Aravot Daily spoke to Iranian expert Aharon Vardanyan
– Mr. Vardanyan, according to your estimation, what are the priorities of the Armenian-Iranian political agenda, taking into account that it is not only about economic, but also about mutual political interest?
– At the present stage, this visit is very important, as the Iran-Azerbaijan relations are quite tense and military exercises are taking place. Iran-Turkey relations are also tense. In this context, when the RA Foreign Minister visits Iran, this in itself can prove many things. It is possible that this will become a “springboard” for the further development of relations, taking into account the topics that are touched upon, including the problems of the transit road. This is regarding the 21-kilometer RA-Iran interstate road that was occupied by the Azerbaijanis. Of course, this is also a problem for the Iranian side, and it is very important to raise this issue. The following is also important. The Iranian Foreign Minister has already stressed that the policy pursued by Azerbaijan is problematic for them. This is referring to Israel’s presence in Azerbaijan and terrorist groups. These are important messages. All of this is an additional opportunity to work together in Armenian-Iranian relations.
– By the way, high-ranking Armenian officials justify the occupation of that road with not too pro-Armenian positions. In particular, they quote Soviet maps. Moreover, the same Azerbaijan does not recognize itself as the legal successor of the Azerbaijani SSR. Is Iran free from all this?
– First of all, every Armenian should speak about Armenian interests, although the interests of other allied states in the region should also be taken into account, but after our national interests or in their context. It is in our national interest for that route to be ours. Personally, no one can convince me with any map that this road is not ours. Azerbaijan has occupied that part, and the reaction of Iran is also important here. The preservation of territorial integrity in the region is important, and the violation of the territory of another state by another state is unacceptable. This is a clear message. This is one of the messages of the military exercises – the preservation of territorial integrity.
Luiza Sukiasyan
