United States Tells Aliyev to Sign Peace Deal with Armenia ‘Without Delay’

The United States has called on Azerbaijan to swiftly finalize a peace agreement with Armenia. In a phone call late Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of concluding the negotiations without further delay, as reported by the U.S. State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller.

Secretary Blinken acknowledged the progress made by Armenia and Azerbaijan towards a peace agreement. He highlighted the need for both countries to finalize the deal promptly. “The Secretary recognized ongoing progress by Armenia and Azerbaijan toward a peace agreement and underscored the significance of concluding an agreement without delay,” Miller stated. Blinken also reassured both nations that the United States is ready to support further engagement in any manner that is helpful to the parties involved.

In response, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reiterated that the peace treaty would depend on Armenia amending its constitution and other laws. Aliyev pointed out that the Armenian constitution contains territorial claims to Azerbaijan, specifically referencing the preamble that mentions a 1990 declaration of Armenia’s independence. This declaration cites a 1989 unification act adopted by the legislative bodies of Soviet Armenia and the then Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry rejected these preconditions earlier this month, accusing President Aliyev of undermining the peace process. The ministry argued that one of the agreed provisions of a draft peace deal discussed by both countries states that neither party can use their domestic legislation to avoid complying with the agreement.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, during a visit to Lithuania, expressed readiness to finalize the treaty soon but criticized Azerbaijan for introducing new issues that complicate the process.

“We are ready to conclude the treaty during the upcoming month as we have already proposed,” Mirzoyan said. “Unfortunately, we have not been hearing from the Azerbaijani side so far. Moreover, Azerbaijan is bringing up new issues, which at least raises questions about their sincerity towards the final goal of establishing peace in our neighborhood and broader region.”

On Wednesday, the Armenian Foreign Ministry claimed that Azerbaijan might be planning new aggression against Armenia after hosting the COP29 summit in November. This assertion followed Baku's strong reaction to the latest French-Armenian arms deal signed in Paris.

As negotiations continue, the hope remains that both nations will prioritize peace and stability, addressing the concerns raised and working towards a mutual agreement that ensures a secure and prosperous future for their peoples.