What to Watch for as Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Talks Gain Momentum

A possible peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan would bring stability to the South Caucasus and weaken Russia's influence in the region, creating opportunities for a growing economic presence of Turkey and the West. On Aug. 31, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met in Brussels for talks mediated by European Council President Charles Michel, the fourth discussion in this format. No concrete policy changes regarding the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region nor breakthroughs in broader peace negotiations were announced, but the two leaders agreed to ''continue substantive negotiations'' at the level of foreign ministers on drafting a peace treaty. Armenia and Azerbaijan's foreign ministers will meet next month; the two countries' presidents are also slated to meet again in November. The ongoing flurry of diplomatic activity is related to the scheduled departure of Armenian soldiers from Nagorno-Karabakh by the end of September, which will complete the main...