'A war of propaganda against the United States opens in Azerbaijan'

In a recent development underscoring the complexities surrounding the ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Azerbaijani government refused to attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of both nations in the United States capital, Washington, on November 20th. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry (MFA) cited statements made by US Assistant Secretary of State James O'Brien during a hearing at the House Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Europe as the reason for their decision. O'Brien had indicated that the United States' approach toward Azerbaijan would not remain unchanged until a peace agreement was reached.

This marks the third occasion on which Baku has declined discussions, having previously rejected meetings in the Brussels format due to objections about Turkey's involvement.

On the same day, President Ilham Aliyev addressed the press alongside the visiting Iraqi president in Baku, emphasizing Azerbaijan's readiness for peace, but only on the basis of recognizing the territorial integrity and sovereignty of both nations. President Aliyev expressed disappointment at Armenia's lack of response to their proposals over the past two months and urged for a swift reply from Armenia.

Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev underscored that peace efforts should focus on the region itself, emphasizing the importance of Armenia engaging in negotiations with Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated in parliament that Yerevan's political will to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan remained unchanged. However, he highlighted the need to clarify certain key issues, including mutual recognition of territorial integrity, border demarcation based on historical documents, and the opening of regional communications while respecting sovereignty. Pashinyan also emphasized the necessity of creating a mechanism to prevent differing interpretations of the agreement and ensuring security guarantees.

The United States appears determined to play a role in facilitating Azerbaijani-Armenian negotiations. Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, stated on November 20th that the United States was actively engaged with the leadership of both nations to promote an honorable and lasting peace that respects all rights.

While official Baku has not yet commented on these developments, Deputy Rasim Musabayov indicated to Turan  that negotiations would continue, with both parties exchanging proposals and amendments to the peace agreement. However, a fundamental issue remains unresolved, as Armenia seeks guarantors for the agreement, a proposal rejected by Azerbaijan, which favors bilateral negotiations.

Political commentator Arastun Orujlu expressed skepticism to Radio Azadlig  about continued cooperation between Azerbaijan and Western countries, citing a propaganda war against the United States in Azerbaijan. He believes that Armenia's desire for Western mediation contrasts with Azerbaijan's stance and questioned the possibility of a peace treaty mediated by Russia, given Armenia's ties to the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

Orujlu emphasized Russia's advantageous position, with armed forces in both Azerbaijan and Armenia, suggesting that a stalled peace process could provide Russia with greater influence in the region. He concluded that Western influence might be limited in this context.