Hikmet Hajiyev, foreign policy advisor to the Azerbaijani presidency, announced that one of Baku's main demands for signing a peace agreement with Armenia is the removal of a part of Armenia's constitution that indirectly refers to the 'independence of Nagorno-Karabakh.' He stated that although the constitution of any country is an internal matter, it should not question the territorial integrity of its neighbor. Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, also announced that 80 to 90 percent of the fundamental documents of the peace agreement with Armenia are ready, but the prerequisite for signing it is constitutional changes in Armenia regarding Nagorno-Karabakh. Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, had previously rejected changes to the constitution but recently stated that there is a need for a new constitution that reflects the demands of the Armenian government and people. Azerbaijan liberated a large part of the occupied territories of Nagorno-Karabakh during the 44-day war in the fall of 2020 and also took control of the Khankendi region last September in a lightning attack to restore its territorial integrity after three decades. In recent months, Armenia has also handed over control of four border villages to Azerbaijan and announced that negotiations to determine borders will continue within the framework of the Soviet Union era. Both countries have reported 'progress' in negotiations in recent months, but sporadic clashes occur in border areas from time to time. In this context, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday that limited clashes occurred in the Kalbajar region, but no human casualties were reported in the shootings. Armenia is facing internal protests regarding the signing of a peace agreement with Azerbaijan. Hikmet Hajiyev also mentioned that the Azerbaijani government has invited Armenia to participate in the global summit on combating climate change to be held in Baku. Baku is hosting the 29th UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP 29, which is set to take place at the level of heads of state or senior officials in November this year. The Armenian government has not yet reacted to Azerbaijan's invitation.
Baku Says Constitutional Changes in Armenia Are Necessary for Signing Peace Agreement
Azerbaijan demands constitutional changes in Armenia related to Nagorno-Karabakh as a condition for signing a peace agreement. While Armenia's Prime Minister has previously rejected such changes, he now acknowledges the need for a new constitution. This situation highlights ongoing tensions and negotiations between the two countries following recent conflicts.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Azerbaijan has made constitutional changes in Armenia regarding Nagorno-Karabakh a prerequisite for signing a peace agreement. While Armenia's Prime Minister previously rejected such changes, he now acknowledges the need for a new constitution.
- Azerbaijan demands the removal of references to Nagorno-Karabakh's independence from Armenia's constitution.
- Recent negotiations have seen Armenia hand over control of border villages to Azerbaijan.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has historical roots, with both Armenia and Azerbaijan claiming the territory. The 2020 war resulted in significant territorial changes and ongoing disputes.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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