These concerns arise amidst accusations from Azerbaijan that Armenian forces opened fire across the border, which Armenia denies. The two countries have a history of conflict, primarily centered on the Nagorno-Karabakh region, a predominantly Armenian enclave that sought to secede from Azerbaijan in 1988.
A war from 1992-1994 resulted in a secessionist victory, while Azerbaijan regained territory and military control in a 2020 conflict. In September 2023, Azerbaijan’s military operation led to the disarmament of Armenian militias in Nagorno-Karabakh and the dissolution of the self-proclaimed republic by January 1, 2024.
Despite these tensions, Baku and Yerevan issued a joint statement on December 7, 2023, expressing hope for lasting peace in the South Caucasus. On March 13, 2024, they concluded talks on a draft peace agreement, declaring the document ready for signing, although a date and location have not been specified.
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