President Donald Trump hosted Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the White House on Friday, celebrating the signing of a peace agreement aimed at ending decades of hostilities. The deal includes a U.S.-developed transit corridor through Armenia, connecting Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave. Named the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity,” the corridor will operate under Armenian law. Trump called the naming “a great honor” and praised the accord as a long-sought resolution to a bitter conflict.
Leaders Hail a “New Era”
Pashinyan called the agreement a “significant milestone” in relations, crediting Trump’s involvement for making it possible. Aliyev said the deal allows Azerbaijan to “turn the page” on confrontation and look toward a “bright and safe future.” Both leaders expressed gratitude for U.S. mediation, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the accord “historic,” predicting stronger regional stability and new trade opportunities.
Conflict’s Long and Painful Legacy
Armenia and Azerbaijan’s dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh, also called Artsakh, has persisted since the 1980s. The region, mostly ethnic Armenian, declared independence from Muslim-majority Azerbaijan, sparking multiple wars. In September 2023, Azerbaijan expelled over 120,000 Armenians after a military offensive, following a blockade that cut off food and supplies for nine months. Human rights advocates accused Azerbaijan of ethnic cleansing and genocide by starvation.
Strong Opposition from Armenian Advocacy Groups
The Armenian National Committee of America condemned the peace deal, warning it rewards “genocide” and undermines Armenia’s sovereignty. Executive Director Aram Hamparian argued that peace built on forced displacement and imprisonment of elected leaders is “impunity” and risks future aggression. The group accused Trump of legitimizing Azerbaijan’s 2020 military actions against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Lawmakers Urge Security Guarantees
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), co-chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, welcomed U.S. involvement but stressed the need for enforcement mechanisms and protections for Armenia. He criticized past waivers of laws restricting U.S. aid to Azerbaijan and called for the release of prisoners of war and withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenian territory. Advocacy group Save Armenia called the summit a “great step toward peace” but reminded leaders of the unresolved plight of Armenian refugees.
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‘Step toward peace’ or rewarding ethnic cleansing?: Experts react to Trump’s Armenia-Azerbaijan deal
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