Aliyev Cancels Talks with Pashinyan Amidst Diplomatic Disagreements, Raising Concerns of Hostilities

The highly anticipated meeting between the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and key European nations has been postponed indefinitely after President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan refused to travel to Granada, Spain, where the summit was scheduled to take place. The meeting, which was supposed to include talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the participation of EU, French, and German leaders, was canceled amidst Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing of Armenians from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

Azerbaijani media outlets reported that President Aliyev's decision to skip the meeting was influenced by what they described as the "destructive position of France." Additionally, sources claim that Aliyev was dissatisfied with the disagreement between Paris and Berlin over the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the summit. These factors collectively led to Azerbaijan's refusal to engage in negotiations, leaving the diplomatic community puzzled and concerned about the future of peace talks in the region.

The cancellation of the meeting marks a significant setback in the ongoing efforts to resolve the longstanding conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Hopes were high for the Granada summit, as it was expected to provide an opportunity for the leaders to discuss crucial issues and potentially make progress towards a lasting peace agreement. However, the sudden cancellation has cast a shadow over these prospects, raising concerns about the stability of the region and the possibility of future hostilities.

The disagreement over the participation of President Erdogan also adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Turkey has been a vocal supporter of Azerbaijan and played a significant role in the 2020 war. Erdogan's absence at the summit, reportedly due to a cold, further complicates the diplomatic landscape, leaving questions about Turkey's future involvement in the peace process.

As the international community closely monitors the situation, there is a growing sense of urgency for all parties involved to find common ground and resume dialogue. The postponement of the Granada summit underscores the challenges faced by diplomats in navigating the intricate web of regional politics and conflicting interests.

The coming days are likely to see intensified diplomatic efforts aimed at rescheduling the talks and addressing the underlying issues that led to the cancellation. The hopes of millions of people in the region for a peaceful and stable future hang in the balance, emphasizing the importance of swift and effective diplomatic action to prevent further escalation of tensions in the South Caucasus.