Yesterday, following more than a month of armed conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenian forces over the disputed Karabakh region, a Russian-mediated peace agreement was agreed between the two countries to end their long-lasting territorial dispute. The agreement, which came following decisive Azerbaijani military victories in the area including the capture of the area's second largest city Şuşa and the recapture of the occupied regions of the Azeri-Iranian border, stipulates a total Armenian withdrawal from Karabakh, the relatively immediate return of historically Azeri and Kurdish-majority surrounding the former Soviet Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast by the end of the year as well as retaining Azeri territorial gains in the former NKAO, what is currently controlled by Armenia and "Republic of Artsakh" in the former NKAO being controlled by Russian peacekeepers for at least five years and "corridors" between the Russian-controlled zone and Armenia going through the Lachin corridor as well as one between mainland Azerbaijan and the Azeri Nahçıvan exclave through Armenian territory. It is believed neighbouring Turkey will also send peacekeepers in the area to support the implementation of the agreement. However, the peace agreement, seen largely favouring Azerbaijan and considered by some as a surrender or capitulation by Armenia, immediately caused some unrest in Armenia where pro-war protesters stormed the Armenian Parliament and attacked parliamentary speaker Ararat Mirzoyan.
The statement of President Hasan Çakar on the matter reads as follows:
"The Karabakh peace deal is a significant event which will hopefully create long-lasting peace and a new start for the relationship between Azerbaijan and Armenia, hopefully also providing greater stability to the Caucasus region. The end of violent hostilities will allow resettlement of displaced refugees and prevent further bloodshed. We hope that Russia and Turkey, with the support of other international and regional powers such as the US, Germany and Iran, can ensure this agreement is implemented fully without problem.
In regards to the unrest in Armenia following its announcement and rumours of more severe instability it may cause in the country, hopefully for the sake of peace and Armenia's own well-being this does not escalate. Jingoistic and ultra-nationalist elements in the country must learn that they cannot ensure the prosperity of their country and goodwill with their neighbours while also holding delusions of a 'Greater Armenia' and being in a constant state of conflict."
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