The Armenia-Azerbaijan border demarcation agreement, outlined in the Protocol of the 8th meeting of the State Commission, marks a concerning development in the ongoing conflict. Signed on April 19, 2024, and finalized on August 30, 2024, the Regulation on joint activities of the Commissions has been agreed upon, with both countries now engaged in internal state procedures.
The agreement reflects a compromise heavily weighted towards Azerbaijan’s demands, including the use of various documents and maps for demarcation, despite the continued inaccessibility of crucial Soviet-era maps held in Russia’s archives. Key issues remain unresolved, such as the status of enclaves and the Azerbaijani military presence in Armenia since 2020, exacerbating Armenia’s sense of insecurity. Furthermore, Azerbaijan’s recent demands for the withdrawal of the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia and restrictions on the Armenian armed forces only heighten tensions.
The Armenia-Azerbaijan border demarcation agreement raises significant concerns about the safety, security, and future of border residents. There are no concrete commitments in the agreement to address the well-being of these communities, particularly in regions like Tavush, where stability is fragile. The demarcation process threatens to disrupt local livelihoods and jeopardize the delicate balance that has allowed rebuilding and farming efforts.
