Key West Talks: Presidents Meet in Florida for Direct Negotiations

In an unprecedented diplomatic move, Armenian President Robert Kocharyan and Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev are meeting face-to-face in Key West, Florida, for direct negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Historic Meeting

The talks, hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, mark the first extended direct negotiations between the two leaders on American soil. The choice of Key West as a venue was deliberate, providing a neutral and isolated environment for sensitive discussions.

Negotiation Framework

The discussions are focusing on several key areas:

Territorial Exchanges

• Proposals for land swaps
• Status of occupied territories
• Security zones and buffer areas

Political Status

• Future governance of Nagorno-Karabakh
• Interim administration proposals
• Timeline for status determination

Security Arrangements

• International peacekeeping forces
• Demilitarization zones
• Confidence-building measures

U.S. Mediation Role

The United States has taken an unusually active role in these negotiations:

“We believe direct dialogue between the presidents is essential for breaking the current deadlock,” Secretary Powell stated at the opening of the talks.

The U.S. has proposed several compromise formulas, including:

• Phased withdrawal from occupied territories
• International security guarantees
• Economic development packages

Domestic Pressures

Both leaders face significant domestic challenges:

In Armenia

• Opposition to territorial concessions
• Concerns about security guarantees
• Pressure from Karabakh leadership

In Azerbaijan

• Demands for full territorial restoration
• Growing impatience with diplomatic process
• Refugee community expectations

Preliminary Outcomes

While full details remain confidential, sources indicate:

• Agreement on need for continued dialogue
• Some progress on technical issues
• Commitment to maintain ceasefire
• Plans for follow-up meetings

International Reaction

The international community has welcomed the direct talks:

• Russia: Supports dialogue while maintaining its mediation role
• EU: Offers economic incentives for peaceful resolution
• Iran: Expresses concern about U.S. involvement
• Turkey: Backs Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity

Next Steps

As the Key West talks conclude, both sides are expected to:

1. Consult with domestic constituencies
2. Prepare for technical negotiations
3. Maintain diplomatic momentum
4. Consider confidence-building measures

The success of these talks could determine whether the Prague Process framework can deliver tangible results in resolving one of the former Soviet Union’s most intractable conflicts.