’s significant Armenian diaspora.

In conclusion, Azerbaijan is poised to finalize a peace treaty with Armenia, contingent upon constitutional reforms in Armenia and the removal of third-party mediators. Elchin Amirbayov’s remarks indicate readiness for dialogue and a potential shift towards lasting peace, although Armenia’s reaction suggests complexities remain. Moreover, the desire to foster economic relations with Argentina highlights a multifaceted approach to international relations amid ongoing regional conflicts.

Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar