What's Happening?
The Azerbaijani Embassy in Korea hosted a reception in Seoul to commemorate Azerbaijan's Victory Day, observed annually on November 8. The holiday marks Azerbaijan's success in the 2020 war, during which it reclaimed territories in and around Nagorno-Karabakh
that had been under ethnic Armenian control since the early 1990s. During the reception, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Korea Ramin Hasanov declared that the decades-long conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is now over, emphasizing that 'Peace that is not founded on justice cannot be sustainable.' The event featured performances by young Azerbaijani and Korean musicians playing Azerbaijani compositions, and Azerbaijani students in Korea performing traditional dances.
Why It's Important?
Azerbaijan's celebration of Victory Day in an international capital like Seoul serves to solidify its narrative of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict's resolution and its territorial integrity. By declaring the conflict 'over,' Azerbaijan aims to project an image of stability and assert its sovereignty over the reclaimed territories. This diplomatic effort is crucial for gaining international recognition and acceptance of the new status quo in the region. The ambassador's statement about peace founded on justice reflects Azerbaijan's perspective on the outcome of the 2020 war. Such events also play a role in shaping public opinion and garnering support from international partners, which can be vital for post-conflict reconstruction and economic development. For Armenia, this declaration underscores the significant territorial losses and the need to adapt to a new regional reality.
What's Next?
While Azerbaijan declares the conflict over, the path to a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement with Armenia is still ongoing. The statement from Ambassador Hasanov, while assertive, does not negate the need for continued diplomatic efforts to normalize relations, delineate borders, and address humanitarian issues. The international community will continue to monitor the situation, particularly regarding the rights and security of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Future steps will likely involve further negotiations between Baku and Yerevan, potentially mediated by international actors, to finalize a peace treaty. The success of these efforts will determine whether the declared 'end' to the conflict translates into genuine regional stability and reconciliation.
Beyond the Headlines
The celebration of Victory Day, while a moment of national pride for Azerbaijan, also highlights the deep divisions and unresolved grievances that persist in the South Caucasus. The declaration that the conflict is 'over' from Azerbaijan's perspective contrasts with the ongoing pain and displacement experienced by many Armenians. The concept of 'peace founded on justice' is subjective and often interpreted differently by opposing sides in a conflict. This event underscores the challenge of achieving true reconciliation after decades of hostilities, where historical narratives and national identities are deeply intertwined with territorial claims. The cultural performances at the reception, while promoting Azerbaijani heritage, also serve as a soft power tool to reinforce national unity and project a positive image internationally, even as the region grapples with the aftermath of war.
