Statement of Third Republic (ResPlatform)

On the Washington Joint Declaration and Peace Process Between Azerbaijan and Armenia

Date: 11 August 2025

The Joint Declaration signed by Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington on August 8, 2025, advances the peace process. Though the Washington meeting did not produce a final peace treaty, the document affirms mutual recognition by the parties of each other’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and border inviolability.

The Joint Declaration reinforces the legal and political framework to support enduring peace in the region, consistent with principles in international law, including Article 2 of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act (1975), and the Almaty Declaration (1991).

As ResPlatform, we view this Declaration as a delicate but constructive contribution to the peace process and see it as a step toward resolving the historical conflict. We align with the public’s expectation that both governments will fulfil their peace process obligations and work to sign a final peace treaty.

The intent of the Joint Declaration calls for ending harmful political rhetoric that obstructs the peace process and undermines mutual trust. Accordingly, we publicly state that, for the sake of peace, it is essential to abandon the following rhetoric:

- Irredentist concepts like ‘Western Azerbaijan’ and ‘Greater Armenia.’

- Military threats like ‘Iron fist persist.’

A signed peace treaty would consign the Karabakh conflict to history. 

Therefore:

- The longstanding ‘Karabakh grievance’ propaganda in Azerbaijan’s political discourse must end.

- The Post-Karabakh Agenda, initiated by ResPlatform’s Founding Declaration, focusing on central democratic governance, local decentralisation, and the elimination of politically driven social injustice, shall guide public discourse.

As ResPlatform, we affirm that the Joint Declaration can contribute to peace in the South Caucasus. We hope both parties will honour their obligations and sign a peace treaty soon. Furthermore, we assert that ending harmful discourse and embracing a post-conflict agenda are vital for the region’s future.