Critical Talks Begin: Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Efforts Under International Spotlight

The year-long negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan on a peace agreement for Nagorno-Karabakh have reached a critical moment. The main point of disagreement remains the fate of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. The outcome of the talks largely hinges on whether Azerbaijan will be willing to engage in direct dialogue with the de facto leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh. The talks are taking place amidst a deteriorating situation along the front lines, with both sides reporting multiple daily incidents. The stakes are high, including the threat of a new war and significant regional changes amid the events in Ukraine, and it is crucial to give the talks a chance to avoid further escalation and find a peaceful solution.