Armenian Church and Diaspora Engage in Aggressive Anti-Peace Propaganda, Says Pashazada

Azerbaijan’s peace efforts hindered by Armenian Church and diaspora propaganda, religious leader tells UN

Peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia are facing significant obstacles despite political progress, according to Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazada, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims’ Board (CMB). During a high-level meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Pashazada expressed concern that while government officials from both nations are working toward reconciliation, religious and diaspora groups are actively undermining these efforts.

“Religious leaders always advocate for peace,” Pashazada stated during the talks. “Yet, while the political leadership of both countries are taking steps toward peace, we see the Armenian Church calling for revanchism and renewed confrontation.”

The comments highlight the complex dynamics at play in the South Caucasus region, where Azerbaijan and Armenia have been locked in a decades-long conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh territory. The dispute led to two major wars – one in the early 1990s and another in 2020 – before Azerbaijan regained control of the contested region last year.

Guterres reportedly responded that such obstructive actions are “unacceptable,” signaling UN concern about potential setbacks to the fragile peace process that has been gaining momentum in recent months.

During the meeting, Pashazada briefed the Secretary-General on Azerbaijan’s restoration efforts in territories liberated during the 2020 conflict. He emphasized that the country is rehabilitating religious and cultural sites regardless of their ethnic or religious origin – a point Azerbaijani officials frequently make to counter Armenian accusations of cultural erasure.

The religious leader also highlighted Azerbaijan’s approach to interfaith relations, describing the country’s model of sectarian harmony as “a successful example in the Islamic world.” Azerbaijan is a predominantly Muslim country with significant Shia and Sunni populations, but also has Christian and Jewish communities that have historically coexisted peacefully.

This interfaith cooperation model has gained international attention at a time when religious tensions are rising globally. Azerbaijan’s government has invested considerable resources in promoting the country as a bastion of religious tolerance, hosting numerous international conferences on the subject.

Looking to further enhance this reputation, Pashazada extended an invitation to Guterres to attend an international conference planned for next year in Azerbaijan. The event will focus on intra-Islamic dialogue and combating Islamophobia, and will be co-organized by the Muslim Elders Council and the UN Alliance of Civilizations.

The UN Secretary-General reciprocated by inviting Pashazada to participate in the upcoming Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, scheduled for December in Saudi Arabia. This exchange of invitations underscores the growing importance of religious diplomacy in international relations, particularly in conflict zones where faith often plays a central role.

The timing of these discussions is significant, as Azerbaijan and Armenia have recently shown signs of progress toward a potential peace treaty. However, resistance from various stakeholders – including religious institutions, diaspora organizations, and nationalist elements – continues to complicate the reconciliation process.

Analysts note that religious institutions on both sides wield considerable influence over public opinion, with the Armenian Apostolic Church playing a particularly central role in Armenian national identity. The characterization of the Church as promoting “revanchism” is likely to be contested by Armenian officials, who view the institution as protecting Armenian cultural and religious heritage.

As peace negotiations continue, the role of religious leaders and organizations will remain crucial in either facilitating reconciliation or perpetuating divisions in this troubled region.