French expert: Resolution of Zangezur corridor issue holds benefits for Armenia too

POLITICS  08 May 2024 - 17:44

French political analyst Sebastien Boussois, an expert on the Middle East, has published an article titled "Armenia-Azerbaijan: what if a peace agreement was reached without international mediation?" in FigaroVox.

According to Report, in his opinion piece, he argues that the return of bilateral negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia offers hope for peace in the South Caucasus region.

"This would mark a significant geopolitical shift. The return to a bilateral approach for fostering peace in the region after decades of conflict offers a glimmer of hope in a world engulfed in turmoil, with the international community appearing but a shadow of its former self," he remarked.

The analyst suggested that Azerbaijan and Armenia may demonstrate by the year's end that not only is the UN ineffective in facilitating peace, but the trend of international mediation is also outdated.

Following the cessation of hostilities, attempts by Russia, the United States, and the European Union to broker a peace agreement between Baku and Yerevan faltered.

"Now, for several months, ministerial delegations from Azerbaijan and Armenia have been engaged in ongoing discussions, addressing critical issues on the ground that could lead to a comprehensive and irreversible agreement, thereby resolving a conflict spanning over three decades," he continued.

"Another bilateral meeting is scheduled for next Friday in Almaty. While the host will play no direct role, the venue holds great symbolism: it was during the collapse of the USSR that the Almaty Declaration was signed, marking the end of the Soviet era. History could be made once more," Boussois emphasized.

The professor cited Armenia's return of four villages to Azerbaijan in late April as evidence of Armenia's commitment to progress towards peace.

"In reality, Armenia has little choice: the country must swiftly reintegrate into regional dynamics," Sebastien Boussois asserted.

Touching on the issue of the Zangezur corridor, the professor noted, "Resolving this corridor matter would be mutually beneficial. It would not only restore direct access to Nakhchivan for Azerbaijan but also enable Armenia to engage in trade with its neighbours. In Chinese terms, it's a 'win-win' situation. Both sides are hopeful that an agreement will be reached before COP29, slated for late November in Baku."

Caliber.Az