Armenia and Azerbaijan Collaborating for a Peaceful Resolution

Armenia and Azerbaijan have announced their intention to normalize relations and exchange prisoners captured during the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. This conflict has been ongoing between the two neighbors for many years regarding the disputed territory. In a joint statement released, the countries expressed a desire for long-awaited peace and viewed this as a historical chance. They aim to sign a peace treaty by the end of the year. The European Council President, Charles Michel, welcomed this development, considering it a significant breakthrough in their relations. The countries have also committed to working towards a comprehensive peace treaty, emphasizing mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity. As a gesture of goodwill, Baku is releasing 32 Armenian military personnel, while Yerevan is releasing two military personnel. Both countries have taken additional steps, such as Armenia withdrawing its candidacy for hosting the COP29 climate summit in support of Azerbaijan's bid, and Azerbaijan supporting Armenia's candidacy for a regional group associated with climate talks. They have called on the international community to support their efforts. The agreement was reached during talks between the offices of Armenia's Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, and the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, with mediation from the EU, the US, and Russia. Talks had previously stalled when Azerbaijan declined to participate in discussions held in the US and Spain, citing bias from Western countries. However, discussions resumed in late October in Iran. This conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region has caused more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee the area. While the territory is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, ethnic Armenians had controlled significant portions of it for thirty years.