Nation split on Karabakh deal

Armenians fear peace with neighbour Azerbaijan comes with too high a price, writes Mariam Harutyunyan

- Mariam Harutyunyan

As children chased pigeons and old men murmured under poplar trees in Yerevan’s central square, unease hung in the air.

Armenia is divided over what more it must surrender for a shot at lasting peace with Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has demanded sweeping concessions from its arch foe as part of a deal to end decades of hostility and conflict between the Caucasus rivals.

Despite the tranquil scenes of a warm spring day, the issue has stirred worry in a fragile Armenian society, still reeling from a humiliating military defeat in 2023.

Life “is full of uncertainty,” said Nare Barseghyan, a 25-year-old philologist. “We have a divided society, toxic politics and a growing disrespect for our country.”

“People shouldn’t be constantly threatened that there will be a new war if we don’t yield to Azerbaijani demands,” she said.

Since the break-up of the Soviet Union, the Caucasian neighbours have fought several wars for control of the Karabakh region, which was historically part of Armenia.