Armenia Warns of Potential War Over Disputed Villages
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has raised concerns about a possible war with Azerbaijan if a compromise is not reached regarding the return of four Azerbaijani villages held by Armenia since the early 1990s.
Strategic Value of Uninhabited Villages
The four villages, uninhabited for over 30 years, hold strategic importance for Armenia as they are located along the main road connecting Yerevan and the Georgian border.
Stakes for Peace Deal
Azerbaijan insists on the return of its lands, including enclaves surrounded by Armenian territory, as a crucial condition for a peace agreement to resolve the long-standing conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Risk of Escalation
Pashinyan warned that failure to address the disputed villages could escalate tensions and potentially lead to a war with Azerbaijan in the near future.
Efforts for Peace Treaty
Both Baku and Yerevan express a desire to sign a formal peace treaty, but negotiations face challenges such as border demarcation and militarization along the shared border.
Shift in Foreign Policy
Armenia’s foreign policy has shifted towards the West, causing strains in its traditionally close relationship with Russia, with hints at possible future European Union membership.