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Armenia and Azerbaijan emerged as independent states in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Shortly after independence, two neighboring countries were embroiled in a war over the Armenian ethnic group, the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is internationally recognized as Azerbaijani territory.
After almost 30 years, the two countries are again embroiled in a major war over Nagorno-Karabakh last September. Although Armenia occupied large areas of Azerbaijan, including Nagorno-Karabakh, in the first war, the country’s authorities claim that Azerbaijan has been able to regain 15 to 20 percent of its territory lost in the recent war. This includes the important city of Shusha.
The world community has been calling for peace since the beginning of the Second Great War. Russia initially agreed to a ceasefire between the two parties in the conflict zone.
Then on Tuesday, Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to a nine-point peace agreement proposed by Russia. The agreement was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
The two sides also agreed to end the ongoing war on Nagorno-Karabakh and find a way to long-term peace in the conflict zone.
The media The Arab News’A report from the Nagorno-Karabakh peace agreement described the main conditions.
Stop the fire
The first of the main terms of the agreement is a total ceasefire. The ceasefire has been in effect since midnight on Tuesday, Moscow time.
They will remain on the ground where the armies of the two countries are currently stationed. As a result, Azerbaijan will occupy other areas, including the city of Shusha, which was taken by Armenia in the recent war.
Peacemakers
Russia will deploy 1,960 peacekeepers in the conflict zone. They will be accompanied by small arms, 90 armored personnel carriers, 360 car units and special equipment.
The blue helmets will be stationed along the Line of Control between the two countries. In addition, the Lachin corridor connecting Armenia will provide security.
This stalemate will continue for the next five years unless either party withdraws from the agreement. The agreement will take effect automatically after five years.
Return to land
Armenia will return the Aghdam district to Azerbaijan on November 20. Furthermore, the Armenian-controlled Kalbazar district will be handed over to Azerbaijan on November 15 and the Lachin district on December 1.
Previously, Armenia used to communicate with Nagorno-Karabakh through Susha. Now they will maintain that connection through the five kilometer wide Lachin Corridor.
Exchange of prisoners, repatriation of refugees
The refugees will be able to return to the areas under Armenian control and to the surrounding districts.
The two parties to the dispute will exchange prisoners of war, detainees and bodies in each other’s hands.
Runner
Armenia will be allowed to use its territory to travel to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Region of Azerbaijan, away from the mainland. The country will also work to build communications infrastructure.
Although these were mentioned as key terms in the agreement, they did not specify the future identity of the Armenian-majority areas of Nagorno-Karabakh. Furthermore, nothing was said about future initiatives to be taken to find a lasting solution to the problem.
