On November 10th, 2020, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a historic peace agreement, bringing an end to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict that has plagued the region for decades. As a result of the agreement, the two countries agreed to exchange prisoners of war, establish a ceasefire, and work towards a long-term peaceful resolution.
One of the most significant aspects of the peace agreement was the territorial changes that occurred as a result. Specifically, Azerbaijan regained control of several territories that were previously occupied by Armenian forces during the conflict. These territories include the districts of Aghdam, Kalbajar, and Lachin.
To better understand the territorial changes that resulted from the peace agreement, it is helpful to examine a map of the region. In a map of Azerbaijan and Armenia before the peace agreement, the Nagorno-Karabakh region is depicted as a disputed territory, with Armenia occupying significant parts of the area.
However, in the aftermath of the peace agreement, Azerbaijan regained control of several territories, including the districts of Aghdam, Kalbajar, and Lachin. These territories were previously under Armenian control and were crucial to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The district of Aghdam, in particular, is of significant importance as it is located between the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the rest of Azerbaijan. The district had been under Armenian control since 1993 and has been largely abandoned since then. With Azerbaijan regaining control of Aghdam, it now has the ability to connect the main Azerbaijani territory to its exclave of Nakhchivan.
Similarly, the district of Kalbajar is also of strategic importance as it connects Armenia to the Nagorno-Karabakh region. With Azerbaijan regaining control of Kalbajar, Armenia will have to find alternative routes to the Nagorno-Karabakh area.
Finally, the district of Lachin is crucial as it connects Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. With Azerbaijan regaining control of Lachin, Armenia`s access to Nagorno-Karabakh has been severely limited.
Overall, the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agreement has resulted in significant territorial changes in the region. The exchange of territories has been a contentious issue for both countries, but the hope is that the peace agreement will bring long-term stability and peace to the region.