“At the moment, it seems that the main players of interest in the region have other priorities,” Orientalist and analyst Armen Petrosyan said in response to Aravot Daily’s question about why no one restrains Azerbaijan when it dictates its own agenda. According to him, in the conditions of a more restrained and constructive approach and position of the Armenian side, nevertheless, it manages to curb the formation of a new explosive situation in the region, which is assessed especially by a number of key players with interests in the region. According to him, Azerbaijan’s actions are also under control.
Aravot Daily asked about what to expect from the visit of the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan to Iran. A few days ago, the Iranian Ambassador to Armenia visited Syunik. Are these not signals coming from Iran, and does Armenia use the resources available to Iran enough?
Regarding this, Armen Petrosyan answered, “It is clear that in the light of the new realities in the region after the 44-day war, Iran, being in its position as a lost, yielding player, was clearly active both in regional processes and in bilateral relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is obvious that Iran has an interest in restoring the lost positions. And in this regard, if we assess the months of the war, especially with the Armenian side, quite active talks and discussions are taking place at different levels. This should be seen in the context of Iran’s review of regional policy. The fact that Iran is the first destination of the Prime Minister after his reappointment is a very important message both in the region and in the context of bilateral relations, taking into account the fact that the governments of the two countries are in fact at the beginning of formation. It can be considered that the important starting conditions have been formed.”
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When reminded that he once said that Armenia does not have the opportunity to maneuver, and in response to the question about whether he thinks that the recent statements of the Minsk Group will still keep the door of Armenia’s opportunities open, the orientalist answered, “I share that view. The essence of the problem is that the Azerbaijani side rejects the possibility of discussing the Artsakh issue in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group. Therefore, to expect that this process is moving forward only at the level of announcements is definitely not the case. The Armenian side should not be satisfied with those statements. We see two incompatible processes taking place. On one hand, statements are made by the Armenian side, mediating countries, and stakeholders, but on the other hand, we see clear actions by Azerbaijan, steps aimed at eliminating Armenian traces in the occupied territories of Artsakh, and actions aimed at legalizing the political and political propaganda of the Azerbaijani occupation. In this context, the processes are incompatible.”
When asked if the cessation of US military aid to Baku could be followed by sanctions if Azerbaijan continues in this way, the orientalist answered, “I am confident that the actions of the Azerbaijani and Turkish authorities, which are aimed at maintaining instability in the region, endangering security, and regularly violating international humanitarian law, will at some point lead to a tougher stance of key players in the international community in the form of sanctions.
Some targeted steps should be taken by the Republic of Armenia in this direction as well. The Azerbaijani side, with the support of Turkey, has set a clear agenda and in all possible ways, through various pressure mechanisms, is following the path that threatens the fragile peace and security in the region. If a year ago there was a different geopolitical situation, now there are significant geopolitical changes, and certainly in the event of a new military escalation, again unequivocally provoked by Azerbaijan, the international community’s reaction will be different and not in Azerbaijan’s favor.”
Tatev Harutyunyan
