Image: European Council

Statements from The European Council and France on October 6, 2022, have reported that Armenia and Azerbaijan have committed to recognizing each other’s territorial integrity. If fully confirmed, that would be a significant breakthrough for peace in the Caucasus, as both Yerevan and Baku have previously doubted the other’s commitment to such integrity.  

The statements came after a meeting in Prague on the sidelines of the gathering of the European Political Community (EPC) – a major forum for discussing the future strategy of Europe amongst almost every country on the continent – with the notable exceptions of Russia and Belarus. 

The sideline meeting brought together Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, French President Emmanuel Macron and European Council President Charles Michel.   

According to the European Council, "Armenia and Azerbaijan confirmed their commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and the Alma Ata 1991 Declaration through which both recognise each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty."   

The two countries have also agreed to make concrete steps regarding the delimitation of their undefined borders, along which September clashes saw nearly 300 casualties. A civilian European Union mission will be installed for two months, starting in October.   

"The aim of this mission is to build confidence and, through its reports, to contribute to the border commissions," the Council said.  

The border delimitation commission led by Azerbaijan and Armenia’s foreign ministers will meet again in Brussels at the end of October.   

Azerbaijan’s President Aliyev spoke to members of the Azerbaijani press on exiting the meeting, saying, “...we suggested that both countries’ working groups come together to prepare the text of the peace agreement...” and “...the Prague meetings... addressed a number of issues, this current meeting and the meeting that will be held in the evening – pursue the same goal of a peace treaty being signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan soon.”  

Regarding ethnic Armenians living in Karabakh, Aliyev said they are Azerbaijani citizens and that he “will not discuss their fate or future life with any country, including Armenia. This is our internal matter, and Armenians will enjoy the same rights as citizens of Azerbaijan.”  

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on twitter, “In Prague I reconfirmed again our proposal on unblocking of all regional communications. @Azerbaijan again did not respond positively. I reiterate, @Armenia is ready for unblocking of all regional communications with full respect of our sovereignty and legislation.” 

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