Azerbaijan and Armenia Peace Agreement

Context

The decades-long Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the South Caucasus region led to deep mistrust, violence and political instability between Azerbaijan and Armenia. After years of bloody conflict, displacement and failed negotiations, a historic peace agreement was signed in Washington, brokered by US President Donald Trump, which both countries described as the 'beginning of a new era'.

Background of the conflict

• Nagorno-Karabakh, which is internationally part of Azerbaijan, had a majority population of ethnic Armenians.
• The two countries fought a fierce war in the 1980s and 1990s, displacing millions and killing thousands.
• A six-week war broke out in 2020, with Azerbaijan recapturing large parts of the region.
• In recent years, Russia's focus on the Ukraine war and Armenia's tilt towards the West have brought new equations in the peace process.

About the peace deal

• Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed the deal in the presence of US President Donald Trump at the White House.
• The deal promises to end the war "forever" and restore traffic, trade and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
• The US will build a major transit corridor in the region, named the 'Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity'.
• The route will connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave, which is separated from Armenian territory.

Key points of the deal

• Permanent ceasefire: Both countries pledged not to take any military action in the future.
• Transport and trade resumed: Road, rail and air routes will be opened.
• Diplomatic relations: Restoration of embassy and diplomatic dialogue.
• Construction of transit corridor: Special corridor connecting Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan.
• US investment: US participation in energy and technical trade will increase.

Significance

• Regional stability: Hope for peace in the South Caucasus which has been unstable for decades.
• Economic benefits: Economic benefits to both countries due to opening of trade route.
• International influence: US influence increases in mediation instead of Russia.
• Humanitarian relief: Possibility of return and rehabilitation of displaced people.

Challenges

• Mutual distrust: Decades of violence have created a deep gap between the people.
• Return of displaced people: Difficult to ensure safe and dignified rehabilitation.
• Geopolitical competition: Issue of power balance between Russia, Turkey and the US.
• Compliance with the agreement: possible differences on transit corridor and border issues.

Way forward

• Both countries must focus on confidence building measures, cultural exchanges, joint economic projects and security cooperation.
• The international community must remain active in monitoring and mediation so that the agreement is not violated.
• Reconstruction and humanitarian assistance to displaced and war-affected areas must be a priority.