Armenia and Azerbaijan have taken a significant step toward normalizing relations by Armenia returning four border villages to Azerbaijan. This move comes after years of conflict, including two wars in the 1990s and in 2020 over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Azerbaijan recaptured the region last year, prompting Armenia to return the villages as part of peace efforts.
The return of the villages has sparked mixed reactions, with celebrations in Baku and frustration in Yerevan. The agreement also includes a new demarcation of the border, affecting strategic areas for Armenia. Some residents fear being cut off from the rest of the country.
The decision has led to anti-government protests in Armenia, calling for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. The situation has also strained Armenia’s relationship with Russia, leading to the recall of the Russian ambassador for consultations.
Despite the challenges, both countries see this as a milestone towards peace and stability in the region.