Aravot interviewed political scientist Armen Vardanyan.
– One day ago, five Armenian prisoners of war were released by Azerbaijan, then EU Council President Charles Michel welcomed this step, considering it a merit of both countries. The spokesperson of the State Department also responded, but the Russian side has not yet welcomed the return of the Armenian prisoners of war. Do you think that Russia’s positions are not weakening? In fact, the laurels are now given to the EU.
– I don’t think that Russia’s positions are weakening. In general, this process is completely under the control of the role of the Russian Federation. It fully manages the Karabakh conflict, and the process of improving Armenian-Azerbaijani relations is also not a problem for Russia at this stage. In general, Russia is trying to temporarily freeze the Karabakh conflict. To open a road to Turkey through the territory of Azerbaijan and Armenia, because after the Ukrainian war, the Russian Federation was deprived of many communications, so going out to Turkey is a way of life for it.
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– What kind of development will the role of the West have, will the activity be preserved?
– The West has temporarily lost its positions in this region because it was deeply involved in the processes taking place in Ukraine. Everything will be done for Ukraine to win this war and that is why it has slightly diverted its attention from the South Caucasus. I am sure that the Biden administration will do everything to restore the shaken positions of the USA in the whole world, including in the South Caucasus. When the Ukrainian issue is resolved, they will move on to strengthening their positions in the South Caucasus.
– The surrender of Berdzor- although you mentioned that it was fixed by the announcement of November 9- when will these concessions end? What does the situation indicate? What concessions will they try to impose on us at this stage?
– The concessions of the Armenian side have ended. We don’t have anything to give up anymore. Of course, the Azerbaijani and Russian sides want to provide a corridor. Pressure is applied here, but this is a red line for us, and Armenia should not be subjected to any pressure. Armenia should strengthen its positions today, and no more concessions should be made to Azerbaijan.
– “We will not give anyone a corridor through the RA territory. But we will give a road. We will open it at any time. We have sent proposals. As soon as Azerbaijan accepts them, we can sign a document.” These are Nikol Pashinyan’s statements. Against this background, is it possible to sign a peace treaty and under what conditions?
– Armenia has announced that, yes, it will provide roads, but there will not be a corridor, because a corridor implies extraterritorial status, which should not be controlled by Armenia. Russia and Azerbaijan are trying to get Armenia to provide a corridor, so that Russia will have great leverage over Azerbaijan. This is the reason for the pressure on the Armenian side.
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
