Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, expressed optimism that with political will and continued effort, the longstanding hostility and violence between Armenia and Azerbaijan could finally come to an end for the benefit of all the region’s peoples. In an interview with Jam News, he discussed the progress and challenges in resolving the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.

Klaar noted that most of the draft peace treaty has already been agreed upon, emphasizing that the main obstacle is the political will required to finalize the agreement. He expressed confidence that reaching a final agreement on the remaining issues and wording is within reach. According to Klaar, a peace treaty and its implementation would significantly transform the regional situation, and he believes that the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan share this view and are committed to achieving a final agreement.

However, Klaar also highlighted the fragility of the peace process, pointing out that the absence of a meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the recent European Political Community summit in the UK serves as a reminder of the fragility of the ongoing negotiations.

Commenting on the future of displaced Karabakh Armenians, Klaar said: “The first is the facilitation of the return of the Karabakh Armenians to their ancestral homes, which is an obligation that Azerbaijan has. The second is the question of Armenians who used to live in other parts of Azerbaijan, including in Baku, or of Azerbaijanis who used to live in Armenia.”

The EU official concluded that the release of all prisoners, cooperation on the fate of missing persons, and demining efforts are “decisive elements” for lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.