France, Germany welcome conclusion of Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - France and Germany on Thursday welcomed the conclusion of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"I welcome the announcement of the conclusion of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan," French President Emmanuel Macron said on X.

"There are now no remaining obstacles to the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which should pave the way for a lasting peace in the South Caucasus," he said.

Germany's Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, also welcomed the conclusion of negotiations, acknowledging the commitment shown by both nations in making necessary concessions.

"The news of the agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan on a peace deal is encouraging. The fact that, after decades of hostility and war, lasting peace can now be achieved is important for the region and beyond," Baerbock said on X.

"After long negotiations, Armenia has made bold compromises to take this final step toward peace. We have supported both countries throughout this process, and I now urge both sides to sign the peace treaty," she added.

Relations between the two former Soviet republics have been tense since 1991, when the Armenian military occupied Karabakh – a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan – and seven adjacent regions.

Most of the territory was liberated by Azerbaijan during a 44-day war in the fall of 2020, which ended after a Russian-brokered peace agreement that opened the door to normalization and demarcation talks.

In September 2023, Azerbaijan established full sovereignty in Karabakh following an "anti-terrorist operation" after which separatist forces in the region surrendered.