Aliyev Calls Armenia a 'Fascist State'

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has intensified tensions with Armenia by labeling it a 'fascist state' and a regional threat, suggesting that this ideology must be eradicated either by Armenia's leadership or by Azerbaijan. This incendiary rhetoric follows Azerbaijan's military reclaiming of Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023, which led to a mass exodus of its Armenian population. Despite both nations expressing intentions to negotiate a peace treaty, diplomatic progress has been minimal amid ongoing hostilities and a heavily militarized border. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has cautioned that Aliyev's comments could serve as a pretext for renewed conflict, emphasizing Yerevan's commitment to peaceful negotiations. The lack of formal diplomatic relations continues to strain their interactions, with Azerbaijan demanding constitutional changes from Armenia before any treaty can be signed. The situation remains precarious, with both sides warning of potential escalations.