In a recent interview with FRANCE 24, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev proclaimed that peace with Armenia has been fully accomplished, particularly following a White House summit in August. Aliyev emphasized his position by stating, "for me, it is done," indicating a strong belief in the resolution of hostilities between the two nations. However, this assertive announcement contrasts sharply with the lingering tensions surrounding the status of imprisoned Nagorno-Karabakh separatist leaders.

President Aliyev made it clear that he would not grant clemency to these leaders, which he has linked to serious crimes committed during the conflict. During a discussion with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference, Aliyev compared the trials of these separatists to the Nuremberg trials, signifying his stance on the severity of their actions and reinforcing the position that accountability is necessary. This rhetoric suggests that while Aliyev may declare peace on a diplomatic front, significant domestic legal and political battles remain unresolved, potentially complicating the peace process.

The implications of Aliyev's statements are profound for the geopolitical landscape in the Caucasus region. By asserting peace with Armenia while simultaneously taking a hardline stance on separatist figures, Azerbaijan is navigating a complex balance between domestic pressures and international diplomacy. His comments might also reflect an attempt to solidify his government's position internally, appealing to nationalistic sentiments and justifying Azerbaijani control over contested territories in Nagorno-Karabakh. As such, while Aliyev's declarations frame an optimistic outlook for Azerbaijani-Armenian relations, they obscure ongoing tensions and challenges that may hinder sustainable peace in the region.