After Azerbaijan’s rapid offensive in the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, talks were opened between Baku and Armenian separatists to discuss the reintegration of the territory. These first discussions were described as “constructive” by the Azerbaijani presidency and a lot of information was exchanged.
The talks, which took place in Yevlakh, a town west of the Azerbaijani capital, lasted two hours. Both sides agreed on the need to resolve existing issues in a peaceful environment and committed to continuing the meetings. A new meeting should take place in the near future.
This talks initiative demonstrates a desire on the part of both sides to reach a peaceful resolution and normalize relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Azerbaijan aims for the peaceful reintegration of Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh, who are the majority in the region.
However, while the discussions are taking place, the situation on the ground remains tense. The streets of Nagorno-Karabakh’s capital, Stepanakert, are filled with displaced, hungry and frightened people. Residents are desperately searching for their loved ones and calling for news.
Armenia denounced the Azerbaijani military operation as a “crime against humanity” and accused Azerbaijan of carrying out “ethnic cleansing” in the region. Thousands of people have already been evacuated from the region, raising concerns about a possible mass departure of the local population.
Russia, which is a key player in the conflict, has called on Azerbaijan to guarantee the rights and security of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Russian peacekeepers have been deployed to the region to try to maintain calm.
Despite the ceasefire that came into effect on Wednesday, isolated shootings were reported in Stepanakert, showing that the situation remains fragile. The ongoing talks nevertheless offer a glimmer of hope that a peaceful solution to this long and complex conflict can be found.
In conclusion, the talks between Azerbaijan and Armenian separatists on the reintegration of Nagorno-Karabakh provide some optimism that this conflict can be resolved peacefully. However, many challenges remain and it will take significant time and effort to achieve a lasting solution acceptable to all parties involved.