Map of Azerbaijan-Armenia border
In a nuanced diplomatic dance, the prospect of mutual troop withdrawal from the Armenian-Azerbaijani border has re-emerged, sparking cautious optimism in Armenia. Ararat Mirzoyan, the Armenian Foreign Minister, addressed the issue during a briefing in Yerevan on December 13, following discussions with the Estonian Foreign Minister. He underscored the potential positive impact of such withdrawals in averting further escalations, emphasizing that the idea is actively under consideration.
However, the response from Azerbaijan has been measured. Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, speaking alongside Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on December 14, expressed concerns about isolating elements from the negotiation process. Bayramov highlighted the complexity of the border delineation issue, asserting that the absence of a comprehensive agreement poses challenges. He questioned the efficacy of troop withdrawals without a concrete resolution, raising doubts about the prevention of a resurgence of tensions.
Crucially, Bayramov emphasized Azerbaijan's sovereign right to safeguard its borders, rejecting the notion of third-party involvement in border protection. Deputy Elman Mammadov explained to Turan that while troop withdrawal might be on the table, it doesn't necessarily extend to border guards, who play a pivotal role in maintaining security along the border.
Political commentator Arastun Orujlu in an interview with Radio Azadlig, identified a paradox in the negotiations, suggesting that while troop withdrawal requires confidence, the lack of mutual trust complicates the process. Orujlu advocated for the active participation of observers from both sides to break this deadlock. However, he expressed skepticism, pointing out that certain influential powers, particularly Russia, might not be aligned with the immediate establishment of peace in the region.
The backdrop to these delicate negotiations is the long-standing Karabakh conflict, dating back to 1988, resulting in territorial occupations and periodic clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The 44-day war in 2020 saw Baku regain control of seven districts and part of Karabakh. A trilateral agreement between Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia led to the deployment of Russian servicemen to key areas, attempting to stabilize the region.
Recent events, including Baku's announcement of "local anti-terrorist measures" in Karabakh and subsequent population migrations, have added complexity to the delicate negotiations. The fifth meeting of the commissions on delimitation and Border Security on November 30 aimed to address these challenges, establishing the groundwork for future discussions and joint working meetings. However, the road to a comprehensive resolution remains uncertain, with underlying geopolitical interests further complicating the path to lasting peace in the region.
Social
-
On November 1, the weather in the capital will be cloudy, with light rain in some areas during the night and morning. There will be a moderate southwest wind. The temperature at night will range from +7 to +10°C, and during the day it will be +12 to +15°C. Humidity will be 70-80% both at night and during the day. No precipitation is expected across the country. There may be fog in some areas, with a moderate west wind.
-
After introducing six innovative products to its subscribers in a short time, Bakcell was honoured with the "Most Successful Rebranding" award at the prestigious international advertising and marketing competition "Felis." The award ceremony took place at the traditional "Brand Week" event held on 8 November 2024 in Istanbul.
-
The International Coalition for Democratic Renewal (ICDR) and Forum 2000 Foundation expressed grave concerns over the escalating repression of civil society in Azerbaijan, issuing a joint statement. The groups highlighted the government's intensified crackdown on lawyers, journalists, activists, and human rights defenders, painting a stark picture of a country where dissenting voices are systematically silenced.
-
The Times Higher Education (THE), a leading international organization with an audience of 60 million and ranked among the world's top 100 networks in the field of education and skills assessment, has published a comprehensive article titled “Calls for the Release of Azerbaijani Scholar as Climate Summit Begins.” THE, known for its annual ranking of world universities, notes that while a major fossil fuel producer hosts a gathering of global leaders, it is cracking down on dissenters. Human rights groups are urging the Azerbaijani government, which is hosting the COP29 climate conference, to release a scholar detained after criticizing fossil fuel policies.
Leave a review