South Caucasus transitioning to peace agenda - Azerbaijani MFA official

The South Caucasus has undergone fundamental changes over the past 30 years, with the conflict agenda gradually giving way to the peace process, economic cooperation, and the development of transport connectivity, Report informs, citing statements by Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elshad Iskandarov at a roundtable organized by the Center for Analysis of International Relations and Multiculturalism and the LINKS Europe Foundation in Baku.

He recalled that 30 years ago, representatives of the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides sat down at the negotiating table for the first time since the 1994 ceasefire to discuss a peaceful settlement.

Iskandarov emphasized that that trip clearly demonstrated the real state of affairs in the region at the time: the roads were mined, infrastructure and settlements along them lay in ruins, and the conflict remained the key factor determining the course of events in the South Caucasus.

"After 30 years, the picture has changed dramatically. Conflict is no longer the norm, as was noted here. Now the peace agenda dominates, including a new stage of public and people's diplomacy, and civil society meetings," he said.

According to the diplomat, the current peace agenda has formal frameworks and a roadmap, and is also supported by the development of economic contacts, the unblocking of transport links, and the political will of the leaders.