Armenian Parliament Approves Border Delimitation Agreement with Azerbaijan

Armenia’s National Assembly has taken a major step towards resolving its longstanding border disputes with neighboring Azerbaijan. On Wednesday, the parliament approved a bill that will regulate the activities of joint border delimitation commissions between the two countries. This move is seen as crucial in formalizing the process of determining the official boundary line between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The bill was passed with 67 votes in favor, but it wasn’t without controversy. Only the ruling “Civil Contract” faction participated in the vote, while opposition parties "Armenia" and "With Honor" chose not to take part. This political division shows the sensitivity of the issue, which has been a source of tension and concern for many in Armenia.

Armenia has been engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve its border issues with Azerbaijan, especially after the war between the two nations in 2020. The approval of the regulation is a continuation of these efforts, marking an important step in the legal and diplomatic process. 

Grigor Minasyan, former Armenia’s Minister of Justice, emphasized the importance of this regulation. He described it as a "high-quality" document in line with guidelines from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Speaking to reporters, Minasyan said the regulation represents a move from diplomatic discussions towards formal legal commitments between the two nations.

“This document is a consensual and high-quality agreement,” he stated, “in accordance with the OSCE guidelines.” Once ratified, the regulation will be sent to Armenia’s Constitutional Court for review, adding another layer of legal scrutiny.

While the Armenian government is pushing forward with the agreement, the situation remains complex. The border delimitation process, which began with an initial agreement in April 2024 and finalized in August, has raised significant concerns. The lack of access to key Soviet-era maps, held in Russian archives, has been a particular point of contention, making it difficult to accurately and fairly define the border.

Furthermore, unresolved issues—such as the status of enclaves and the presence of Azerbaijani military forces in certain parts of Armenia since 2020—add to the uncertainty. In addition, Azerbaijan has made demands, including the withdrawal of the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia and restrictions on the Armenian armed forces, raising further concerns about Armenia’s security.

For the people living in Armenia’s border regions, these developments are particularly unsettling. Areas like Tavush, which have been working hard to rebuild after years of conflict, now face the threat of disruption. Many residents worry about their safety and livelihoods as the border delimitation process progresses.

There are also concerns that the agreement may favor Azerbaijan's interests, particularly in terms of the documents and maps being used for the demarcation process. The absence of concrete commitments to protect the well-being of border communities adds to the uncertainty.

The approval of the border delimitation regulation is just one step in a much broader process. The Armenian government must now navigate a complex landscape of both domestic and international pressures. The Constitutional Court’s review will be critical in determining whether the agreement aligns with Armenia’s national interests.

In addition to legal hurdles, the government must address the concerns of those living near the border. The potential for renewed conflict remains a serious worry, and the long-term stability of the region depends on how these challenges are managed.