Azerbaijan Claims Control of Nagorno-Karabakh as Armenian Forces Agree to Lay Down Arms

 In a significant development in the long-standing conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, Azerbaijan has declared that it has gained control of the disputed territory. This announcement follows a ceasefire agreement in which Armenian forces have agreed to lay down their arms, potentially signaling a path toward a more stable and peaceful future for the region.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a decades-old territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnically Armenian region, is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has been under the de facto control of ethnic Armenians since the early 1990s. The conflict has resulted in sporadic outbreaks of violence, including a significant escalation in 2020.

In November 2020, a ceasefire agreement brokered by Russia ended a 44-day war that had caused significant casualties and destruction on both sides. This ceasefire agreement paved the way for negotiations, but tensions remained high, and sporadic clashes continued.

The recent announcement by Azerbaijan claiming control of Nagorno-Karabakh comes after negotiations between the two parties. Armenian forces have agreed to lay down their arms, marking a potentially crucial step toward a more lasting peace. The details of the agreement and the specifics of the handover of control are still emerging.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has long been a source of concern for the international community, given its potential to escalate into a broader regional conflict. Russia, as a mediator, has played a significant role in brokering ceasefires and facilitating negotiations. Other international stakeholders, including the United States and the European Union, have also expressed their interest in finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

While the situation is still unfolding, the agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan represents a significant development in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It raises hopes that the region can move towards a more stable and peaceful future, allowing for the return of displaced people and the possibility of economic and infrastructure development.

However, the path to lasting peace will likely be fraught with challenges, including addressing the concerns and aspirations of the people living in Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions. International support and continued diplomacy will be essential in building sustainable peace in this troubled region, which has endured decades of conflict and instability.