The Path to Peace in the South Caucasus: Recent Progress in Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Talks
Recent developments in peace talks between Baku and Yerevan over the region of North Karabakh have ignited hope for a peaceful resolution in the war-torn South Caucasus region. After 37 years of hostilities, Armenia and Azerbaijan are on the brink of signing a peace deal that could finally settle their longstanding boundary dispute over the separatist region of High Karabakh.
On March 13, Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers announced that they had reached an agreement in principle on the substantive terms of a peace treaty, marking a significant milestone in the peace process. While some issues still remain unresolved, the progress made so far is a promising step towards lasting peace in the region.
Pope Francis’ Support for Peace Efforts
Expressing his gratitude for the steps taken towards peace, Pope Francis welcomed the breakthrough during the Angelus on Sunday, March 23. The Pope, who has been a vocal advocate for peaceful solutions to conflicts, prayed for the success of the peace talks and hoped that they would serve as a beacon of hope for resolving other conflicts through dialogue and goodwill.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan dates back to the late 1980s when High Karabakh, a region in Azerbaijan with a predominantly Armenian population, declared independence with support from Armenia. Since then, the two countries have engaged in two major wars and numerous clashes over the disputed territory.
A Decades-Long Conflict with Devastating Consequences
The conflict has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, with mass expulsions of Azeris from Armenia and Armenians from Azerbaijan. The most recent escalation in September 2023 saw Azerbaijan regain control of High Karabakh, leading to the displacement of tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians.
Pope Francis’ Calls for Dialogue and Resolution
Pope Francis has consistently called for dialogue and negotiation to achieve peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. His messages of concern for the humanitarian crisis in High Karabakh and appeals for both countries to engage in talks have been a constant theme in his addresses to the diplomatic community and during the Angelus.
The ongoing peace talks have focused on 17 points, with significant progress made on key issues such as the status of High Karabakh and mutual agreements on the deployment of forces and withdrawal of claims. While some challenges remain, the willingness of both parties to engage in constructive dialogue is a positive sign for the region.
Challenges Ahead: Constitutional Amendments and Geopolitical Interests
One of the remaining obstacles is the issue of amendments to the Armenian Constitution, which Azerbaijan has requested to eliminate claims against its sovereignty. While Armenia has expressed willingness to adopt a new constitution, the process is yet to be finalized and may require parliamentary approval and a referendum.
The South Caucasus region holds strategic importance due to its location and rich natural resources, making it a focal point of interest for global powers such as Russia, Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. The resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and peace.
Source: Vatican News and news agencies
