The French publication Le Figaro has released an article about the ongoing negotiations for normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Professor of International Relations Sebastien Boussois analyzed the potential outcomes of the normalization process in his article. He noted that after decades of conflict, the return to a bilateral approach to peace in the region offers hope at a time when the world is tumultuous. According to him, by the end of the year, Azerbaijan and Armenia could prove that not only has the United Nations become outdated in leading to peace, but also that the trend of international mediation has become obsolete.
The author points out that Russia, the United States, and the European Union have tried but failed to successfully mediate a peace agreement between Baku and Yerevan.
Furthermore, he added that the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia will meet on May 10 in the Kazakh city of Almaty, where they will discuss all elements that could lead to a final and definitive agreement to resolve the conflict that has lasted over thirty years:
“A new bilateral meeting will take place on May 10 in the Kazakh city of Almaty. The host country will not play any role in the negotiations, but it has strong symbolic value. It was there, at the collapse of the USSR, that the Almaty Declaration confirming its end was signed. History could be rewritten there.”
Professor Boussois writes that Azerbaijan’s return of four villages last month is proof that Armenia wants to move towards normalization.
“Indeed, Armenia no longer has a choice: the country must be reintegrated into regional dynamics as quickly as possible,” notes Sebastien Boussois.
According to the author, resolving the issue related to the Zangezur Corridor, in addition to restoring direct connectivity between Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan exclave, should also be beneficial for Armenia in terms of establishing trade relations with its neighbors.
“Both sides hope that the agreement will be signed before COP29, which will be held at the end of November in Baku,” the professor remarked.
