Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh called a ceasefire with Azerbaijan on Wednesday.
This decision came after a military operation by Azerbaijan to take back the region. For over 30 years, the area had been self-governing.
Both parties announced plans for talks on Thursday. They will discuss reintegrating the disputed region into Azerbaijan.
The truce started at 09:00 GMT on Wednesday. Russian peacekeepers helped broker the agreement.
The separatist leaders issued a statement. They confirmed the remaining Armenian troops’ withdrawal and the local armed forces’ disbanding.
Talks on reintegration will happen in Yevlakh, an Azerbaijani city, on Thursday.
According to the leaders and Azerbaijan, Russian peacekeepers facilitated the deal. These forces have been in the area since a six-week war in 2020, which Azerbaijan won.
After the announcement, Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry also confirmed the truce.
They stated that Armenian military units will lay down their arms, leave their positions, and disarm.
As part of the agreement, they will do this immediately.
Moreover, the ministry clarified that all weapons and heavy machinery must be surrendered.
This move followed Azerbaijan’s large-scale military action on Tuesday.
The goal was to reclaim the area, autonomous since the dissolution of the USSR over three decades ago.
Background
The ceasefire is a significant development in the longstanding conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Since the late 1980s, tension over Nagorno-Karabakh has persisted.
The region declared independence from Azerbaijan with Armenia’s support after the Soviet Union dissolved.
However, it’s crucial to remember that international authorities still recognize the area as Azerbaijani territory.
This new truce signals a willingness from both sides to negotiate. The involvement of Russian peacekeepers also plays a crucial role.
Russia maintains relations with both nations but has a military alliance with Armenia. Their mediation shows a broader interest in regional stability.