Decades Long War Between Armenia And Azerbaijan Ends As A Peace Deal Is Signed

A peace deal was signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan, both former republics of the Soviet Union located in the Caucasus region, a day many thought would never come as the ferocious war between the two countries has raged on for decades. The casualties in this brutal war have reached the thousands, as both sides utilize cluster bombs, a type of munition that involves an explosive weapon that releases smaller sub-munitions. In the case of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, casualties have reached 1,302, according to officials on Tuesday while Azerbaijan has not released the number of their casualties. Russian President, Vladimir Putin, however, has recently stated that at least 5,000 people have died. This is only the statistics for the 2020 war and doesn’t include the casualties from the previous decades of warfare.

 

The centre of this conflict is the Nagorno-Karabakh region which is recognized as a part of Azerbaijan but is controlled by ethnic Armenians. Nagorno-Karabakh is legally a part of Azerbaijan as the country was given control over the region by the Soviets but it is mainly populated by Armenians. However, in the late 1980s, as the collapse of the Soviet Union began, the region voted to officially become a part of Armenia. Azerbaijan fought to stifle this separatist movement while Armenia has openly backed this movement. This led to ethnic clashes which were further escalated by the religious differences between the two countries (Armenia is majorly Christian while Azerbaijan is majorly Muslim). Following the heels of both countries declaring independence from Russia, a full-scale war erupted. At the height of this first clash, tens of thousands died and up to a million were displaced as reports spread of ethnic cleansing and massacres that can be attributed to both sides. The majority of people displaced however were Azerbaijanis. The Armenians gained control of the Nagorno-Karabakh before a ceasefire was declared in 1994. Following this ceasefire, the region has remained under the control of Azerbaijan but has been governed by a separatist republic ran by ethnic Armenians who receive support from the Armenian government. Multiple negotiations which have been meditated by international powers for over three decades have been unsuccessful in producing a peace deal.

 

The Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke about the deal stating that he had signed an “unspeakably painful agreement” as protests sparked within the country. He continued saying that his decision was based on “deep analyses of the combat situation and in discussion with best experts of the field” and “on the conviction that in the existing situation this is the best possible outcome.” As news of the agreement spread, protestors stormed the parliament, ransacking Pashinyan’s office, attacking Parliament speaker Ararat Mirzoyan, and destroying numerous items within government buildings.

 

This is a direct contrast to the celebrations currently underway in Azerbaijani. In the capital, Baku, there is a sense of victory as chants break out and groups sign the national anthem. This win is especially victorious for those displaced by the war as refugees and internally displaced people will now be able to return to their homes, as transport links within the country will begin to reopen. The President of Azerbaijani spoke shortly after the deal was signed saying “Today, I am signing this agreement with pride! Congratulations to the people of Azerbaijan!”

 

He continued stating that the deal was of “historic importance” and corresponded to a “capitulation” by Armenia.

 

 

The peace deal, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan went into effect on Tuesday. Under this deal, the regions of Nagorno-Karabakh won by Azerbaijan during the duration of this conflict will remain under their control, while Armenia will withdraw from several bordering areas over the next few weeks. Many individuals have stated that this deal is truly a victory for Azerbaijan overall. Russian and Turkey peacekeepers will be deployed to ensure that deal goes smoothly with no obstructions, as part of their job will be to secure the Lachin corridor which connects the capital of Karabakh, Stepanakert, to Armenia.

Peace Olanipekun
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