Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan issued a stark warning, stating that Armenia could be on the brink of war with Azerbaijan if it doesn't reach a compromise regarding the return of four Azerbaijani villages. These villages, under Armenian control since the 1990s, hold strategic importance due to their location along the main road connecting Yerevan to the Georgian border.

In a meeting with residents of border areas, Pashinyan emphasized the urgency of resolving the dispute, highlighting that failure to do so could escalate into armed conflict by the week's end. Pashinyan acknowledged the potential devastating consequences of such a conflict.

The tensions between the two countries stem from Azerbaijan's demand for the return of territories, including the four villages and several enclaves surrounded by Armenian territory. These demands are seen as crucial prerequisites for a peace agreement following last September's conflict, during which Azerbaijan reclaimed the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Despite international recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh as Azerbaijani territory, ethnic Armenians had maintained de facto control since the early 1990s. However, Azerbaijan's recent military offensive led to a significant loss for Armenia, forcing many ethnic Armenians to flee the region.

Efforts to negotiate a peace treaty have faced obstacles, including border demarcation and militarization issues. Pashinyan has indicated Armenia's willingness to return Azerbaijani-controlled territories and proposed alternative routes for Armenia's road network.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed optimism about reaching peace, citing progress in talks with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. Stoltenberg also met with Pashinyan, underscoring the delicate diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

Armenia's shifting foreign policy towards the West has strained its relationship with Russia, traditionally its ally. This pivot has led to speculation about Armenia's potential application for European Union membership. Russian officials have expressed concerns about Armenia's closer ties with the West, suggesting they may influence Armenia's concessions to Azerbaijan.

As tensions persist, diplomatic efforts remain crucial in averting further escalation and securing a lasting peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

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