Berliner Zeitung: Armenia and Azerbaijan on the brink of a great peace

The Berliner Zeitung has published an article by journalist Thomas Fassbender discussing the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. Below, we share excerpts from this piece for Caliber.Az readers.

The toxicity of relations is reminiscent of European conflicts of the past. The future also depends on the generosity of political leaders. 

On September 20, 2023, the 24-hour military operation by the armed forces of Azerbaijan ended with the reconquest of the entire territory under international law. Baku did not face serious international repercussions, and calm in the region was restored fairly quickly.

With two wars in 2020 and 2023, Azerbaijan has achieved what Ukraine has been fighting for in vain since 2014, with billions in Western support and political backing: the restoration of its national sovereignty within the internationally recognised borders at the time of the dissolution of the USSR at the end of 1991.

It is the first time in the post-Soviet era that Azerbaijan has exercised sovereignty over its entire territory. The first Karabakh war began in 1988, before the dissolution of the Soviet Union, as a Soviet civil war. After the end of the war in 1994, large parts of Azerbaijan's territory remained occupied by Armenia.

It is definitely not an exaggeration to compare the toxicity of relations between Azerbaijani and Armenian people with those of the Franco-German or German-Polish relations in past phases.

For the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union, both nations now have the opportunity to redefine their relationship within the framework of internationally recognised borders. The governments in Baku and Yerevan seem to be aware of this. A dialogue is underway. There are contacts between the heads of the state security services, as well as at the level of deputy prime ministers, foreign ministries and chief foreign policy advisers.

Meanwhile, government representatives have met up to seven times. According to unanimous statements, the bilateral format has proven to be effective without the participation of the EU or the US. Another such meeting in Berlin is reportedly in the offing. Informal dialogue between Armenian and Azerbaijani leadership also appears to be assured.

It is still unclear whether a peace agreement can be signed before the COP29 climate conference in Baku in November. At least, the two sides are already talking about establishing diplomatic relations.

Peace now depends solely on the magnanimity of both sides. Can Armenia forgive itself for defeat and the loss of Karabakh? Can Azerbaijan enjoy its triumph with humility?