In a recent meeting hosted by the U.S. Helsinki Commission, discussions centered on the potential for a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, highlighting a pivotal moment for U.S. diplomacy in the region. The dialogue emphasized the importance of opening borders, which could lead to mutual benefits for Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. Participants noted that Azerbaijan, as a petro state, and Armenia, with its growing IT sector, could both thrive through enhanced cooperation.

The meeting underscored the urgency for U.S. intervention, particularly in encouraging Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to leverage his influence over Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to finalize a peace agreement. The discussions pointed out that while peace is a desirable outcome, it is essential to understand the broader implications for both nations involved.

Key insights revealed that peace deals are rarely straightforward and often require ongoing negotiations. Drawing parallels to historical agreements like the Good Friday Agreement, speakers noted that establishing trust between the peoples of Armenia and Azerbaijan is crucial. The meeting highlighted the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Azerbaijan, with over 600,000 individuals affected, and acknowledged a growing empathy towards displaced Armenians.

The consensus was clear: while the framework for peace is vital, the real challenge lies in fostering relationships and trust among communities on the ground. The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue and a commitment to building a foundation for lasting peace, emphasizing that this process will take time and effort from all parties involved.