Is the Karabakh conflict over?

In a meeting with residents who had relocated to Fizuli on October 17, President Ilham Aliyev declared, "The topic of the Karabakh conflict was closed once and for all. The book of separatists is closed once and for all!" This statement came on the heels of his raising of the national flag in Khankendi on October 15, symbolizing Azerbaijan's reassertion of control over the region.

However, despite these bold proclamations, a comprehensive peace agreement with Armenia remains unsigned, leading some Azerbaijani experts to question the notion that the conflict is definitively resolved. MP Elman Mammadov, in an interview with Turan, has emphasized that within the framework of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, the Karabakh issue is indeed resolved, stating, "We no longer have the Karabakh problem. And all the opposite opinions are nonsense. Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty have been fully restored."

Regarding the signing of a peace agreement with Armenia, Mammadov expressed Azerbaijan's willingness, citing Azerbaijan's commitment to peace. He also noted the shifting positions of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who has expressed readiness to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan before the year's end.

One key point of contention revolves around the presence of Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh. Azerbaijani officials argue that their presence is no longer necessary for maintaining security in the region. Arastun Orujlu, a political commentator, in a comment for Radio Azadlig, questioned the continued presence of Russian troops, stating, "If, as Putin himself said, there are only 1000-1500 Armenians left in the mountainous part of Karabakh, then what is needed in the stay of several thousand Russian servicemen on Azerbaijani soil?"

Orujlu also raised concerns about potential resurgence in separatist sentiments, suggesting that Russia could manipulate the situation. He argued that while Russia was behind the occupation of Azerbaijani lands, its stance has shifted due to the Armenian government's inability to align with Russia's interests. This, he suggests, leaves room for Russia to change its position in the region at any time.