REEKER: ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN CLOSER TO PEACE THAN EVER

Former U.S. Ambassador and Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker says Armenia and Azerbaijan have a historic moment of opportunity to secure a peace agreement following decades of war and mistrust. In a conversation with Independence Avenue Media’s Editor in Chief, Ia Meurmishvili, Reeker reflects on the latest developments in the South Caucasus, including a reported U.S. proposal to facilitate security along the so-called Zangezur Corridor—possibly through a 100-year lease arrangement. Reeker, who previously served as acting assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian affairs, U.S. ambassador to North Macedonia, and senior adviser for Caucasus negotiations, is now a partner at the global strategic advisory firm DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group. He underscores how the current leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan “have developed a level of trust with each other,” calling it “one of these moments in history where there are two personalities in leadership positions who can really get things done.” While the U.S. has not confirmed details of any leasing proposal, Reeker says Washington’s continued involvement reflects its commitment to stability in the region. In recognizing that “they don’t need Moscow,” Reeker notes, Armenia and Azerbaijan are challenging Russia’s long-standing pattern of regional interference.