**US President Trump Announces Historic Peace Summit Between Armenia and Azerbaijan**
In a surprise move, US President Donald Trump has announced that he will host the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan at the White House on August 8 for a “Historic Peace Summit”. The summit aims to resolve decades of tensions between the two nations, which have been sworn enemies over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
**A Long-Standing Conflict**
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has its roots in the late 20th century. Both countries have engaged in two wars over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, a long-disputed enclave primarily populated by ethnic Armenians but internationally recognized as Azerbaijan territory. The most recent war in 2023 saw Azerbaijan recapture the territory from Armenian forces, leading to the exodus of more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians.
**A Breakthrough on the Horizon?**
Despite previous talks aimed at a peaceful resolution, including a meeting last month in the United Arab Emirates, a breakthrough had proven elusive until now. Trump’s announcement has sparked hope that the two nations may finally find a way to put their differences aside and work towards peace. As part of the agreement, Washington is expected to sign bilateral agreements with both countries to pursue economic opportunities together.
**The Role of the US**
Trump has taken credit for his administration’s efforts in brokering this deal, stating that he was “very proud” of the leaders for doing the right thing. His administration has indeed been engaged with both sides for some time, and Trump has previously expressed his desire to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation efforts.
**Economic Opportunities**
The prospective agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan is expected to unlock significant economic potential in the region. The US would grant leasing rights to develop a new transit corridor, which would be named the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity”. This corridor would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan region, separated by a 32-kilometer stretch of Armenian territory.
**Private Funding, Public Benefits**
The deal stipulates that private corporations, not the US government, would fund the construction of the new transit corridor. The corridor is expected to include rail, oil, gas, and fiber optic lines, facilitating the movement of goods and people.
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