Armen Vardanyan considers it realistic that the Lachin corridor will be opened in the coming week.
Political scientist Armen Vardanyan answered “Yes” to the question of “Aravot” do you consider the opening of the Berdzor corridor realistic in the coming week? We reminded that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also announced that the Lachin Corridor issue would be resolved in the next few days, and the European Parliament adopted a resolution in which this issue was one of the demands. Armen Vardanyan said on this occasion: “It seems that negotiations are underway regarding the opening of the Lachine Corridor. Recently, there was a tripartite meeting in the territory of Artsakh with the participation of the representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan, and Russia. It is also expected that Blinken-Aliev will have a telephone conversation in the coming days. Blinken will call Aliyev. This will also provide a lot of pressure on the latter to open the corridor.”
Political scientist Armen Vardanyan
We wondered what to expect from the resolution of the European Parliament, especially since such resolutions do not have the nature of imperative, mandatory implementation, whether this resolution will contribute to the opening of the Lachin Corridor, Armen Vardanyan answered. “This resolution has no direct effect, but indirectly it can have a great effect. The European Commission often develops and implements policies based on the resolutions of the European Parliament. Naturally, based on this resolution, the officials of the Executive Body of the European Union can put more substantive pressure on Azerbaijan to open the Lachin Corridor. In this sense, indirectly, these resolutions can have a great impact.”
Some members of the European Parliament also see the fault of European politics in this matter, and the question: even if they know this problem, is it possible to have high expectations from the European side in this situation? The political scientist answered: “Europe is not homogeneous either. Different countries have their interests, and it is often difficult to reach a joint agreement on various issues. Ensuring unity in this context is difficult and complex. It is one of the features of European bureaucracy. Of course, some European countries have close relations with Azerbaijan. About ten countries receive gas from Azerbaijan; some are against applying harsh measures against Azerbaijan.
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But in general, I think the EU can apply more substantive pressure on Azerbaijan. The position of two key EU countries, France and Germany, is significant. An apparent pro-Armenian position has been adopted; there are also calls and appeals from Germany to Azerbaijan to open the Lachin Corridor. I think the tough stance of these two countries can change the situation.” Armen Vardanyan, speaking about the European observation mission, said: “I think the observers if they are deployed on the border of Armenia, will be quite effective and a deterrent factor for Azerbaijan.”
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
“Aravot” daily, 21.01.2023
