The move appears to be part of a steadily increasing effort by Baku to exert control over the road in southern Armenia that passes through pockets of Azerbaijan-controlled territory.
Unlike the last time the two sides explored restoring ties, Azerbaijan doesn’t seem to be trying to play the spoiler. But questions remain about Russia’s involvement in the process.
Both societies quickly moved to help soldiers and civilians suffering with post-traumatic stress, but there are too few specialists in the region to adequately address all the needs.
Baku has been increasingly airing public criticisms of Moscow over the post-war order, which have been exacerbated by the lack of a formal mandate for the Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh.
Azerbaijan’s recent closure of a key road has highlighted the need for a new highway in southern Armenia; critics say the government has been dragging its feet.
Political leaders on both sides of the border appear interested in restoring ties after nearly three decades. Kars, on Turkey’s northeastern frontier, has much to gain.
The road closures represent the first time that Azerbaijani border guards, which have passively patrolled the road for months, have acted so assertively.
The announcement of paid tours to the region upset many of those violently displaced from the region in the 1990s, who expect to go back to live - not as tourists.
The post has been empty since May, after the entire ministry leadership resigned in frustration with the country’s foreign policymaking. Now it will be filled by a political loyalist.
For decades Azerbaijan denounced Armenian irredentism. Now it is advancing expansionary territorial claims of its own as it seeks to impose peace on its terms.
Moscow appears cool to the proposal. Meanwhile, Armenia to lead the CSTO while Azerbaijan drills with NATO, and more Armenian soldiers are convicted in Baku. This week’s Post-War Report.
Fighting surges in a new area, Aliyev meets Putin in Moscow, Azerbaijan again steps up the info war against Armenia, and the EU throws its hat into the conflict resolution ring. This week’s Post-War Report.
