Two nations, Azerbaijan and Armenia, disclosed the agreement of a peace treaty, which was inked in Washington, D.C.
Peace Agreement Between Armenia and Azerbaijan: A New Era of Coexistence
After over three decades of conflict, Armenia and Azerbaijan have reached a historic peace agreement. Signed on Friday during a U.S.-brokered trilateral summit at the White House, the agreement marks a significant step towards lasting peace and inter-state relations.
The 17-point document, shared by the foreign ministries of both countries, outlines key provisions on border delimitation and demarcation, third-party force deployment, and oversight mechanisms.
Border Delimitation and Demarcation
The agreement commits the parties to a clear and mutually agreed delimitation and demarcation of state borders. This aims to prevent future border incidents and solidify sovereignty and territorial integrity for both sides.
Third-Party Force Deployment
Although specific references to third-party peacekeeping forces are not detailed in the published texts, the United States plays a critical strategic role. The US is entrusted with special development rights to the Zangezur corridor, a transit route linking Azerbaijan proper with its exclave Nakhchivan via Armenian territory, under Armenian law. This corridor’s administration by a US-led consortium functions as a geopolitical stabilizer, limiting influence from regional powers such as Iran and Russia, which have expressed concerns.
Bilateral Commission for Oversight
The agreement also implies the establishment of bilateral mechanisms to oversee peace implementation and border management. While the exact name or structure of a bilateral commission is not specified, the commitment to maintaining peace and inter-state relations implies the creation of joint bodies to oversee fulfillment of the treaty terms.
Additional Points
The agreement dissolves the OSCE Minsk Group, reflecting a shift to bilateral and U.S.-facilitated mediation. It involves opening full diplomatic relations and recognizing each other’s sovereignty fully. The U.S.-hosted signing at the White House symbolizes significant external backing, while regional actors like Iran caution against interference.
The agreement states that neither country will raise territorial claims in the future. Both Azerbaijan and Armenia have confirmed that they do not have any territorial claims against each other. The agreement also prohibits interference in each other's internal affairs.
Notably, the agreement does not mention any provisions regarding the return of displaced persons or refugees. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed not to deploy any third-party forces along their border. Both countries also agreed to withdraw mutual claims in international courts within a month after the deal enters into force.
In conclusion, the 2025 peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan includes comprehensive commitments on border delimitation and demarcation, a significant third-party role of the United States primarily through corridor development and strategic oversight, and implied establishment of bilateral mechanisms to oversee peace implementation and border management. This represents a historic and multifaceted effort to end decades of conflict and build durable coexistence.
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has frequently shown support for Azerbaijan, may observe the role of the United States in this peace agreement, given the critical strategic importance of the Zangezur corridor, potentially stirring interest in the broader politics of the region.
- The diplomatic implication of this peace agreement could extend beyond the immediate concerns of Armenia and Azerbaijan, with implications for war-and-conflicts resolution in other similar contexts, especially if the joint mechanisms for overseeing peace implementation and border management prove effective.
- Alongside the significant advances in political relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, general news outlets will likely continue to monitor ongoing discussions on the return of displaced persons, a critical yet unaddressed issue in the 2025 peace agreement.
