Azerbaijan Advances Western Azerbaijan Concept Through Institutions

Azerbaijan is expanding its "Western Azerbaijan" initiative beyond political rhetoric into formalized research and cultural projects, according to reporting from Yerevan. State news agency AZERTAC announced that the Western Azerbaijan Community established a working group to document what it calls "Albanian Christian heritage" across Armenian territory, including areas in Syunik and Vayots Dzor provinces and around Lake Sevan. Officials framed the project as related to the potential return of Azerbaijanis formerly living in Armenia. The announcement coincided with the postponement of planned Armenian-Azerbaijani expert talks in Yerevan at Azerbaijan's request. Armenia's Prime Minister recently characterized the "Western Azerbaijan" narrative as a security threat. More than a year after initiating a peace agreement, Armenia and Azerbaijan have not signed or ratified the document, and territorial, border, and cultural heritage disputes remain unresolved.