Germany Hosts Crucial Peace Talks Between Azerbaijan and Armenia

Germany has taken the initiative to facilitate two days of peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia, marking a significant effort to resolve tensions lingering since Azerbaijan's recapture of the Karabakh region, home to an ethnic Armenian majority, five months ago.

The talks come amidst Azerbaijan's growing reluctance towards external mediation, with President Ilham Aliyev expressing concerns over the United States' perceived bias towards Armenia. However, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's diplomatic efforts, including visits to both countries in November, indicate a commitment to fostering dialogue.

In December, Azerbaijan and Armenia issued a joint statement expressing their mutual desire to reach a peace agreement, signaling a potential breakthrough after decades of conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The recent offensive by Azerbaijan prompted a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians, with most seeking refuge in Armenia.

While Armenia has labeled the offensive as ethnic cleansing, Azerbaijan refutes the claim, suggesting that displaced individuals could have integrated into Azerbaijani society. The talks, hosted by the German Foreign Ministry, aim to address outstanding issues, including the delineation of the shared border and the status of small enclaves held by each country within the other's territory.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's engagement with leaders from both nations on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference underscores the international community's commitment to facilitating dialogue and finding a lasting solution to the conflict.

As anticipation mounts, Baerbock is scheduled to hold separate meetings with Azerbaijani and Armenian counterparts before convening a trilateral session. The outcome of these discussions holds significant implications for regional stability and prospects for peaceful coexistence between Azerbaijan and Armenia.