Azerbaijan’s Supreme Soviet adopted the Constitutional Act of Independence, formally declaring independence from the Soviet Union and establishing the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Independence Declaration
The act declared:
- Restoration of 1918-1920 independence
- Sovereignty over entire territory
- Nagorno-Karabakh as integral part
- Commitment to international law
Territorial Claims
Azerbaijan explicitly:
- Rejected Karabakh’s independence declaration
- Claimed sovereignty over NKAO
- Vowed to restore territorial integrity
- Considered Armenian forces as occupiers
From Internal to International
Independence transformed the conflict:
- No longer Soviet internal matter
- Two independent states in conflict
- International law now applicable
- UN membership implications
Military Implications
- Soviet weapons divided between states
- National armies forming
- External military aid possible
- Escalation potential increased
Regional Dynamics
Neighboring states concerned:
- Turkey: Strong support for Azerbaijan
- Iran: Large Azeri minority, stability concerns
- Russia: Competing interests
- Georgia: Transit country, neutral stance
International Recognition
- Quickly recognized internationally
- UN membership in 1992
- OSCE mediation framework
- Diplomatic competition begins