Trump Hosts Armenian and Azerbaijani Leaders for Peace Discussions
President Donald Trump welcomed the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan on Friday, hoping to finalize a peace agreement following their renewed conflict in 2020. “We’re looking forward to the historic peace summit at the White House with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan,” he shared in a social media post on Thursday evening.
Trump mentioned that both leaders would participate in the official signing ceremony and noted an intention for the U.S. to establish bilateral agreements with each country aimed at exploring economic opportunities within the South Caucasus region.
Despite Trump’s optimism, experts familiar with ongoing peace talks indicated that a formal peace treaty isn’t anticipated. Instead, a letter of intent might be signed, concluding over a year of negotiations. While this may not represent a full peace agreement, many view the event as a notable achievement for both Trump and regional stability.
“Their role in this process is quite significant,” remarked Matias Perttula from Save Armenia. He mentioned that, during his recent visit to Armenia, he observed various governmental discussions, suggesting a more engaged approach from the Trump administration compared to the Biden administration.
Before the peace commitment is signed, Aliyev and Pashinyan are set to meet with Trump. This conflict traces back to the late 1980s and primarily centers on the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which, despite being part of Azerbaijan, declared independence in 1991. While Armenia and the global community did not formally recognize this declaration, Armenia supported the region financially and militarily.
The territory assumed, until recently, a de facto status in Armenia until Azerbaijani forces conducted a swift campaign in September 2023, prompting a mass evacuation of Armenians and culminating in its disbandment on January 1, 2024. The status of this region is likely to be a key point in ongoing discussions.
In March, Armenia and Azerbaijan proclaimed they had reached a consensus regarding aspects of the peace negotiations, but a meeting in July failed to yield a final resolution. Disputes over the mountainous region continue to obstruct their agreement.
Azerbaijan demands that Armenia amend its constitution to exclude references to Nagorno-Karabakh territory, a process that requires more than just Pashinyan’s agreement, likely needing a public referendum. Legal experts have also dismissed this demand as having no bearing on reaching a formal peace deal.
This reflects the broader issue of the right of return for the 120,000 Armenian Christians displaced from their ancestral lands. Perttula emphasized that this aspect must be a crucial element in any peace agreement: “Ultimately, we desire peace and normalization,” he stated.
Moreover, Trump has been vocal about the Armenian-Azerbaijan conflict, criticizing inaction attributed to then-Vice President Kamala Harris regarding the persecution of Armenian Christians. He has remarked that halting the violence is essential for restoring peace.
In a related note, Trump has touted his diplomatic efforts, mentioning recent peacemaking successes between various nations, including India and Pakistan. In an earlier meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump was introduced as a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, expressing his belief that he deserves recognition for these efforts, even if he feels it may not happen.
