Moving Beyond Deadlock in the Peace Talks

Abstract

Since the signing of the ceasefire agreement in 1994, a long process of negotiations has been fruitless. The main obstacle to peace is a lack of political will on part of the local actors, but this is compounded by two factors: the ``constructive ambiguity'' of the peace proposals and the format of the Minsk Process, in particular its narrow and secretive nature. A level of ambiguity is unavoidable in peace processes and can even be constructive, but it can also fuel suspicions and mistrust. There are three complementary strategies to move the peace process forward: a broader process; increased pressure on the local leaders and promises of a peace dividend; and a greater role for the European Union.