LIVE UPDATES
Armenia and Azerbaijan, historic rivals entangled in a protracted conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, have committed to advancing reconciliation efforts. In a joint statement released on Thursday, both nations declared their intention to take concrete measures fostering confidence and to engage in the reciprocal release of prisoners of war.
The longstanding dispute, marked by a swift Azerbaijani offensive in September that resulted in the reclaiming of Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenian separatists, has persisted for decades. Despite the territorial shifts, achieving a comprehensive peace agreement has remained elusive. The potential signing of such an agreement by the year's end has been posited by both nations. However, progress in peace talks, mediated by the European Union, the United States, and Russia, has been slow to materialize.
The joint statement emphasized the mutual commitment to instigate "tangible steps aimed at confidence-building," underlining a shared dedication to normalize diplomatic relations and formalize a peace accord. The announcement comes as a glimmer of hope in the turbulent history of the South Caucasus, where geopolitical complexities and historical grievances have fueled enduring tensions.
The ongoing peace process underscores the involvement of key global actors, highlighting the collaborative mediation efforts led by the European Union, the United States, and Russia. As the nations navigate the intricate path toward reconciliation, the prospect of a signed peace agreement beckons as a potential turning point in the longstanding conflict, offering a glimpse of stability in a region historically marred by strife.
