Biden’s Message to Aliyev
Today, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Michael Carpenter, U.S. Assistant to the President for European Affairs.
Carpenter delivered a letter from Joseph Biden and reaffirmed U.S. support for the swift signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijani political scientist Farhad Mamedov has “analyzed the main part of the message and tried to understand what and how.” He believes, “The very fact of the message is intriguing. The U.S. president is making, probably, his last attempt to accelerate the process of signing a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia just two weeks before the presidential elections.”
- A cold shower for Euro-integrationists. What happened with the referendum and presidential elections in Moldova?
- Leaders of the Georgian opposition on resolving the Abkhaz and South Ossetian conflicts. Video
- Over 28,000 people have registered to participate in COP29 in Azerbaijan
What Does Biden’s Message Say?
“His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, Dear Mr. President, I am pleased with the ongoing progress made by your country and Armenia towards a peace agreement that will normalize relations between the two countries. I want to assure you that the U.S. is ready to support the achievement of a stable and just peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which will finally put an end to the centuries-old conflict.”
Political Analysis:
- “Biden acknowledges that progress has been made towards a peace agreement.
- Centuries-old conflict?! What does that refer to?
- The terms ‘stable’ and ‘just’ peace are once again used… ‘Stable’ is clear, but what is considered ‘just’ in the American interpretation? So far, we have seen the term ‘just’ used exclusively in a pro-Armenian context. Therefore, clarification on this approach is needed.”
Biden writes:
“A peace agreement, alongside ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, will transform the entire region, facilitating greater trade, investment, and connections between Europe and Central Asia. While the world’s attention is focused on Baku in connection with COP29, you have a unique opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to peace to the global community. As you know, resolving the outstanding issues of the peace agreement will require creativity and compromise from both sides. But I am confident that you will continue to seize this opportunity. I invite you to finalize the deal this year.”
Political Analysis:
- “The U.S. has remembered the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. That’s good!
- Communication between Europe and Central Asia is mentioned again – that’s also positive!
- The mention of COP29 in the context of demonstrating commitment to peace is speculative. The holding of COP29 in Baku resulted from bilateral contacts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, without U.S. involvement. This fact is already positive. Such speculation harms bilateral relations.
- What does ‘creative approach’ mean? What compromises are being suggested? According to the Armenian Constitution, there are explicit territorial claims!
- The call to finalize the treaty this year is yet another attempt to secure a deal within his presidential term. This is already a personal claim, so to speak, of interest.”
Biden writes:
“I want to express my commitment to supporting this matter. My administration is ready for bold initiatives that will pave the way to peace. At my request, my special assistant, Director for Europe Michael Carpenter, will inform you of specific steps we are ready to take and clarify your position regarding negotiations with Armenia. I hope you will seize this opportunity to choose a new course for the region in the name of shared prosperity and the common good. Sincerely, Joseph Biden President of the United States.”
Political Analysis:
- “Here’s the most interesting part. Biden promises ‘bold steps from his administration.’ What were the previous steps? Timid ones?
- The leadership of Azerbaijan has expressed clear expectations from the U.S. – the 907 amendment, support in rebuilding Karabakh, assistance in demining. Creativity and boldness aren’t needed to understand and support Azerbaijan. Or is this assistance conditioned on a peace treaty with Armenia?! This is the essence of Armenian-centricity! After all, during the occupation, such preconditions were not set for Armenia.
- Baku has already reviewed the proposals that Carpenter brought, and in the coming days we will understand how much the ‘boldness’ of the Biden Administration will meet Azerbaijan’s expectations.”