Historic Peace Agreement Signed After Decades of Conflict

After nearly 30 years of conflict, representatives from both sides have signed a comprehensive peace agreement that promises to end one of the world's longest-running disputes.

The agreement, signed in a ceremony hosted by the United Nations, comes after two years of intensive negotiations and includes provisions for:

• Immediate cessation of hostilities and withdrawal of forces from contested areas
• Establishment of a power-sharing government for a five-year transitional period
• International monitoring of the implementation process
• Economic development packages for affected regions
• A truth and reconciliation commission to address historical grievances

"This is a day many thought would never come," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the signing ceremony. "It demonstrates that even the most intractable conflicts can be resolved through dialogue and compromise."

The conflict, which began in 1994, has claimed an estimated 120,000 lives and displaced over two million people.

Leaders from both sides acknowledged the difficult road ahead in implementing the agreement.

"Signing this document is just the beginning," said President Aliyev. "The harder work of building trust and healing wounds will take years, perhaps generations."

International reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with major powers pledging financial support for reconstruction efforts. An international donor conference is scheduled for next month, with expectations of raising at least $5 billion for rebuilding infrastructure and resettling displaced persons.

The first test of the agreement will come next week, when joint monitoring teams begin overseeing the withdrawal of forces from the most contested regions.