00:00The South Caucasus at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has long been fraught with tension.
00:08Armenia and Azerbaijan have been locked in a dispute.
00:11Recent years have seen Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's attempts of peace overtures
00:16towards Azerbaijan and Turkey.
00:18This shift marks a significant departure from the past, signaling a potential turning point.
00:23Pashinyan believes lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue and compromise.
00:29Turkey, a regional power, has expressed readiness to normalize relations with Armenia, contingent
00:34upon progress with Azerbaijan.
00:37Pashinyan's proactive diplomacy offers hope for regional cooperation and prosperity.
00:45Nikol Pashinyan's approach to regional relations represents a stark departure from his predecessors.
00:50For decades, Armenian foreign policy was fixated on conflict, leading to strained relations.
00:56Pashinyan campaigned on a platform of change, recognizing that clinging to past grievances
01:01perpetuates mistrust.
01:03He understands that a prosperous future requires breaking free from history and pursuing dialogue.
01:09His willingness to engage with Azerbaijan and Turkey, despite domestic criticism, reflects
01:13a pragmatic understanding.
01:15This approach has earned him both praise and condemnation, highlighting the delicate balance
01:20he must strike.
01:21The challenge now lies in translating this momentum into concrete actions for a peaceful future.
01:29Pashinyan's pursuit faces considerable opposition from extreme nationalist groups within Armenia,
01:35the Armenian Apostolic Church, and extreme elements within the Armenian diaspora.
01:40These groups, often tied to the former ruling elite, accuse him of capitulating to external
01:45pressure.
01:46The protests led by influential figures have erupted in response to his diplomatic overtures.
01:51They argue that any compromise is unacceptable.
01:54This internal pressure poses a significant challenge to Pashinyan's diplomatic efforts.
01:59However, Pashinyan is arguing that a negotiated settlement is the only viable path.
02:04The challenge is to maintain internal cohesion while pursuing peace.
02:10Pashinyan's diplomatic efforts have yielded tangible results.
02:14The return of villages in the Tavish region to Azerbaijan signifies a step towards confidence-building.
02:20Pashinyan has improved communication channels with both Azerbaijan and Turkey.
02:25Direct talks between officials have resumed.
02:28Turkey has expressed willingness to engage constructively with Armenia, contingent upon
02:32progress with Azerbaijan.
02:34The reopening of the Turkish-Armenian border remains a key incentive for normalization.
02:40Increased trade and investment could transform the region, fostering economic growth and
02:44security.
02:45Pashinyan's goals, though ambitious, could start new times in the South Caucasus.
