On November 10, 2020, Azerbaijan and Armenia officially agreed to end their long-standing conflict over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The agreement was mediated by Russia, and it was signed after six weeks of intense fighting that resulted in the displacement of thousands of people and the deaths of hundreds.
The agreement includes several key provisions, including the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of the territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh that were occupied by Armenian forces during the conflict. It also allows for a Russian peacekeeping force to be deployed in the region for a renewable period of five years.
One of the most controversial aspects of the agreement is the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh itself. While the region will remain formally part of Azerbaijan, it will be governed autonomously by its Armenian population. This arrangement has been met with skepticism by some, who worry that it could lead to instability and renewed conflict in the future.
Despite these concerns, the agreement has been widely praised by the international community as a positive step towards ending one of the most enduring conflicts in the Caucasus region. Many world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, have hailed the agreement as a key milestone in the pursuit of lasting peace and stability in the region.
The agreement also marks a significant shift in the balance of power in the region, with Azerbaijan emerging as the clear victor in the conflict. The Azerbaijani government has celebrated the agreement as a major victory for its territorial integrity and national sovereignty, while Armenian officials have faced widespread criticism for their handling of the conflict.
Overall, the agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia represents an important moment in the history of the Caucasus region. While there are still many challenges to overcome in the pursuit of lasting peace and stability, the agreement provides a framework for future negotiations and a glimmer of hope for a brighter future for the people of Azerbaijan and Armenia.
