The Norwegian publication "Utrop" has published an article by Zaur Ahmadov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Sweden, highlighting the peace process in the South Caucasus.
In his article, Ambassador Zaur Ahmadov refers to the book "I will do it" written by Norwegian writer Terje Holmedal about twenty years ago. The book recounts how Lala, a girl from Jabrayil, was forced to leave her home during the First Karabakh War, and as a result, was deprived of the opportunity to get an education.
According to the diplomat, Lala and many other Azerbaijani internally displaced persons (IDPs) now have finally got the chance to return to their native villages, which have been left in ruins for decades. With residents coming back, the villages and the region—long considered unstable—are being revitalized and becoming a place of hope for peace.
The ambassador highlights the historic Joint Declaration that was signed in Washington on August 8 between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump, noting that this document ushers in a new era in relations between the two nations.
“The agreements primarily focus on opening up transport links, including the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project. This route will connect Azerbaijan’s mainland to Nakhchivan through Armenia. The article underlines that this will be a crucial link in the Middle Corridor initiative, which connects Europe and Asia,” the article says.
The Azerbaijani ambassador mentions that stability in the South Caucasus will benefit not only the countries of the region, but also Europe, including Norway. With their experiences in peacebuilding and integration efforts, Scandinavian countries can make a significant contribution to strengthening trust and developing cooperation.
In conclusion, the diplomat emphasizes that Lala's story serves as a powerful reminder of the human element in the peace process: every agreement affects real people who simply want to return to their homeland and build a new life.
"For the South Caucasus, this is a new beginning, while for Norway, this is an invitation to help write the next chapter," the ambassador concludes.
