BERLIN: Germany on Wednesday lauded the “courageous steps” taken by Armenia and Azerbaijan as the Caucasus neighbours started peace talks in Berlin, in a new push to address the longstanding conflict in the Caucasus region. The dialogue, featuring Armenia’s Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijan’s Jeyhun Bayramov, follows a recent direct meeting between the leaders of the two countries during the Munich Security Conference.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock commended the efforts of Armenia and Azerbaijan to move towards a lasting peace for their people. Hosted at Villa Borsig, a foreign ministry retreat, the talks began after Baerbock, Mirzoyan, and Bayramov took a brief stroll on the lush grounds.
The peace negotiations were initiated under the mediation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who facilitated a meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during the Munich Security Conference. During this encounter, both leaders committed to resolving differences peacefully, without resorting to force.
Conflict Between Armenia and Azerbaijan
Tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan escalated last year, culminating in a renewed conflict over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Despite Azerbaijan’s successful military offensive in retaking control of the enclave, tensions have persisted, with concerns over potential territorial disputes and the threat of further conflict.
Armenia expressed apprehension that Azerbaijan may attempt to expand its territory, while Azerbaijani President Aliyev emphasized Armenia’s alleged territorial claims. Recent clashes along the border have heightened concerns, with Pashinyan warning of the possibility of a “full-scale war.”
German Foreign Minister Baerbock had previously visited both Armenia and Azerbaijan in November to encourage dialogue between the two nations. Despite earlier hopes for a peace agreement by the end of last year, mediated talks have thus far failed to yield a breakthrough.
The European Union and the United States had previously played significant roles in mediating peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, although Russian influence in the region has also been notable. However, with Russia preoccupied with its conflict in Ukraine, its influence in the Caucasus has reportedly diminished.
