Aliyev: Peace treaty possible 'next day' if Armenia removes constitutional claims

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signaled Friday that Baku stands prepared to finalize a comprehensive peace agreement with Armenia immediately upon Yerevan's implementation of constitutional changes eliminating territorial claims. Speaking to Azerbaijani journalists on the margins of the Munich Security Conference, Aliyev reiterated a position long communicated to Armenian counterparts: "Once these amendments are adopted, we can sign a peace treaty the very next day."

De Facto Peace Achieved, Formalization Pending

Aliyev emphasized that the conflict has effectively concluded following last August's Washington summit, where the peace treaty was initialed and a Joint Declaration signed under US President Donald Trump's mediation. These developments represent a de facto end to the decades-long confrontation between the South Caucasus neighbors. The Azerbaijani leader stressed that the remaining step is purely formal, contingent upon Armenia's internal legal process rather than further bilateral negotiations.

Constitutional Amendment as Guarantee Against Future Claims

Aliyev clarified that Baku does not view the constitutional requirement as interference in Armenia's domestic affairs but as an essential safeguard ensuring no future Yerevan government can resurrect territorial pretensions against Azerbaijan. The demand targets provisions in Armenia's basic law that reference territorial integrity concepts inconsistent with recognized Azerbaijani sovereignty. The president's remarks underscore that peace architecture now awaits only Armenia's domestic political action to remove obstacles to permanent normalization.