Armenia and Azerbaijan Announce Historic Deal to Exchange POWs and Pursue Peace Treaty

Armenia and Azerbaijan Announce Historic Deal to Exchange POWs and Pursue Peace Treaty

In a historic move, Armenia and Azerbaijan have announced a deal to exchange prisoners of war (POWs) and pursue a peace treaty, signaling hope for resolution in the long-troubled region. This breakthrough agreement, hailed by the European Union as a major step towards peace, comes after bitter disputes between the two countries regarding the outline of a peace process. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan expressed their shared belief in the historical chance for achieving long-awaited peace, as well as their intention to normalize relations and establish a peace treaty based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. As part of the deal, Armenia has agreed to support Azerbaijan’s bid to host the 29th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, further fostering cooperation between the nations. The United States government also welcomed the deal, highlighting the importance of the POW exchange as a confidence-building measure towards a lasting peace agreement. With this promising development, Armenia and Azerbaijan aim to build mutual trust and seek support from the international community in their continued efforts towards lasting peace.

Armenia and Azerbaijan Announce Historic Deal to Exchange POWs and Pursue Peace Treaty

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Background

Armenia and Azerbaijan, two neighboring countries in the South Caucasus region, have a long and troubled history of conflict. The conflict centers around the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has been governed by ethnic Armenians for the past three decades. In September of this year, Azerbaijan launched a military campaign to regain control of Nagorno-Karabakh, leading to a large-scale conflict and the displacement of thousands of people.

Agreement to Exchange Prisoners of War

In a significant step towards de-escalation and peace, Armenia and Azerbaijan have reached an agreement to exchange prisoners of war. Both countries have recognized the importance of this humanitarian gesture and have expressed their commitment to resolving the issue of detainees. As part of the agreement, Azerbaijan will release 32 captured Armenian military servicemen, while Armenia will release two Azerbaijani soldiers. This exchange of prisoners represents a major breakthrough and a positive step towards reconciliation.

Commitment to Signing Peace Treaty

Armenia and Azerbaijan have acknowledged the historic opportunity to achieve a long-awaited peace in the region. Both countries share the view that a peace treaty based on respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity is essential for lasting stability. The commitment to signing a peace treaty demonstrates a willingness to engage in open dialogue and find a mutually agreeable solution to the conflict. This commitment is a significant development that offers hope for a peaceful future in the South Caucasus region.

Normalization of Relations

The joint statement released by Armenia and Azerbaijan emphasizes their intention to normalize relations. Normalization of relations between the two countries is crucial for establishing lasting peace and stability. This includes addressing key issues such as border disputes, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges. By working towards normalizing relations, Armenia and Azerbaijan can begin to rebuild trust and create an atmosphere of cooperation.

Armenia’s Support for Azerbaijan’s Climate Change Conference Bid

As part of the agreement, Armenia has agreed to support Azerbaijan’s bid to host the 29th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This decision marks a significant concession by Armenia, as the two countries had previously vetoed each other’s bids. Armenia’s support for Azerbaijan’s bid demonstrates a willingness to put aside differences and work together on shared global challenges. It also highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing climate change.

International Reactions

The European Union, represented by European Council President Charles Michel, has praised the agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan as a major breakthrough. Michel particularly commended the release of detainees and the unprecedented opening in political dialogue. He called on both countries to finalize a peace deal as soon as possible. The United States government has also welcomed the agreement, viewing the exchange of prisoners as an important confidence-building measure. The US State Department has expressed its continued support for efforts to reach a durable and dignified peace in the region.

Calls for Finalizing Peace Deal

While the agreement to exchange prisoners and pursue a peace treaty is a significant step forward, there remains a need for the finalization of a comprehensive peace deal. This includes resolving outstanding issues such as the status of Nagorno-Karabakh and the establishment of sustainable mechanisms for conflict resolution. The international community, including regional and global stakeholders, should continue supporting the peace process and encourage both Armenia and Azerbaijan to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

US Government Welcomes the Deal

The United States government has welcomed the agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, recognizing the exchange of prisoners as an important confidence-building measure. The US State Department has expressed its commitment to supporting efforts towards a durable and dignified peace. The US government encourages both countries to continue working towards a comprehensive peace deal and the normalization of relations. The United States stands ready to assist in any way necessary to facilitate the peace process and contribute to long-term stability.

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Tangible Steps towards Building Confidence

Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to take tangible steps towards building confidence between the two countries. These steps include the release of prisoners of war and the establishment of mechanisms for ongoing dialogue. By implementing these confidence-building measures, Armenia and Azerbaijan can create an atmosphere of trust and cooperation, which is essential for the success of any peace process. It is hoped that these tangible steps will pave the way for further progress in the future.

Implementation of Confidence Building Measures

Armenia and Azerbaijan have expressed their commitment to implementing confidence-building measures. This includes ongoing discussions on additional measures to build trust between the two countries. The international community has an important role to play in supporting and facilitating the implementation of these measures. By providing the necessary support and assistance, regional and global stakeholders can help bolster the peace process and contribute to lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus region.

In conclusion, the agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan to exchange prisoners of war and pursue a peace treaty represents a major breakthrough for the long-troubled region. Both countries have demonstrated their commitment to achieving a long-awaited peace and have taken tangible steps towards building confidence. The international community has expressed its support for the agreement and encourages both Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue working towards a comprehensive peace deal. By finalizing a peace treaty and normalizing relations, Armenia and Azerbaijan can move towards a future of stability, cooperation, and prosperity.

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