In a historic breakthrough, Armenia and Azerbaijan have come to an agreement on the wording of a peace treaty, putting an end to nearly forty years of conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. This peace agreement was wrapped up on March 13, 2025, representing a major move toward fostering stability in the South Caucasus. However, Azerbaijan is insisting on a constitutional change in Armenia before the treaty can be signed, which has led to some uncertainty about when the official signing will actually take place.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
Background of the Conflict
- The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict started in the late 1980s, as the region, which had a majority of ethnic Armenians, sought independence from Azerbaijan with help from Armenia.
- This conflict escalated into two wars and caused mass displacements of ethnic groups on both sides.
- In September 2023, Azerbaijan regained control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region through military means, leading to the exodus of around 100,000 ethnic Armenians to Armenia.
The Peace Agreement
- Both Armenia and Azerbaijan finalized the text of the peace treaty on March 13, 2025.
- Armenia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the treaty is ready for signing and proposed consultations on the date and location for the signing ceremony.
- Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry also expressed satisfaction with the draft treaty.
Conditions for Signing
- Azerbaijan insists that Armenia must amend its constitution, claiming it makes implicit territorial claims on Azerbaijan.
- Armenia denies the allegations but Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has acknowledged the need to replace the constitution through a referendum, though no date has been set.