Zaur Ahmadov: Azerbaijan-Armenia peace treaty to strengthen stability in Caucasus

The peace treaty will not only benefit Armenia and Azerbaijan but will also strengthen stability and relations with Europe throughout the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan's ambassador to Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway, Zaur Ahmadov, wrote in an article published in Norway's Geopolitica publication, Report informs.

According to Ahmadov, today the parties have achieved a cessation of hostilities, Azerbaijan has full control over its territories, a draft peace treaty has already been prepared and agreed upon. In addition, Baku has proposed to initial the document. However, necessary steps remain to be taken for its signing.

"The main obstacle is legal and political in nature: Armenia's Constitution still contains expressions that include territorial claims against Azerbaijan, especially Karabakh. This is incompatible with the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Armenia claims this has no practical significance. But our experience says otherwise. History shows that Armenia's Constitution has already been used as an excuse for illegal political ambitions," he stated.

Ahmadov also noted that the format of the OSCE Minsk Group is outdated.

According to him, this format has not led to any notable results for more than 30 years, only preserving the status quo. Modern negotiations should be conducted directly, as is already happening, without the mediation of third parties.

He highlighted the Zangazur corridor, which will connect East and West, North and South, and could be the most important element of the region's rapprochement with Europe.

"Azerbaijan is already building its part of this infrastructure, and if Armenia is ready to join, the doors are open," he said.

In conclusion, Ahmadov emphasized that peace requires political will, strategic thinking, and a desire to think not only about the next elections but also about the future generation:

"Azerbaijan is ready for peace. Now the country is waiting for decisive steps from Armenia."