The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been a long-standing issue between the countries of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Since the breakup of the Soviet Union, both countries have claimed ownership of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, resulting in a violent conflict that has lasted decades.
On November 10, 2020, a peace agreement was signed between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia to end the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. The peace deal, known as the trilateral agreement, was a result of weeks of negotiations led by Russia and its President Vladimir Putin.
The trilateral agreement brought about several changes to the status quo in the region. Firstly, the Armenian forces were required to withdraw from several regions in Azerbaijan that they had occupied during the conflict. Secondly, the Azerbaijan military took control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, including the cities of Shusha and Stepanakert. Thirdly, Russian peacekeeping forces were deployed to the region, with a mandate to ensure peace and security.
The peace agreement also included provisions for the exchange of prisoners of war and other detainees, as well as the return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes.
The trilateral agreement has been widely hailed as a significant step towards ending the conflict and bringing about lasting peace in the region. The agreement has been welcomed by the international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
However, the peace deal has also been met with criticism and opposition from some quarters. The Armenian government faced significant backlash from its citizens, who accused the government of conceding too much in the negotiations. Many Armenians saw the peace agreement as a betrayal of the soldiers who had fought and died in the conflict.
Despite the criticisms, the trilateral agreement remains a critical step towards a lasting peace in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The agreement has created an opportunity for the two countries to move forward and to rebuild their relationship.
In conclusion, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has caused significant suffering for both Armenians and Azerbaijanis. However, the trilateral agreement signed in November 2020 offers hope for a brighter future in the region. The peace agreement represents a critical step towards ending the conflict and bringing about a lasting peace in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Only time will tell whether the trilateral agreement will be successful in bringing about lasting peace, but it is undoubtedly a significant step in the right direction.
