Yerevan: On October 21-22, a historic meeting took place in Yerevan featuring representatives from civil societies in Armenia and Azerbaijan. The discussions focused on implementing a peace agenda that was initially established during a meeting in Washington on August 8. Participants explored steps to fortify mutual trust between the societies of the two nations and examined the potential for sustainable economic cooperation in the South Caucasus. Additionally, both sides shared their perspectives on establishing direct and long-term relationships between civil society representatives from Azerbaijan and Armenia.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Azerbaijani delegation included Farhad Mammadov, Rusif Huseynov, Ramil Iskandarli, Kamala Mammadova, and Dilara Afandiyeva. The Armenian representatives were Areg Kochinyan, Boris Navasardyan, Naira Sultanyan, Narek Minasyan, and Samvel Meliksetyan.
The meeting was marked by a significant event: an Azerbaijan Airlines plane landed in Yerevan for the first time in approximately thirty years. Political scientist Farhad Mammadov remarked that the landing was not merely a technical or diplomatic move but symbolized a new reality in the region. He noted that this event underscored the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations, following both nations’ declarations of a peace era after the Washington meeting. A notable development following this declaration was Azerbaijan’s decision to lift the ban on the transit of goods to Armenia through its territory, a move positively received in Armenia.
The absence of mediators in dialogues between Azerbaijan and Armenia marks a new chapter in regional peace efforts. Direct participation of civil societies is seen as crucial for building mutual trust, symbolizing a shift toward a sustainable peacebuilding phase. Historically, mediators have not significantly contributed to the settlement process, and there is now a conscious effort to exclude them, allowing Azerbaijan and Armenia to engage directly in confidence-building.
Meetings between Azerbaijani and Armenian parliamentary speakers further the peace agenda, indicating that dialogues are now occurring not only at governmental and diplomatic levels but also through parliamentary channels. These interactions aim to foster societal rapprochement, strengthen trust, and cultivate coexistence. Parliamentary diplomacy supports the peace process on both political and public fronts, contributing to mutual trust restoration.
Civil societies play a critical role in fostering trust between the parties. Both nations have experienced prolonged conflict, and an entire generation has lived in a war state. Thus, preparing societies for peace and reinforcing trust through citizen communication is a lengthy and challenging endeavor.
Mammadov emphasized the importance of civil society involvement in peacebuilding, noting that various dialogue platforms operate at multiple levels between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The inclusion of civil society representatives in this process is a priority, with initiatives supported by both governments. Significantly, the recent meeting was organized and attended solely by Azerbaijani and Armenian civil society representatives, without mediators, marking a move toward direct dialogue.
Despite these positive steps, revanchist tendencies in Armenia pose a threat to regional peace. The ‘Karabakh clan,’ Armenian-origin oligarchs in Russia, the diaspora, and the church are attempting to revive old conflict rhetoric. However, Armenian society’s main goal should be achieving social welfare and economic development. Political and social forces in Armenia opposing the peace agenda are currently marginalized, with upcoming parliamentary elections set to reflect Armenian society’s stance on relations with Azerbaijan.
Both governments are committed to supporting the peace process, illustrating their readiness to allocate political will and resources toward this goal. The active pursuit of the peace agenda is evident through intensive meetings among government heads, parliamentary speakers, and civil society representatives, demonstrating a shared determination to advance peace in the region.