Provocations by Azerbaijan on the Armenia-Nakhichevan borderline is full of dangers also for the region, according to Iranologist Vardan Voskanyan, who refers to the fact that the Azerbaijani side has recently been active on that border.
“Iran is also present in the area, so I do not think that Azerbaijan will make serious provocation against Armenia. This does not mean that we should underestimate the Nakhchivan territory, it is an important one”, noted Vardan Voskanyan.
According to him, Armenia has levers to influence Nakhichevan’s autonomy: “We should apply a policy of soft power, working with leaders of ethnic and economic clan groups in Nakhichevan”.
On the other hand, as the Iranologist noted, Iran does not want the Turkish factor to increase in Nakhichevan: “Iran is waiting for such sentiments in Azerbaijan that will allow Shia regime in Iran. Iran influences the Shia population of Azerbaijan from inside. Consequently, Azerbaijan’s territory is of vital importance for Iran”.
Luiza SUKIASYAN
