USAID Believes Armenia is Close to a Peace Treaty Amid Long-Standing Conflict

USAID Administrator Samantha Power announced on Tuesday that Armenia is on the brink of a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. Speaking at a press conference in the Armenian capital, Power highlighted the progress in ongoing negotiations between the two nations, which have been marred by decades of tension and sporadic violence.

"Representatives of the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan continue to engage in negotiations aimed at reconciliation," Power stated. "The United States will do everything in its power to help Armenia use this historic moment," she added, emphasizing Washington's commitment to facilitating a peaceful resolution.

Power's remarks come at a time when diplomatic efforts have intensified, with both countries seeking to resolve lingering issues that have fueled hostilities since the early 1990s. The conflict, primarily over Armenia's claims to part of Azerbaijan - Nagorno-Karabakh, has led to significant losses, creating deeply entrenched animosity.

Despite the optimism expressed by Power, significant hurdles remain. The Azerbaijani government has consistently underscored a critical precondition for any peace agreement: a constitutional amendment in Armenia. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his aides have repeatedly stated that no peace treaty will be signed until Armenia revises its constitution to remove a clause referencing the Act of Independence, which includes claims over territories that are internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.

This stipulation has been a sticking point in negotiations, reflecting the deep-seated nationalistic sentiments that pervade both societies. Armenia's reluctance to amend its constitution is rooted in historical and emotional ties, making any such change a politically sensitive and potentially destabilizing move.

Power did not directly address this condition in her remarks, focusing instead on the broader theme of reconciliation and the potential for a transformative peace agreement. "This is a historic moment," she reiterated, suggesting that the current diplomatic momentum offers a rare opportunity to break the cycle of conflict.

The United States has long played a mediating role in the South Caucasus, leveraging its influence to promote stability in a region that is strategically important yet fraught with geopolitical rivalries. Power's visit to Yerevan and her optimistic outlook signal a renewed effort by Washington to push the peace process forward, even as complex challenges remain.