Armenia Relinquishes Four Border Villages to Azerbaijan as Key Step Towards Peace

Armenia has returned four border villages to Azerbaijan, a crucial step in the efforts to normalize relations between the long-time rivals, Al Jazeera reported yesterday.

The villages of Baghanis, Voskepar, Kirants, and Berkaber have been handed back to Azerbaijan, which now controls the settlements known locally as Baghanis Ayrum, Asagi Eskipara, Heyrimli, and Kizilhacili.

The transfer was part of a border delimitation agreement between the two countries, who have fought two wars since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the news agency added.

The move has sparked protests in Armenia, with critics accusing the government of unilaterally ceding territory. However, Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders see this as a significant milestone towards lasting peace.