In a recent development, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's meeting with Anne-Laurence Petel, leading a French delegation, has sparked speculation about the possibility of signing a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Pashinyan presented the "Crossroads of Peace" project of the Armenian government during the meeting, held on March 27. Additionally, he highlighted that the principles of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan were extensively discussed within the framework of a quadrilateral meeting held in Prague on October 6, 2022.

Political scientist Natig Miri, in a statement to Ednews, provided insights suggesting that while the presentation of the peace project by Pashinyan indicates progress, it does not signify the finalization or signing of a peace agreement. Miri emphasized the need to fill in the specifics of the principles outlined in the agreement.

Miri highlighted several key issues that remain unresolved, including Armenia's demand for specific territorial expressions despite undefined borders and uncertainties surrounding the Zangezur corridor. The differing proposals between Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding inspection and control mechanisms further complicate the negotiation process.

However, Miri proposed a potential pathway to signing a framework agreement, suggesting that Armenia's return of four villages in Gazakh, not within the enclave of neighboring Azerbaijan, could bolster mutual trust and facilitate agreement signing. Miri expressed optimism about the possibility of signing a framework agreement in the near future, particularly if Armenia refrains from demanding specific border delimitation figures in the agreement.

As discussions continue, the return of the four villages remains a pivotal factor in advancing negotiations toward a potential peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Oghuz Ayvaz