The Recognition Of The Independence Of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic In Paris Peace Conference And The Attitude Of Iran

This article deals with the activity of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which declared its independence on May 28, 1918 and the relations with the neighboring states, especially, Iran in Paris Peace Conference. In the introduction the political situation in Azerbaijan and Iran after the First World War, Persians’ hesitant attitude towards Azerbaijan and its causes, the preparation process of the representatives of the government of ADR for the Paris Peace Conference are discussed and the relations between Azerbaijan and Iran are divided into the periods. It is known that after the collapse of Tsarist Russia, the trends of independence started growing in the South Caucasus. Recognition of the independence by the neighboring states and the international community became the most important issue in foreign policy of ADR. Paris Peace Conference which was convened after the First World War opened up the opportunities for the government of Azerbaijan in the solution of this problem. In the conference Azerbaijan-Iranian joint commission was established and the agreement which consisted of four points was signed. As the result of strenuous activity of Azerbaijan representatives, the independence of the ADR was recognized by the international community on January 11, 1920 in Paris Peace Conference. Iran, which normalized the relations with Azerbaijan in Paris Peace Conference, according to the friendship treaty that was signed on March 20, 1920, declared that they recognized the independence of Azerbaijan. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n19p35